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4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program
South East Technological UniversitySouth East Technological University’s Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling is a distinctive four‑year honours degree that combines scientific, engineering, and business principles to teach the full lifecycle of malting, brewing, and distilling — from raw materials to finished beverages. It is designed for those passionate about working in the vibrant global brewing and spirits industry, offering practical skills, deep technical knowledge, and strong industry engagement.
Curriculum Structure
Year 1
In the first year, students build a solid foundation in science and quantitative analysis with modules such as Fundamental Biology, Chemistry 1, Physics 1, Laboratory Science, and Quantitative Methods 1, followed by further subjects like Animal and Human Biology, Chemistry 2, Physics 2, Quantitative Methods 2, and an introductory module focused on the context of brewing and distilling science. This blend of basic laboratory skills, scientific principles, and quantitative reasoning prepares students for the specialised knowledge ahead.
Year 2
Second year deepens analytical and technical competence with mandatory subjects such as Analytical Techniques for Brewing and Distilling, Analytical Chromatographic Techniques for Brewing and Distilling, Fundamentals of Microbiology 1 and 2, Mechanical and Electrical Technology in Brewing and Distilling, and study of raw materials like Malt, Water, Hops, and Yeast, alongside Quantitative Methods and Quality Control. This year strengthens understanding of how chemistry and microbiology are applied specifically to brewing and distilling processes.
Year 3
Third year focuses on core industry practice — The Brewing Process and Brewery and Distillery Engineering give students direct insight into production systems, while Environmental Management and Research Methods for Brewing and Distilling broaden their ability to evaluate operational and research challenges. Crucially, this year includes an Industry Work Placement that places students within real brewing or distilling environments to gain hands-on experience.
Year 4
In the final year, students explore advanced topics such as Distillation and Distilled Spirits Production, Beverage Packaging, Quality Management for Brewers and Distillers, and dual parts of Law for Brewing and Distilling, with optional modules like Marketing and New Product Innovation, culminating in an independent Research Project in Brewing and Distilling. This capstone year integrates scientific insight with business awareness and quality systems thinking.
Focus areas: brewing science, distillation processes, analytical techniques, microbiology, instrumentation, quality management, packaging and product innovation, environmental and regulatory frameworks.
Learning outcomes: ability to apply scientific and engineering principles to brewing and distilling systems; proficiency in laboratory and production techniques; competency in quality control and regulatory compliance; capacity to undertake independent research and industry-based problem solving.
Professional alignment (accreditation): Completion of the programme allows exemption from diploma-level examinations and eligibility to proceed to professional Master-level qualifications with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, reflecting its industry relevance and recognition.
Reputation (employability rankings): As Ireland’s first honours degree of its kind and one of only a few worldwide with professional recognition from the Institute of Brewing and Distilling, the programme enjoys strong industry partnerships, including ongoing collaboration and bursary support from leading producers, pointing to excellent graduate prospects in brewing, distilling, quality assurance, production, and product development sectors globally.
The Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling at South East Technological University is designed around industry-relevant, hands-on experiential learning that prepares students for careers in the malting, brewing, and distilling sector. From practical brewing and distilling labs to industry placements and field experiences, students gain deep competence in both scientific and technical aspects of beverage production. Teaching is delivered through specialised facilities and expert supervision that reflect professional practice, ensuring graduates are job-ready with instrumentation skills, quality control experience, and process understanding. Students also benefit from collaborations with industry partners, including site visits and events where they observe technology and automation systems in action alongside producers and global experts. This combination of practical exposure with theoretical study builds confidence and capability throughout the four-year degree.
Experiential learning in this programme includes:
Specialised brewing and distilling facilities: On-campus practical labs where students work through malting, brewing, fermentation, and distillation processes using industry-standard equipment.
Industry work placement: A substantial placement in the third year embedded in the curriculum, giving students authentic experience in breweries, distilleries, or related technical roles.
Final year research project: An independent project in the fourth year that synthesises practical and research skills, often exploring innovation in beverage production or quality management.
Collaborative and industry-focused events: Opportunities to engage with professionals and organisations in the brewing and distilling industry, observing instrumentation, control systems, and real production challenges firsthand.
Cross-disciplinary modules: Projects and assessments that integrate science, engineering, marketing, law, and quality control, helping students see the complete lifecycle of brewing and distilling products.
Team-based practical tasks: Laboratory group work mirrors professional team environments and builds communication and project coordination skills critical to industry success.
Campus & Facilities Highlights:
The programme is delivered at SETU’s Carlow campus, which supports extensive practical training environments tailored to brewing and distilling, collaborative learning spaces, and opportunities to engage with nationally recognised industry initiatives.
South East Technological University’s BSc (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling prepares graduates for exciting careers across the brewing, distilling, beverage production, quality control, and product development sectors. Graduates are ready to step into roles such as Brewer / Distiller, Beverage Quality Analyst, Production Technologist, and Craft Beverage Product Developer, supported by a programme designed with strong industry engagement. This degree’s blend of science, engineering, and business skills equips students with the practical expertise and creative thinking that employers in the growing Irish and global drinks industry actively seek.
Progression & Future Opportunities:
University career support: SETU Careers Service offers guidance on CVs, interview skills, internships, and industry networking to connect students with brewery and distillery employers.
Employability & reputation: This honours degree is the first of its kind in Ireland and gives graduates a distinctive edge in the expanding beverage sector, especially in regions rich in grain production and craft brewing.
Industry partnerships: SETU collaborates with major sector partners like Walsh Whiskey, which supports students through bursaries and strong university–industry links, ensuring the programme stays aligned with employer needs.
Accreditation and professional recognition: The course aligns with professional standards of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD), offering recognised technical grounding that enhances long‑term credibility and opportunities for professional certification.
Graduate outcomes: Students build hands‑on experience with brewing and distilling equipment, industry placements, research projects, and modules covering product development, marketing, and regulatory affairs, positioning them for roles in technical production, quality assurance, operations, and business development within the drinks industry.
Further Academic Progression:
After completing the BSc (Honours) in Brewing and Distilling, graduates can pursue Master’s (MSc) or doctoral (PhD) study in brewing science, fermentation technology, food science, or related interdisciplinary areas to deepen technical expertise and research skills. They may also opt for specialised industry certifications through professional bodies like the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) or explore postgraduate research and innovation opportunities linked to SETU’s brewing and distilling collaborations, broadening career options in both science and business leadership.
NFQ Level: This programme is offered at NFQ Level 8, leading to an Honours Bachelor Degree under Ireland’s National Framework of Qualifications.CAO Points: Applicants must meet a minimum requirement of 370 CAO points. Entry is competitive and points may vary depending on applicant demand.Leaving Certificate (Ireland): Applicants must present six subjects, including two subjects at H5 level and four subjects at O6/H7 level. Mathematics and either English or Irish are mandatory at O6/H7 level.A-Level (UK / International): For Level 8 programmes, applicants must present two GCE A-Level subjects at Grade C, along with four additional subjects at GCSE Grade C. Subject relevance is considered during assessment.International Baccalaureate (IB): Applicants must hold the IB Diploma with a minimum of 24 points overall. This must include at least 12 points from Higher Level subjects and 9 points from Standard Level subjects.English Language – IELTS (Academic): Applicants must achieve an overall IELTS score of 5.5, with no individual component below 5.0. This confirms basic academic English proficiency.English Language – TOEFL: Applicants may present any TOEFL format, including Computer-Based (minimum 196 with at least 15 in each component), Internet-Based (minimum overall score of 70 with at least 15 in each section), or Paper-Based (minimum score of 550).India: Applicants must hold a Higher Secondary Certificate / Standard XII, Indian School Certificate (Year 12), or Intermediate Examination Certificate. A minimum average of 60% is required.United States of America (USA): Applicants must hold a High School Equivalency Diploma or GED with a minimum average grade of 60%. SAT, ACT, or AP scores may also be considered where available.Analytical ChemistPharmaceutical ChemistQuality Control AnalystResearch ScientistChemical Laboratory TechnicianEnvironmental ChemistFood Safety AnalystForensic Science TechnicianMaterials Science AssistantPolymer ChemistBiotechnologist (Entry-Level)Clinical Research AssistantRegulatory Affairs AssistantValidation AnalystProcess Development AssistantMedical Laboratory TechnologistWater Quality AnalystToxicology AssistantEnergy and Battery Research TechnicianScience Education and Laboratory Demonstrator
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