Brewing and DistillingGrúdaireacht agus Driogadh

Have you an interest in Brewing and Distilling? Whether you have experience working in this sector or are completely new to this area, this programme allows participants to obtain a formal qualification for future employment in the drinks industry in Ireland or abroad. It includes modules on the technical aspects of brewing and distilling, appreciation of  spirits and beers, beverage analysis, microbiology and regulation and the opportunity to acquire hands-on practical experience in these disciplines in our new facilities on the Grangegorman campus.

In addition, students will learn the process of product development and sensory analysis and will make their own bespoke beverage (concept through to final product). This is coupled with an introduction to the ‘business world’ through our creation, innovation and entrepreneurship module; which may afford interested participants the opportunity to consider a career as a beverage entrepreneur. Students will take modules in science related to Brewing and Distilling, including Microbiology, Fermentation, Distillation, and Analysis; and also Beverage Regulatory Affairs; and modules in Evaluation of Beers and Draughts, and Spirits and Liquors, which includes consumer and service elements delivered from colleagues in the School of Culinary Arts and Food Technology.

The MSc in Brewing & Distilling is a special purpose programme run over one calendar year. It is comprised of 13 modules, 5 of which are completed in the first semester, 5 of which are completed in the second semester, with three modules which run across the academic year. 

• Level 8 (NFQ) or higher degree in Science, Food, Engineering or Business.
  
  
• Candidates with other equivalent qualifications and/or relevant industrial experience combined with suitable prior learning, both academic and professional, may be considered if deemed appropriate by the TU Dublin RPL Policy.
  
  
• Or international equivalent as deemed appropriate by TU Dublin.  

If English is not your first language you will need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency as detailed on our website.

Many employment opportunities exist for graduates of the MSc in Science in Brewing & Distilling. Examples of these titles include:

• Brewer
• Cellar Brewer
• Distiller
• Beverage Technician
• Cellar Manager
• Beverage Quality Controller
• Laboratory Technician
• Beverage Entrepreneur
• Innovation Specialist
• New Product Development Scientist
• Maltster
• Packaging Operative
• Keg Operative
• Process Operative

Delivery of this MSc (see table) Not all of the designated weeks outlined in Figure 1 will have laboratory practicals, and hybrid lectures will be delivered (in-class, live-streamed and recorded) where possible. The work practice module (6 weeks or 30 days) can be taken part-time in semester 1 and/or semester 2 and/or over the summer months.

Applications for this course will open in November 2024. For further information, please visit How To Apply.

I think the programme is going to serve me really well in the future because I now have a little be more of the science knowledge on brewing & distilling, but also, I think it’s opened up another career path in marketing or innovation or new product development. Something along those lines which I wouldn’t have had exposure to in my job previous to this.

Padraig Fox, Guinness Global Brand Ambassador, Diageo & TU5304 Graduate

I was motivated to join the programme because while I have a lot of experience this is the first time has been an opportunity in Ireland for people like me who haven’t come through the brewing & distilling industry to get some qualifications without having to start at the very start, where we can come in at a postgraduate level. I think the programme is going to be great benefit to my future business career because I am now more certain of the decisions I am making, especially on the technical side and on the product development side. While I did have formal education in innovation and entrepreneurship, what I didn’t have were food and drink entrepreneurship skills – and that’s what this course has given me, which I’m going to take right through the business over the next five to ten years.

Stuart McNamara, Director, Portmagee Whiskey & TU5304 Graduate

One aspect of the course that was very good was the networking. There were sixteen students from varied backgrounds and experiences. I came from a dairy background, others from the drinks business, and others from non-food backgrounds, so the networking part of it was fantastic.

Paul MacGabhann, Marketing and Brand Strategist & TU5304 Graduate