Brewing and DistillingGrúdaireacht agus Driogadh

The Postgraduate Diploma in Science in Brewing and Distilling includes modules on the technical aspects of brewing and distilling, and the opportunity to acquire hands-on practical experience in these disciplines in our new facilities on the TU Dublin Grangegorman Campus.  

It includes 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. 

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 a creation, innovation and entrepreneurship module. 

Students will also have the opportunity to attend guest lectures from industry experts and visit specialised facilities. They will also grow their network of contacts and gain experience through their 6-week brewing and distilling work practice module in a brewing and distilling company (or in-house for employees currently working in the drinks sector). Graduates of this programme are equipped with the skills to seek out a rewarding career in the drinks sector in areas such as: production, processing, quality assurance, analysis and entrepreneurship.  

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.

Level 8 (NFQ) or higher Degree in Science, Food, Engineering or Business 

Level 7 (NFQ) with significant relevant industrial experience may be considered if deemed appropriate by the TU Dublin Recognition of Prior Learning Policy.

Or International equivalent as deemed appropriate by TU Dublin. International students must have evidence of a proficiency in the English language e.g., IELTS 6.0.

Semester 1

Semester 2

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 & 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 & 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 & Graduate