Brewing and Distilling and Diploma in Industrial Training

Heriot-Watt University is at the forefront of Brewing and Distilling in the UK.

Our four-year undergraduate degree is organised in co-operation with senior representatives of the brewing, malting and distilling industries who are members of Heriot-Watt University’s International Centre for Brewing and Distilling.

The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling is a unique teaching and research facility on our Edinburgh campus. It is home industry-standard equipment for brewing, distilling and malting, as well as industry-shaping expertise in the form of our academic experts.

BSc Brewing and Distilling provides students with a full understanding of the science, technology and processes involved, from cereal farming right through to bottling and packaging.

Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.

Graduates of this programme leave Heriot-Watt University with detailed knowledge of related science and technology, along with the practical skills to become leaders within the food and drink sector.

Successful completion allows exemption from the first professional examinations of the Institute of Brewing and Distilling.

Careers
Heriot-Watt has an outstanding reputation for expertise in Brewing and Distilling, with graduates at the forefront of an ever-changing industry.

The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling was formed in 1990 and provides a strong partnership between academia and industry, ensuring our graduates are equipped with the skills and knowledge required for a successful career.

Our graduates are employed in a wide range of roles, from plant managers and operators to marketing and sales. Many work at the forefront of innovation, launching new breweries and distilleries, or taking up senior roles in established companies.

Accreditation
Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) offer honours graduates the opportunity for exemption from the Diploma in Brewing or Diploma in Distilling should they later in their career wish to undertake the Master Brewer or Master Distiller qualification through the IBD.

Heriot-Watt is 2nd in the UK for positive graduate outcomes (Graduate Outcomes Survey, 2025). As Scotland’s top producer of CEOs (Novuna, 2025), their programmes focus on giving you real-world experience and strong industry links to help you kick-start your career success story. You'll have lifelong access to their award-winning Careers Service with guidance on CV tailoring, careers fairs and job applications.

They guarantee accommodation for students on their safe, green parkland campus, with all energy and Wi-Fi bills included. For students coming from England, Wales and Northern Ireland, Heriot-Watt provides a free semester of accommodation to help you with the costs of starting university.

You’ll also be living and studying in a top 2 UK student-friendly city (QS Best Cities, 2026) – Edinburgh. With a vibrant nightlife, eclectic food scene and plenty of shops and green spaces, it's a great city to be a student.

At Heriot-Watt University, you can choose to study flexibly with a 3-year honours degree, allowing you to complete the typical four-year Scottish Bachelor Honours degree in just three years while still enjoying the full student experience, including Welcome Week, Freshers’ events, and support from your Personal Tutor. This can save you both time and tuition fees while allowing you to graduate at the same time as students across the rest of the UK.

Register for your Heriot-Watt Priority Pass to make sure you are first in line when Clearing opens, or to chat with their friendly team