Taught course

Advanced Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling

Institution
Heriot-Watt University · School of Engineering and Physical Sciences
Qualifications
MSc

Entry requirements

Candidates must hold a First or Second Class Honours degree, or equivalent qualification from a British or overseas university, in a science or engineering subject (for example, Biological Sciences, Chemistry or Chemical/Mechanical Engineering).

Where candidates hold a first degree from a discipline based outside of those described but have a professional qualification (e.g. Chartered Institute of Brewers and Distillers (formerly Institute of Brewing & Distilling) or substantial work experience within the brewing, distilling or allied industries, these applications will be considered on a case by case basis.

We welcome applications from international students and accept qualifications from around the world. Please refer to the entry requirements for your country for more details.

English language requirements

If your first language is not English, we'll need to see evidence of your English language ability.

The minimum English language requirement for entry to this programme is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

If you do not have IELTS 6.0, we offer a range of English language courses to help you meet the English language requirement for this programme prior to commencing your studies.

Please see our detailed English language requirements.

Months of entry

September

Course content

MSc Advanced Sustainability for Brewing and Distilling offers you the opportunity to delve into sustainability problems and solutions relevant to the malting, brewing, distilling and allied industries. Sustainability is a multifaceted term that is strongly associated with both climate change and our transition towards a low-carbon society and achieving Net Zero. As a result, many sectors and industries have developed pathways and strategies towards decarbonisation and set ambitious targets to reach national and international Net Zero goals. All these targets and strategies are underpinned by the concept of sustainability or adopting enhanced sustainable practices. It is therefore vital that individual sectors and industries evaluate their current operations and assess a viable roadmap to decarbonisation which addresses factors across technology, environment, economy and society. You’ll explore core theories and subjects across bioscience, engineering, brewing, distilling, and sustainability to set you up for a wide range of future-proof careers.

During your studies, you’ll develop your science, engineering skills and sustainability knowledge to the requirements of the brewing and distilling sector and gain a specialist expertise. You’ll explore sustainability issues involved in the beverage industry, including within raw materials, explore specific business case studies, and propose sustainable solutions to combat the increasing issues faced by industry.

You’ll learn from a comprehensive course structure, exploring the principles, processes, and raw materials involved in sustainable brewing and distilling, whilst also choosing optional courses to customise your learning based on your interests and goals. Study options range from economics and management to sustainable solutions and circular economies of future foods.

The research dissertation component of the MSc will provide you with an opportunity to gain hands-on experience by undertaking either a lab or desk based research project, which can include the use of our on-site brewery, distillery, or rectification laboratory. This allows you to apply your scientific learning in a practical setting and develop the skills and expertise valued across brewing, distilling, and allied industries.

The research relevance of this postgraduate programme ensures your studies remain innovative and industry focused. 

Fees and funding

UK students
Full time £12,744; Part Time: £6,372
International students
Full time £28,952; Part Time: £14,476

Scholarships and bursaries

Postgraduate scholarships and bursaries

We aim to encourage well-qualified, ambitious students to study with us and we offer a wide variety of scholarships and bursaries to achieve this. Over £6 million worth of opportunities are available in fee and stipend scholarships, and more than 400 students benefit from this support.

Postgraduate UK Merit Scholarship

This course is eligible for our UK Merit Scholarship, this provides a 20% tuition fee discount to all UK students who achieve a 2:1 in their Undergraduate degree.

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MSc
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Admissions Office
Email
studywithus@hw.ac.uk