Brewing and Distilling (Partnership College Route)

Program Overview

The BSc Brewing and Distilling program at Heriot-Watt University, in partnership with Forth Valley College, is a unique undergraduate program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the brewing and distilling industry. The program combines scientific and engineering principles with practical experience in an on-site brewery and distillery, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in the beverage sector. The program emphasizes employability and equips students with the knowledge and skills sought after by employers in the industry.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

Overview:

The BSc Brewing and Distilling (college partnership route) with Forth Valley College is a unique undergraduate program designed to educate future leaders in the food and drink sector. Offered by Heriot-Watt University, it is the only program of its kind in the UK, allowing students to tailor and develop their STEM knowledge, skills, and background specifically for the beverage industry.

Objectives:

• Provide students with a grounding in engineering and science related to brewing and distilling.
• Equip students with fundamental scientific and technological principles applicable to malting, brewing, and distilling.
• Develop students' knowledge of policy, legislation, ethical, health and safety issues in the beverage industry.
• Enhance students' employability in the brewing, distilling, and allied industries.

Description:

This program delves into the core disciplines of brewing and distilling, alongside key areas like biology, process engineering, mathematics, and beverage microbiology. Students explore topics such as cereal science, yeast science, process technology, business studies, food safety, and analytical chemistry. The program features an on-site brewery, distillery, and laboratory for hands-on learning and in-depth scientific exploration.

Outline:

Program Content:

The program covers a broad curriculum encompassing various disciplines relevant to the beverage industry.

• Brewing and Distilling:
fundamental concepts, theories, and methods; industry trends and future possibilities.
• Biology:
principles and applications in beverage production.
• Process Engineering:
design, optimization, and control of processes in brewing and distilling.
• Mathematics:
quantitative and qualitative analytical skills for data analysis and interpretation.
• Beverage Microbiology and Biochemistry:
study of microorganisms and their role in fermentation and spoilage.
• Food Microbiology:
principles of food safety and quality control in beverage production.
• Bioprocessing:
understanding and utilization of biological processes in the beverage industry.
• Business, Accounting & Finance, Operations Management, Enterprise & Sustainable Development (optional modules):
equipping students with essential business skills for industry success.

Program Structure:

The program spans four years and is delivered full-time. Years 1 and 2 are completed at Forth Valley College, focusing on the fundamentals of Industrial Biotechnology. Years 3 and 4 take place at Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, immersing students in advanced brewing and distilling knowledge.

Course Schedule:

The program typically follows a traditional semester system, with two semesters per academic year.

Teaching:

Teaching Methods:

The program utilizes a blend of teaching methods, likely including lectures, tutorials, seminars, laboratory sessions, and independent study.

Faculty:

The program benefits from the expertise of research-active brewing and distilling scientists and academics at Heriot-Watt University. Their research focuses on five key themes within the industry: raw materials, malting, process improvement, sustainability, and biochemistry and microbiology. The teaching staff also hold prominent positions within the industry, ensuring students gain knowledge directly from professionals at the forefront of the field.

Unique Approaches:

The program is research and industry-focused, ensuring its content remains relevant and abreast of current and emerging trends within the beverage industry. The teaching staff's industry involvement further enhances the program's practical relevance, as they adapt course content based on current and projected industry changes.

Careers:

Career Paths:

Graduates of the program are well-prepared for diverse career opportunities within the brewing, distilling, and allied industries. Potential career paths include:

• Brewer
• Distiller
• Process Engineer
• Quality Control Manager
• Research Scientist
• Sales and Marketing Manager
• Entrepreneur

Employability:

The program emphasizes employability and equips students with the knowledge, skills, and experience sought after by employers in the beverage industry. The increasing demand for graduates with specialized knowledge in brewing and distilling further enhances graduates' career prospects.