Dr Annie E Hill

Heriot Watt University, Edinburgh, offers full time Graduation learning courses for Brewing and Distilling, at the International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD). The B.Sc program is organised with support from the senior members of the industry, members of the Board of ICBD and at graduation, accreditation is done by Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD).

The programme is designed to train individuals to take up professional positions as managers at malting, brewing and distilling industries. They impart complete education on the science and teach the processes involved in the brewing and distilling processes-right from cereal farming to brewing, distilling, bottling and packaging. These students can take up managerial positions anywhere in the world after completing this course.

We reached out to Dr Annie E Hill, International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD), Heriot-Watt University, for inputs on how to reach there.

What courses does the University offer for students who desire to take up brewing as a profession?
Heriot-Watt University offers both Undergraduate (BSc) and Postgraduate programmes in Brewing & Distilling (MSc). The MSc in Brewing & Distilling is available on campus in Edinburgh and by distance learning.

YEAR 1

What is the base qualification required to be able to opt for this course?
– Highers AABBB
– A-Levels BBB
– HNC C in a relevant HNC – please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
– Int. Baccalaureate 27 points to include 5 in Higher Level Biology
– Scottish Baccalaureate Pass including a science subject
– Additional information One science subject (Biology, Human Biology, Chemistry, Mathematics or Physics) at Higher/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE grade C / Standard Grade 3 / National 5 or equivalent

YEAR 2

–  A-Levels ABB
–  Advanced Highers BB and AABBB at Higher
–  HNC B in a relevant HNC – please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
–  HND BB in a relevant HND – please contact Admissions Tutor to discuss further
–  Int. Baccalaureate 32 points to include 6 in Higher Level Biology
–  Scottish Baccalaureate Distinction with Advanced Higher Biology B
–  Additional information To include Biology or Human Biology at Advanced Higher/A Level. Mathematics and an additional science, preferably Chemistry, are required at least at GCSE grade C / Standard Grade 3 / National 5 or equivalent.

YEAR 3

– HND AB in a relevant HND

What do you look for in a student applicant, in order for him or her to qualify for this course?
In addition to meeting academic requirements, we look for passion – a keen interest in the industry and ideally practical experience.

What is the kind of investment needed to take up this course?
For the on campus programmes there is a large practical component and a wide range of course assessments. It is difficult to complete the programmes alongside part time employment but many students do manage to cope with part time work to supplement income. Students must be able to complete additional reading over and above learning materials and coursework.

Anything else a student from India needs to know in terms of extra abilities or skills needed to qualify and graduate?
The main route to success is to join in with all activities, to network and to read widely. We run a range of events on campus, with industry and with learned societies such as the Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD). Joining the IBD and attending events are important in gaining an understanding of how our teaching relates to industry practice and in identifying and practicing the practical skills necessary to succeed in industry.

What are the employment assistance programs in the university for students who successfully complete the cOurse? What is the job prospect?
On campus we run a programme titled ‘Fit for Work’ which includes seminars, workshops and activities by industry and our careers department. This programme enables our students to meet employers within brewing, distilling, malting and allied industries of both large (multinational) and small (craft) size. With the rise in craft brewing and distilling worldwide, there has been an increase in availability of jobs both in the UK and further afield. There has also been an increase in the number of employers in the UK willing to sponsor overseas students.