Brewing & Distilling Science - Cork
This programme provides candidates with the scientific background required to work in craft and traditional breweries and distilleries.
| Award Name | Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Special Purpose |
| Awarding Body | Munster Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 7 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Special Purpose Certificate (Level 7 NFQ) | Special Purpose | Munster Technological University | Level 7 NFQ |
Duration
2 years part-time.
Course Delivery
The programme takes 1.5 years to complete. It is expected that classes will be conducted online and/or live-streamed from campus, and that laboratory practicals will take place in small groups at the MTU Bishopstown Campus on two separate Saturdays (10 am – 4pm). Therefore, it will be possible for students to take these modules and only have to attend campus for labs, the final exam, and any site visits. Attendance at laboratories is mandatory, whereas attendance at site visits is not. Lecture sessions will take place from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm on Tuesday evenings. The programme is delivered over 3 Semesters.
Entry Requirements
Candidates are expected to have at least a Level 6 qualification in science or engineering on the on the National Framework of Qualifications.
Applications from students who have passed the:
• IBD General Certificate in Brewing
• IBD General Certificate in Distilling or
• MTU Certificate in the Science of Biotechnological Manufacturing Operations are also eligible to join the programme.
What is RPL?
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) is when formal recognition is given for what you already know prior to starting on a programme or module. With recognition of prior learning the focus is on learning and not on experience as such. You can apply for RPL in any MTU accredited programme or module. Programmes which are accredited by professional bodies or any external awarding bodies may have their own procedures for RPL which you should refer to. Go to https://www.mtu.ie/admissions/undergraduate/recognition-of-prior-learning/
Further information
Start Date: 15th September 2026.
MTU Bishopstown Campus, Cork.
Option 1: Self-Funded (€515 per module):
Applicants who are self-funded should click "Application Weblink" below
Please note:
• Applicants will be required to pay an acceptance fee of €515 online if a place on a course is offered. This fee is deductible from the overall course fee. Subsequent modules (€515 per module) are paid for at the beginning of each semester.
• You will not be charged for applying for the programme by clicking the 'apply now' button; you are only asked to pay an acceptance fee if a place is offered to you, and you wish to accept it.
• Course fees may be subject to an annual increase.
Option 2: Supported by Taste4Success Skillnet:
Applicants who work for companies that are eligible for support via the Taste4Success Skillnet may be eligible for a fee reduction of €100 and should take the following steps
Step 1: contact Breda Barber at info@taste4success.ie to determine if you are eligible for a fee reduction.
Step 2: If you are eligible for a reduction then click on the ‘Apply Now’ button to apply for a place on the programme.
Step 3: Tick the ‘My employer will pay in part/full for my enrolment on this course’ button on the application page.
Step 4: Ensure that you input the appropriate waiver or discount code (as supplied by Taste4Success) into the ‘Additional Information’ box on the application page.
Taste4Success will pay the module fee to MTU on your behalf, and you or your company will, in turn, pay Taste4Success €415.
Application Deadline: 11th September 2026.
To apply go to "Application Weblink" above.
Overview
This programme provides candidates with the scientific background required to work in craft and traditional breweries and distilleries.
The modules on the programme are closely aligned with the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) syllabi for the Diploma in Brewing and Diploma in Distilling examinations (specifically Diploma 1 and 2).
Award: On successful completion of three modules, graduates will be awarded a MTU Certificate in Brewing & Distilling (Level 7 on the National Framework of Qualifications).
Modules
Candidates may choose to take any number of modules on a stand-alone basis and will receive individual certification for each module completed. Lectures will be supplemented by industry relevant laboratory practicals, guest lectures, and visits to breweries, distilleries and maltings.
• Yeast & Beer module covers fermentation, maturation and cold storage, yeast and beer properties, spoilage and quality. The module considers aspects of brewing from the conversion of wort to the storage of beer.
• Raw Material & Wort Processing module covers barley, malting, malt preparation on site, mashing, wort, hops, quality management, and laboratory testing. The module covers aspects of cereal science, malt processing and fermentable extract production relevant to the brewing and distilling industry.
• Spirit Production module covers yeast & fermentation, pot distillation, continuous distillation, maturation, quality & hygiene. The module considers aspects of the distillation process from the conversion of wort to the maturation of whiskey.
Dr Brendan Mc Carra
Lecturer and Course Coordinator
Email: brewing.distillingcork@mtu.ie