Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Open Day (September)
26 Sept 2026, 09:00
Edinburgh
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Course summary
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 to 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.
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.
Please visit our website for further information on our 3 year honours degrees
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.
How to apply
Apply by
14 January
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- C980
- Institution code:
- H24
- Campus name:
- Edinburgh Campus
- Campus Code:
- -
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
- Year 2
Entry requirements
Standard Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
A level - BBC
including Maths and either Chemistry or Biology at BB for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: BBB must include Maths and either Biology or Chemistry.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - DMM
must be in relevant science subject including sufficient Maths and Chemistry / Biology for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: DDD must be in relevant science subject including sufficient Maths, Biology and Chemistry.
Scottish Higher - AABB
including Maths and either Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology, with one at A.
Scottish Advanced Higher - AB
in Maths and Biology plus AABB in Highers for entry to Year 2.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme - 29 points
with Higher Level 5 Chemistry or Biology and Higher Level Mathematics at 5 for entry to Year 1.
For entry to Year 2: 34 points with Mathematics and Biology at Higher Level 6 and Chemistry at Higher Level 5.
GCSE/National 4/National 5
It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry or Biology) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
HND in relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry or Biology) with AB/BA in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
For Year 2 entry: HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths, Chemistry & Biology) with AA in graded units.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
We are always welcome to transfer students, including considering advanced entry to Year 3 for students with strong academic performance. Applicants interested in this route should be in touch directly with our Admissions team.
This programme also has an Associate route with our college partnerships. Please see our website for further information.
We operate contextual admissions defined by our Fair Access Policy which may mean entry requirements are flexible.
We accept a wide range of other qualifications from the UK, Europe and International countries. Please contact the Undergraduate Admissions Office for further information on the entry requirements for these.
Minimum Qualification Requirements
UCAS Tariff - Not accepted
-
A level - BCC
must include Maths and Chemistry/Biology with one at B.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) - MMM
must be in relevant science subject including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology
Scottish Higher - BBBC
must include Maths and Chemistry/Biology at BB
GCSE/National 4/National 5 - It is also a requirement of every applicant to have English and Mathematics at a minimum of National 5 Grade C or GCSE Grade C or 4 (or equivalent)
-
Scottish HNC - Pass
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Scottish HND - Pass
HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology) with BB in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) - Pass
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
T Level
We will consider T Levels as suitable for entry to our degree programmes, however, certain subject requirements may be required for entry to specific programmes. Where this is not evident as part of the T Level studies, we may ask for additional qualifications.
The University guarantees to make a minimum entry offer to anyone who would be considered a Home or Rest of UK (RUK) applicant and who has achieved, or can achieve, the required grades from the following categories:
Priority postcode areas – Home Scottish applicants from SIMD20 postcodes or RUK applicants from POLAR 4 quintile 1 areas – identified through Scottish and UK government targets.
Care experience – Home Scottish or RUK applicants who have had experience of care, including adoption, kinship care, foster care and home supervision orders.
English language requirements
Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not been educated previously in the English language must provide evidence of their English language ability to ensure they can cope with the demands of a Heriot-Watt programme taught and assessed in English. Further information about the English Language tests that we currently accept as proof of English Language ability including our own English Language programmes, can be viewed on our website.
HWU English Language Requirements https://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
Contextual admissions
Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.
We realise that not everyone has an equal opportunity to evidence their full potential from school or college qualifications alone, so we use all the information you provide on your application form to assess both your current achievements and potential to thrive at university. Our minimum entry levels apply to MD20, POLAR 4 Q1 and care experienced students. Students from other widening access backgrounds may get an adjusted offer which is slightly lower than our standard entry requirements.
Historical entry grades data BETA
This section shows the range of grades students (with UK A-Levels or Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas) who received offers were previously accepted with (learn more). It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place. Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.
Not available
Historical entry grades data is not currently available for Heriot-Watt University - we are working with them to try and make it available soon - learn more.
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| Location | Fee | Year |
|---|---|---|
| England | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9790 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | Year 1 |
| EU | £25808 | Year 1 |
| International | £25808 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Heriot-Watt University
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
Visit our website Visit our course page
Course contact details
Admissions Office
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
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