Heriot-Watt University - Edinburgh Open Day (September)
26 Sept 2026, 09:00
Edinburgh
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 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.
Eligible applicants may be able to commence their studies from year 2 of the 5 year program. Please visit our website for further information.
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.
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.
The following entry points are available for this course:
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.
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.
including Maths and either Chemistry/Biology/Human Biology, with one at A.
in Maths and Biology plus AABB in Highers for entry to Year 2.
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.
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)
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry or Biology) with A in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
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.
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
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.
must include Maths and Chemistry/Biology with one at B.
must be in relevant science subject including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology
must include Maths and Chemistry/Biology at BB
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)
HNC in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology) with B in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
HND in a relevant subject (including sufficient Maths and Chemistry/Biology) with BB in graded unit for entry to Year 1.
We accept Foundation Apprenticeships in combination with other qualifications such as SQA Highers and Advanced Highers.
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.
HWU English Language Requirementshttps://www.hw.ac.uk/study/entry/english-language-requirements.htm
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.
This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course 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.
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.
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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.
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Email:studywithus@hw.ac.uk
Phone:0131 451 3376
Riccarton
Edinburgh
EH14 4AS
At Heriot-Watt University