Qualification : MICRO-CREDENTIAL (9)
Award Type and NFQ level : MICRO-CREDENTIAL
CAO/MU Apply code : MMC20
CAO Points :
The course aims to equip learners with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to develop skills relevant to the alcoholic drinks industry. The course was created in response to the strong demand for an analytical course to support the growing Irish craft brewing and whiskey industries.
This course in Brewing & Distilling Science is both co-designed and co-delivered by industry experts. The Department of Chemistry has been analysing Irish whiskies over the past number of years, and this coupled with their engagement with beverage industries provides the perfect platform for the co-creation of a course in Brewing & Distilling (B&D).
This is a focused short course which will provide an overview into the science behind key analytical skills and how to interpret scientific results. This course will run part-time and will last 12 weeks. The lectures will be delivered under a blended approach and there is an opportunity to practice and develop these key skills hands-on in a modern laboratory facility over a 3-day residency at Maynooth University. As part of the course there will be a career development lecture by the Institute of Brewing & Distilling IBD (Irish Section). Upon completion participants will obtain an accredited Certificate of Completion from Maynooth University.
This course is ideal for:
- A new entrant to Brewing & Distilling (B&D) looking to upskill and develop applicable knowledge in quality control and analysis.
- A professional already in the B&D industry who is looking to upskill to enhance their career development.
- A craft brewer or whiskey distiller seeking a quality training opportunity to enhance employee skills.
- Irish Whiskey, Spirits and brewing Aficionados as private individuals.
Note: On successful completion of this micro-credential you will receive credits as per the European Credit and Transfer System. These credits are recognised by Maynooth University as credits aligned to learning completed at postgraduate level.
Level: Aligned to NFQ Level 9
ECTS: 5
Fee: 600 EUR
This course is open to experienced industry professionals who do not hold a primary or higher degree with entry via Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL). Applicants who wish to apply via RPL must submit a completed RPL form with their application. A copy of the RPL form can be downloaded here.
Applicants who hold a minimum 2.2 grade, NFQ Honours (level 8) degree in a science background can also apply.
For more information on the minimum English language requirements, please refer to the Language Competencies section of the Maynooth University Micro-credentials Entry Requirements and the English Language Requirements tab here for the tests and scores that are accepted.
Head of Department
Head of Department
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Department of Chemistry
Department of Human Health Institute
Department of Faculty of Science & Engineering
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Department of Chemistry
Department of Human Health Institute
Department of Faculty of Science & Engineering
Academic
Academic
This micro-credential course in Brewing & Distilling (B&D) provides a tailored education programme, merging the technical and scientific aspects of the Brewing & Distilling industry processes. It will equip learners with the necessary scientific knowledge and instrumentation competencies to develop their skills to work in the drinks industry. The course was developed over extensive consultation with industry professionals and will provide:
- An overview into the science behind key analytical skills used in the B&D industry
- An understanding of how to interpret scientific results
- Hands-on opportunities to practice and develop these key skills in a modern laboratory facility.
Combined with workshops, group work, virtual lab simulations, hands-on practical sessions and lectures by academic and industry experts, graduates will be ideally qualified to work in the B&D industry or if already employed in this industry will bring an additional knowledge skill set to enhance their career prospects. External lecturers on the programme will expertly contribute to the delivery on this industry led introduction to B&D science.
Topics will include:
- Yeast: Introduction to relevant Analytical Techniques
- Environment & Sustainability
- Analysis in Fermentation & raw materials
- Distillation
- Sensory analysis & small molecule impact on flavour
- Quality: Process Control and Clean in Place (CIP)
- Career Development
There will be a 3-day hands-on laboratory experience of analytical techniques applicable to the B&D industry at Maynooth University supervised by highly experienced technical staff.
Mode of Delivery (online/on campus/hybrid): Hybrid
Course Structure (days/times): Lectures take place on Monday evenings online and in person on a number of other dates:
2025 Course Dates:
- Saturday 15th February (on campus), 10.30am-3.30pm
- Monday 24th February (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 3rd March (online), 6pm-8pm
- Monday 10th March (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 24th March (online), 6pm-8pm
- Monday 31st March (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 7th April (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 14th April (online), 6pm-8pm
- Monday 28th April (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 5th May (online), 6pm-7pm
- Monday 12th May (online), 6pm-7pm
- Week Beginning Monday 26th May (3-day laboratory sessions on campus), 10am-4pm
Please note that the above course times and dates are subject to change.
Assessment:
- Online activities (40%), lab practicals (40%) and end-of course assignment (20%).
- Attendance to the laboratory practical sessions is compulsory.
| Industry Course Delivery | Maynooth University Course Delivery |
|
Dr Gearoid Cahill - Slane Distillery Manager & Master Distiller Mr Mark Nixon - Dead Centre Brewing |
Ms Barbara Woods, MSc - Chief Technical Officer, Course Lead, MU Prof Denise Rooney - Head of Chemistry Department, MU Dr Trinidad Velasco -Torrijos - Associate Professor, MU |
This course is not yet accepting applications. To be among the first to hear when applications open, please register your interest by completing this short form.
The following documents should be uploaded to your online application form:
- Valid passport / passport card OR birth certificate.
- Official University Degree Parchment or Transcript (if applying with a qualification). In such cases, the Transcript / Parchment must include full name, name of the qualification, conferring date and name of awarding body.
- Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) application form (if applying as a professional with relevant experience).
- Proof of English language competency (where relevant).
Note: failure to provide all necessary documents will result in a delay to your application being processed.