The Institute of Technology Carlow has announced plans for the country’s first Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree programme in Brewing & Distilling. The four-year course, which begins next September, follows two years of research and development by the IoT involving consultation with industry, representative organisations, national bodies and Government.
The craft beer industry has enjoyed a boom in recent years with the sector expected to see an increase in turnover of 50 per cent this year alone. Witnessing a quadrupling in the number of breweries in Ireland since just 2012, the degree course is likely to be in high demand.
The course will include work placement and access to brewing and distilling facilities. Alongside the course, the Institute will also offer a number of continuous professional development (CDP) programmes including Yeast Biology; Malting & Brewing Raw Materials; The Brewing Process; Distillation and Distilled Spirits Production and Post Distillation Downstream Processing.
“As a university-level Institute, our purpose is to identify and provide opportunities for our 7,000 learners to gain the skills, knowledge and attributes required to fulfil their professional and personal goals, while simultaneously supporting and driving the development of a vibrant economy”, commented Dr Patricia Mulcahy President of Institute of Technology Carlow.
The future looks bright for the industry and according to the Food Wise 2025 national plan, it will contribute towards the creation of an additional 23,000 food and drink based sectoral jobs by 2025.
Exports in food and drink exports are predicted to see an 85 per cent increase to €19billion and a 65 per cent increase in primary production value to €10billion.
Whiskey exports have increased 60 per cent since 2009 and the industry currently exports 60 million litres per annum. Twenty-eight distilleries are now operating or being developed in Ireland and the number of microbreweries is expected to grow to 100 by 2025.
Direct employment in distilling is expected to grow 30 per cent by 2025. A surge of interest in craft beer and micro distilleries, emerging markets in Asia and the craft alcohol market in the United States are fuelling the sector.
The first BSc. (Hons) Brewing and Distilling undergraduates will begin their four-year course next September via the CAO under the code CW108. Graduates with a relevant Bachelor of Science Degree are eligible to apply for advanced entry onto the programme. Mature applicants will be assessed on an individual basis and may be interviewed.
