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Heriot-Watt University · Undergraduate
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling Bachelor's degree at Heriot-Watt University
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling at Heriot-Watt University. You'll study core theory alongside research methods, applied practice, specialist options, and an independent project, building both technical knowledge and professional skills suited to industry leadership.
BSc (Hons)
Award
4
Years
Full-time
Study mode
90%
in work/study (15m)
About this course
Our BSc Brewing and Distilling trains you to be a future manager of the malting, brewing and distilling industries. From the provider’s course page.
BSc (Hons) Brewing and Distilling is a Bachelor's degree (BSc (Hons)) at Heriot-Watt University, based in EdinburghCampus. It runs 4 years, studied full-time.
For General Studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
For the typical curriculum, specialisations, career paths and graduate earnings for General Studies, see the sections below.
Course evidence score
The arithmetic mean of the official measures available for this course: NSS satisfaction, graduate activity and continuation.
8.9
/ 10
Excellent
3 of 3 official measures
Student satisfaction
What students say in the National Student Survey
Exceptional93
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Graduate outcomes
In work or further study 15 months after graduating
Exceptional90
Published threshold met Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Graduate Outcomes work or further study 90% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Continuation
Students who continue past their first year
Excellent85
Published threshold met Discover Uni suppresses continuation data below its publication threshold. Cohort 2021-23. Continuation 85% (2021-23; Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Curriculum & modules
Real modules published for this course, grouped only where the source gives a year, stage or level.
Year 1 7 modules
- Introductory Biology 1
- Practical Skills in Biology
- Engineering Professionalism and Technical Communication
- Introductory Biology 2
- Chemistry for the Life Sciences
- Biology Practical
- Introduction to Process Engineering
Source: provider course page. Modules can change; required/optional status, credits, descriptions and assessment are shown only when explicitly published.
Course in depth
What this course covers, who it suits and where it leads.
What you'll study
This course trains you to be a future manager of the malting, brewing and distilling industries. You'll usually begin with foundations in the subject's core concepts and data literacy, building an understanding of how malting, brewing and distilling interconnect. A course like this typically progresses through intermediate study of these themes in Year 2, where you'll undertake applied projects on real industry briefs and select optional modules to broaden your knowledge. In Year 3, you'll specialise in areas of particular interest, gain professional skills through workplace experience or placement, and complete an independent research project that draws together what you've learned. Throughout, you'll develop the technical knowledge and management capabilities needed for senior roles in these industries.
Who it's for
You're drawn to the science and business of beverages, from grain to glass. You have the analytical mindset for chemistry and microbiology, combined with practical problem-solving ability and genuine interest in how heritage industries work at scale. You want hands-on experience alongside theoretical rigour, and you're comfortable studying at depth over four years. This course suits you if you're motivated by becoming a skilled manager in an established, specialist sector.
Careers & job market
Across General Studies nationally, 85% of graduates are in work or further study within 15 months of graduating. Of those working, 65% are in highly skilled roles or undertaking further study. The sector offers career paths into production management, quality assurance, technical leadership, and operational roles. Opportunities exist in both established producers and emerging craft operations.
University & format
This BSc (Hons) degree is studied full-time over 4 years at Heriot-Watt University, a university founded in 1821 based in Edinburgh. Teaching is delivered in English. The award is a nationally recognised UK degree. Heriot-Watt is. Additional bursaries and scholarships are available through the university's funding pages.
Student satisfaction
How students on this course answered the National Student Survey, by theme.
Share of students responding positively. Overall student satisfaction: 100%.
Published threshold met NSS publication requires sufficient responses; small differences are not a rank. NSS mean of 7 published themes (Discover Uni snapshot 2026-06-21)
Applicant information
The next application dates for this course, followed by facts the provider publishes.
Application timelineWhat happens next
- 2027 entryCompleted applications can be submitted
Your application needs a reference before you can send it.
- 2026 entryFinal date for 2026 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2026 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
- 2027 entryEqual-consideration deadline
18:00 UK time for most undergraduate courses.
Show 5 later dates
- 2027 entryUCAS Extra opens
Applicants who used all five choices and hold no offer may be able to add another choice.
- 2027 entryLast day applications go directly to providers
Applications received after 18:00 UK time are entered into Clearing.
- 2027 entryClearing opens
Eligible applicants can see vacancies and release themselves into Clearing.
- 2027 entryFinal date for 2027 applications
Applications must reach UCAS by 18:00 UK time.
- 2027 entryLast day to add a Clearing choice
Check that this course still has a vacancy before adding it.
Entry & how to get in
Most entrants held A-levels or equivalent80% of accepted students came in with A-levels or equivalent (entrants over recent years).
Entry requirements are set by the universityGrades, subjects and contextual offers vary. Check Heriot-Watt University's official course page for the current offer.
Who gets in
What recently admitted students actually held, official admissions data, not a stated requirement.
Qualifications held on entry
| Qualification | Share |
|---|---|
| A-levels or equivalent | 80% |
| another higher-education qualification | 20% |
Entry & your chances
An honest read from the official entry data, plus your personal match.
Offer-based entry
Entry is set by the university and based on your offer. Use your predicted grades to see how you compare, then check the university's stated requirements.
How to apply
Undergraduate applications go through UCAS. Here’s what matters for this course, the right deadline, the grades to aim for, and the steps in order.
Apply by13 January 2027, 18:00 UK timefor this course
UCAS codeC980quote this on your application
- 1Register on UCAS Hub
Create your UCAS application and add this course (code C980). One application covers up to five choices.
- 2Write your personal statement
A single statement covers all your choices, so keep it broad enough for similar courses while showing genuine interest in this subject.
- 3Submit by 13 January 2027, 18:00 UK time
UCAS equal-consideration deadline for most undergraduate courses. Source: UCAS 2027 dates.
- 4Reply to your offers
When decisions are in, pick a firm (first) choice and an insurance (back-up) choice with slightly lower grades.
- 5Results day & confirmation
On results day (mid-August) your place is confirmed if you meet the offer. Just missed? Talk to the university, or find a place through Clearing.
💡 Many universities make a contextual (reduced-grade) offer, for example based on your school’s results, time in care, or where you live. Ask Heriot-Watt University whether you’re eligible before you apply; it can lower the grades you need.
Fees & funding
What this course costs and how UK student finance covers it.
Tuition per year
International£25,808 / yr
Provider fee page. Set under Scotland's student-finance system; the provider's page is authoritative.
Check fees at Heriot-Watt University →If you normally live in Scotland
For eligible Scottish-domiciled students at an eligible Scottish provider, SAAS can pay tuition directly. Living-cost support can combine bursary and loan and depends on household income and student circumstances. Students from elsewhere use their home funding body.
Check the current amounts with SAAS →Paying for it
- SAAS tuition payment: paid directly to the university for eligible Scottish-domiciled students, applied for through SAAS.
- Living-cost support: a mix of bursary and loan from SAAS, depending on household income.
- Repayment: only above the Scottish repayment threshold, and written off at the end of the plan term.
- Earn alongside: most students work part-time in term, part-time roles on the StudySmarter job board.
Scotland runs its own system through SAAS; check saas.gov.uk for current rates.
Funding matched to this course
All Heriot-Watt University funding →Scholarships & bursaries you could qualify for
Named awards published by the university. Compare the eligibility and application route before budgeting for one.
talented athletes balancing academic studies with sporting ambitions
Check eligibility →Amounts, exclusions and deadlines can change. An award is not guaranteed unless the university confirms it.
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Career quizApplication walkthroughSalary & CV check
Careers & earnings
What General Studies graduates actually earn, from real outcome data, 15 months, 3 years and 5 years after graduating.
Graduate outcomes, 15 months on: this course
90%
in work or further study 15 months on
30%
in highly skilled work or study
85%
continue past their first year
- 1Graduate roleFirst role after the degree · 0–2 yrs
- 2Specialist / PractitionerWorking in general studies · 2–5 yrs
- 3Senior / LeadLeading work and people · 5–10 yrs
- 4Head of / ExpertSenior leadership or deep expertise · 10+ yrs
How pay grows: this course vs General Studies nationally
Starting (15 months) HESA GO
£24,000 – £30,000
After 3 years LEO
£20,825 – £29,400
After 5 years LEO
£25,075 – £35,400
national rangeaxis £19,500 – £36,500
National figures for General Studies graduates, HESA Graduate Outcomes (15 months) and the Longitudinal Education Outcomes (LEO) dataset (3 & 5 years). These are national, not university-specific; actual pay varies by employer, region, role and experience. Different cohorts, so the bars are not one group over time.
Work out your pay
Headline figures hide a lot. Calculate realistic take-home pay for this field by role, region and experience, then check your CV before you apply.
What happened to 100 students?
Choose an outcome to translate the published percentage into a simple 100-person view. Each dot represents one percentage point, not an individual tracked student.
90 of 100
were in work or further study
15 months after graduation
90% working0% working and studying0% in further study30% in highly skilled work or study
Source: Discover Uni, using Graduate Outcomes and continuation data. Cohorts: 2021-23. Published threshold met. Sample size is not included in this snapshot. Cohort 2021-23. Each tab is a separate published measure; categories can overlap and should not be added together.
UK occupations graduates enter
Published graduate destinations, joined conservatively to UK SOC 2020, ONS pay and Skills England demand.
- Process, plant and machine operativesDiscover Uni category · 50% of published destinations
- Engineering professionalsSOC 2020 212 · 20% of published destinations · ASHE median £50,325
- Natural and social science professionalsSOC 2020 211 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £44,243
- Administrative occupationsSOC 2020 41 · 10% of published destinations · ASHE median £27,006
Discover Uni JOBLIST/JOBTYPE; ONS ASHE 2025 provisional, all employee jobs; Skills England Occupations in Demand 2025. SOC is shown only for an exact normalised label match; demand is shown only at exact four-digit SOC. Published sample: 20; response rate: 50%. Pay describes the occupation across workers, not a guaranteed graduate salary.
Job market & outlook
How General Studies graduates fare in the labour market, and how AI is reshaping the work.
85%
in work or further study 15 months after graduating, across General Studies courses nationally.
Graduate Outcomes65%
of working graduates are in highly skilled work or further study.
highly skilled85%
of students continue past their first year (still enrolled or completed).
continuationHow AI is changing the work
AI doesn't replace the profession, it shifts it: routine tasks get automated, while judgement, working with people and using AI well become more valuable.
What AI takes off your plate
- Routine information gathering
- First-draft writing and summaries
- Standard analysis and admin
- Repetitive processing tasks
More human than ever
- Judgement and original thinking
- Working with and leading people
- Owning and sense-checking AI output
- Ethics and accountability
The strongest graduates pair subject depth with the ability to use AI tools critically.
Roles & employers
Where General Studies graduates typically go, indicative destinations from graduate career data. Each role links to live openings on the StudySmarter job board.
Roles graduates go into
Where they work
- Employers across sectors
- Public sector
- Corporates & charities
- Startups
Jobs after this course
Current roles from the StudySmarter job board that suit General Studies graduates.
General PractitionerMatchMedicsGeneral ManagerParkside RecruitmentGeneral ManagerThe Management Recruitment Group (MRG)General ManagerBite TalentGeneral ForemanCONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITEDGeneral PractitionerFlexzo AiLive from the StudySmarter job board · as of 2026-08-01.See all matching jobs
Is this course right for you?
The essentials UK applicants ask about: finance, outcomes, entry and quality.
💷
Student finance
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold.
📈
Where graduates go
90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating. See the full breakdown in Careers & earnings above.
⭐
Official-data snapshot
Averaging the official measures published for it, this course scores 8.9 out of 10: NSS 93.4% · in work or study 90% · continued 85%.
Who studies here and in this subject?
Provider- and UK subject-level context.
Heriot-Watt University
All students9,845
International31.2%
Aged 25+21.8%
Combined and general studies across the UK
Students39,200
Aged 25+62.2%
HESA student record 2024/25. Counts are rounded.
Is General Studies right for you?
Tick what applies to you and see how good a fit it is.
International students
What applying to Heriot-Watt University from outside the UK involves: fees, English, visa, funding and living costs.
Tuition fees
International tuition is £25,808 / year for this course (from the provider’s fee page). You’re not eligible for UK Tuition Fee or Maintenance Loans, so plan for fees plus living costs upfront.
English language
Most UK undergraduate courses ask for around IELTS 6.0–6.5 (no band below 5.5–6.0), or an accepted equivalent. If you’re just short, most universities run a pre-sessional English course that counts towards the requirement.
Student visa
You’ll usually need a Student visa (Student Route). After you accept an offer the university issues a CAS; you then show funds for fees plus about £1,023–£1,334/month living costs and pay the Immigration Health Surcharge for NHS access.
Scholarships & funding
Many universities offer international/global scholarships (often £2,000–£6,000/yr), check Heriot-Watt University’s funding pages.
Living costs
Budget roughly £1,100–£1,400/month outside London and £1,400–£1,800/month in London for rent, food and travel; the figure also matters for your visa.
Working while you study
A Student visa usually allows up to 20 hours/week in term time and full-time in holidays, useful alongside study, though not something to rely on for fees.
Visa rules and fees change. Always confirm the current requirements with Heriot-Watt University and gov.uk before you apply.
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Common questions
What are the entry requirements?
Set by Heriot-Watt University. Most accepted students held A-levels or equivalent. Check the university's course page for the exact offer.
What do graduates go on to do?
For General Studies graduates from this provider, 90% were in work or further study 15 months after graduating, 30% in highly skilled roles. (HESA Graduate Outcomes / LEO, via Discover Uni.)
What will it cost me?
Fees for this course are set under Scotland's own student-finance system, not the England cap; check the provider's course page for the exact figure. Tuition for eligible Scottish-domiciled students is paid by SAAS directly to the university, applied for through SAAS and not Student Finance England. Living-cost support is a mix of bursary and loan, and you repay only above the Scottish threshold. See Fees & funding on this page to work out your numbers.
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