Irish whiskey has been distilled since the 6th century while brewing in Ireland goes back to the Bronze and early Iron ages; legend has it that St. Patrick even had his own brewer. However, no formal degree programmes have existed in the science of what some consider to be Ireland’s greatest gifts to the world. Until now.
Today Institute of Technology Carlow launched the country’s first Bachelor of Science (Honours) Degree programme in Brewing & Distilling. The programme is the first of its kind on the island of Ireland and the result of two years of research and development by Institute of Technology Carlow that has included consultation with industry, representative organisations, national bodies and government.
Alongside the degree course, the Institute will offer several continuous professional development (CDP) programmes for employees. They include: Yeast Biology; Malting & Brewing Raw Materials; The Brewing Process; Distillation and Distilled Spirits Production and Post Distillation Downstream Processing.
The programme builds on a long tradition of degree programmes in biosciences at Institute of Technology Carlow. It will position Carlow as a centre in Ireland for teaching, learning, research and innovation in brewing and distilling and provide necessary support to the brewing and distilling industry which is undergoing a major renaissance yet experiencing a national skills deficit.
