The International Centre for Brewing and Distilling (ICBD) at Heriot-Watt University is a specialist teaching and research centre for the brewing, distilling and malting industries worldwide.
Brewing and distilling have been taught at Heriot-Watt since 1903, and ICBD was established in 1989. Based within the university’s School of Engineering and Physical Sciences in Edinburgh, the centre combines academic research with strong links to industry.
ICBD programmes cover raw materials and fermentation, process engineering, packaging, marketing and business. Routes include undergraduate, postgraduate and online study, with programmes in Brewing and Distilling, Brewing and Distilling with Entrepreneurship, and advanced sustainability.
The programmes are for school leavers, graduates, working professionals and people changing careers.
View current ICBD coursesThe Distillers’ Company has supported ICBD students and its work for many years. Funding comes from The Distillers’ Charity, and members of the Livery contribute their expertise.
An annual grant supports an MSc distilling student’s research project in an area relevant to the industry. Recent work has explored industry approaches to developing seaweed-based spirits.
The Distillers’ Entrepreneurship Award provides funding and mentoring for an early-stage business idea developed by an ICBD student, to help take it towards practical delivery.
ICBD students take part in The Business of Spirits, a one-day seminar led by experienced Company members. Sessions add practical insight to technical study, covering areas such as brand equity, pricing, segmentation, innovation and building a distillery business.
Explore The Business of SpiritsApplications and selection for ICBD-linked awards are managed through Heriot-Watt University and ICBD. Visit the university for current course, scholarship and application information.
Visit Heriot-Watt University