Education

Making beer is part art and part science.  New Zealand beer is great because the people behind it are committed to innovation and producing technically excellent beer.    Our brewers come from a range of backgrounds – some have undergraduate degrees in areas such as food science and some have learnt everything they know ‘on the job’.   

Whatever path you choose, there are a range of formal courses available to support learning at all stages of your career – from fundamental courses through to Master Brewer.

Below are some of the courses available in New Zealand. 

 

Otago Polytechnic

       

 

Otago Polytechnic is pleased to offer New Zealand’s only NZQA approved suite of brewing programmes.  Our brewing qualifications have been designed to meet industry needs as well as offering a learning experience that fits with your lifestyle. With a new purpose-built brewing facility, Otago Brew School located at our Cromwell campus, these programmes are truly unique.  Check out what we have to offer below:

 

New Zealand Certificate in Brewing (Level 4) 

This qualification has been designed for those with a passion for brewing ing who want to get into the industry, or those who simply want to build on their knowledge and skills.

New Zealand Certificate in Brewing (Level 5) and New Zealand Diploma in Brewing (Level 6) 

These qualifications are offered via Capable NZ and will suit those already in industry, for more information about which of these would suit you, click on the links to visit the Capable NZ website. 

Lincoln University

 

Lincoln University has two new study options for people interested in brewing and fermentation.  

The Bachelor of science Brewing and Fermentation and Graduate Diploma in Brewing and Fermentation.

Both of these are science-based programmes covering brewing beer and fermenting a wide range of products such as cheese, kombucha, cider, yogurt, kimchi, and kefir.

They also cover some of the business aspects of selling the products, as students work alongside industry partners to develop a particular style of beer.

The two qualifications meet both the needs of people looking to start their career as well as those who are looking to move their career in a new direction. The Graduate Diploma is also offered Fees Free* to New Zealand residents until the end of 2022.

For more information please visit the links above or contact Stephen On, Course Advisor - Stephen.on@lincoln.ac.nz

Institute of Brewing and Distilling


The IBD is based in the United Kingdom and has established qualifications at all levels of commercial brewing, distilling, malting and packaging.

The main objective of their qualifications and examinations is to promote educational excellence in education, training and professional standards in the science and technology of brewing, distilling, malting and packaging.

A number of the courses are available to be studied through distance learning with Examinations taking place periodically in Australia and New Zealand.

 

Massey University

Massey University offer a short two day course at their Manawatu campus in April and November each year.  The two day residential course is designed for:

  • New Graduates entering the brewing industry;
  • Suppliers to the brewing industry;
  • Craft Brewers seeking to further their skills;
  • Aspiring micro-brewers with an interest in and awareness of brewing process.