Institute of Technology Carlow’s degree course in brewing and distilling has become one in only four in the world to achieve recognition by the prestigious Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD), the world’s leading professional body for the industry. Before announcing its endorsement, the IBD assessed the degree course at Institute of Technology Carlow. Graduates are now be eligible to sit the Masters level professional qualifications of the IBD. As the institute prepares to welcome students for this programme, this is one in a pair of great news.

The other being a new bursary prize of €1,000 announced by Walsh Distillery, which will be awarded to the student who achieves the highest grades at the end of his or her first year. According to Bernard Walsh of Walsh Whiskey Distillery, the bursary recognises Institute of Technology Carlow as “a centre for teaching, learning, research and innovation in brewing and distilling”.

Founder and Managing Director of Walsh Whiskey, Bernard Walsh, said, “The development is hugely welcomed by the industry which is crying out for qualified staff. To this end, the Institute is becoming a recognised centre for teaching, learning, research and innovation in brewing and distilling”.

Dr. David Ryan, programme director for the new degree course at Institute of Technology Carlow welcomed both news and commented the endersement by IBD is an “incredibly exciting and timely development for Ireland’s growing brewing and distilling sector.” Regarding the student bursary, he explained that it “will inspire first year students to get off to the best start in their degree, while also making an impression with one of the leaders of Ireland’s whiskey renaissance”.

The Bachelor of Science (honours) degree programme in Brewing & Distilling was launched last October, and it was the product of two years of research and development by Institute of Technology Carlow.

More information: itcarlow.ie