Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations
Course Structure
Beer Sales
KPU Brewing has its own state-of-the-art, award-winning teaching brewery
Our program has a strong emphasis on brewing science and quality control
Program Details
Our two-year Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations teaches you the science, production and business of brewing craft beer. The program combines a solid foundation in microbiology and brewing science with hands-on practical learning in our state-of-the-art, two-hectolitre pilot brewery, located on our Langley campus.
Small class sizes ensure you get the one-on-one support you need from our instructors, who have decades of brewing and beer industry experience. With their help, you'll develop critical skills and training with brewing equipment and technologies, recipe formulation, sensory evaluation, brewing chemistry and microbiology, production and packaging, sales and promotion, and management and supervisory skills.
Brewing is a physically demanding, hands-on career. You're expected to wear appropriate protective clothing and safety gear at all times inside the brewery and science labs. Breweries can be hot or cold, wet, and noisy environments. You should expect to be on your feet for six to eight hours a day and should be capable of lifting 25kg or moving 50kg.
Program Overview Admission Requirements
Diploma | Full Time | 2 Years
Learn More
Diploma | Part Time | 3 Years
Learn More
Diploma | Part Time | 4 Years
Learn More
Certificate | Full Time | 1 Year
Learn More
Micro-Credential | Beer Sensory Evaluation
Learn More
Micro-Credential | Brewing
Learn More
Micro-Credential | Brewing Science
Learn More
Micro-Credential | Business of Brewing
Learn More
In addition to the Faculty's Admission Requirements, which consist of KPU's undergraduate English Proficiency Requirement, the following program admission requirements apply:
- A letter of intent, of about 500 words, addressing
- your interest in attending the Brewing and Brewery Operations program
- the qualities you possess that make you a good candidate for this program
- A minimum of 19 years of age by the first day of classes
- Either
- Chemistry 11 with a minimum grade of C+ (or equivalent), and E1 Level as defined in the Math Alternatives Table, or
- Recommendation by the Admissions Selections Committee.
Selection of qualified applicants for admission will be made by an Admissions Selection Committee which may comprise faculty and staff.
Micro-credentials:
For exiting KPU students, you may take any courses that are part of the brewing micro-credentials (MCs) as science electives (as the pre-requisites and reserves will allow). If you choose to complete all courses within a Given MC (minimum final grade C), you will be awarded the corresponding micro-credential.
For non-KPU students, there are three possible pathways for enrollment in micro-credential courses:
- Apply directly to the Brewing program
- Apply through an open-intake option (such as Faculty of Science)
- Apply under General Interest status (limited to 4 credits per semester, to a maximum of 12 credits total, after which admission to KPU would be required)
For more information about the Brewing and Brewery Operations program, visit kpu.ca/science/brew
For detailed information on the letter of intent requirements, visit kpu.ca/science/brew/apply
The Brewing and Brewery Operations (BBO) Diploma program is a limited-intake program with one intake per year. To be considered, applicants must meet both KPU's general university admission requirements and specific entrance requirements for the BBO program (see details below).
Applications open on October 1st and remain open until July 1st or until seats are filled.
- Early-bird deadline: March 1st.
- Apply early to secure preferred course registration times.
- Applications must be accepted after the deadline if space is available.
Flexible completion options:
The BBO program offers a range of completion options to suit your goals and schedule:
- Diploma — 2 year full-time, 3- to 4-year part-time
- Certificate in Brewing — 1 year
- Four micro-credential options — Beer Sensory Evaluation; Brewing; Brewing Science; or Business of Brewing
Prior learning experience:
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) is a process that allows students to receive academic credit for learning that has taken place outside of a traditional classroom setting. This could include knowledge and skills gained through work experience, volunteer activities, professional training, or other life experiences. Learn more at kpu.ca/flex/plar.
The application process:
Click on each drop-down section below for step-by-step instructions and details on how to complete your application.
1) Admission Requirements
Visit kpu.ca/admission or kpu.ca/admission/requirements for the most up-to-date information on admission requirements.
For more information on upgrading your high school program requirements or English proficiency testing, visit www.kpu.ca/testing/english-testing.
Get credit for previous experience. Learn more about Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR) at kpu.ca/flex/PLAR.
2) Apply Online
To apply to the program, you can apply online at kpu.ca/apply. Click 'Online Application' and create an account. When you get to the Program Selection page, choose Science under the Faculty area. Once the application session is open, the Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma Program will be available in the drop down menu.
All applicants are required to submit official transcripts of secondary and/or post-secondary courses (Note: official transcripts MUST be mailed directly to our admissions office and will not be accepted in person; photocopies are also not accepted), and must be at least 19 years of age by the first day of classes (note: you can apply beforehand, as long as you will be 19 on the first day of classes.)
For more information regarding the application process, deadlines, etc., please Contact the Future Students Office at study@kpu.ca or refer to kpu.ca/admission.
International applicants can contact the KPU International office by calling 604-599-2866 or emailing international@kpu.ca.
You will be notified about next steps in completing the admission process via email.
3) Letter of Intent
The letter of intent is a 500-word letter and is required as part of the BBO Diploma application process. Include which completion option you are applying to (i.e., diploma track — full-time or part-time (indicate 3- or 4-year option); one-year certificate; or a specific micro-credential/s) in your letter.
Click here to download a PDF of the instructions.
Please check your email after you apply for submission instructions from the Admissions department for your Letter of Intent.
Have a Question? Ready to Apply?
Tuition
Tuition will vary by course and program. Our tuition estimator will give you an approximate cost of the tuition for your favoured program.
Fees
There are mandatory student fees that you are subject to. In addition to tuition and fees, there may be other fees and program costs to consider.
Student Awards and Financial Assistance
Student Awards and Financial Assistance provides information about student loans, grants, and other forms of financial aid offered by KPU and our external partners.
Program Summary
Tuition
Our tuition estimator will give you an approximate cost of the tuition for our Programs
Delivery Style
In person at KPU’s award-winning brewery in Langley, BC
Length
Choose from full-time, part-time or short courses
Availability
Early-bird deadline is March 1; late deadline is July 1
Applications Open
Oct. 1 each year (early-bird deadline is March 1; late deadline is July 1)
Learn more about the course structure:
Already accepted?
Visit our registration information page for Year 1 and Year 2 students.
Great beer doesn't just happen.
It's about pushing boundaries, challenging traditions, and constantly advancing in the pursuit of quality and flavour. True craftsmanship isn't left to chance; it's built through curiosity, science, and hands-on experience.
KPU's Brewing and Brewery Operations program is the only program of its kind in British Columbia. Our students and brewery have won numerous awards at provincial, national, and international competitions, and KPU's teaching brewery is the only one in Canada to win Brewery of the Year.
Hands-On
Award-Winning
Science-Based
Career-Ready
Flexible Options
Need More Info?
Interested in this program but still not sure? Get all your questions answered about the program, courses, fees, how to apply and more by attending an information session. For additional information check out our program FAQ.
Register for Information Session
Domestic applicants:
Future Students' Office
t: 604-599-3030 | e: study@kpu.ca
International applicants:
International Office:
e: international@kpu.ca
Visit our Brew FAQ page
For more information about applying to the Brewing Diploma Program
Career Outcomes
The brewing industry plays a key role in Canada’s economy and local communities.
Graduates of KPU’s Brewing and Brewery Operations program work in breweries, distilleries, cideries, beverage R&D, quality control, product development, and the broader food and beverage industry in roles that:
- Brew and Manage Production
Operate, monitor, and optimize production processes from grain to glass. - Ensure Quality and Safety
Conduct lab testing, quality control, and microbiology analysis to maintain high standards, especially with the increase in low- and no-alcohol products. - Manage Brewery Operations
Oversee supply chains, equipment, inventory, and regulatory compliance. - Develop New Products
Experiment with recipes, ingredients, and flavours to innovate in beer, spirits, cider, and other low- or non-alcoholic beverages. - Sales, Marketing & Brand Management
Translate technical knowledge into roles that connect products with consumers. - Consult & Educate
Support breweries, restaurants, or educational programs with expertise in brewing science and operations. - Career-Ready Skills
Graduate with the practical experience and scientific knowledge needed for a career in brewing or the broader food and beverage industry — locally or internationally.
Career Outlook
Beer is big business in Canada, creating opportunities across a wide range of industries. Whether it’s farmers growing ingredients, truck drivers keeping supply chains moving, designers shaping brand and product identities, or hospitality teams serving customers, the brewing industry brings together a diverse network of skilled professionals from coast to coast.
88% of Beer Purchased in Canada is Made Locally
24,000 Direct Brewing Jobs
149,000 Jobs Supported Across the Value Chain
Connect With Us!
Join the KPU Brew Mailing List
Why Go to "Beer School?"
Go beyond your passion for craft beer and turn it into a career. We created this program to meet the demand for knowledgeable, trained brewers educated in brewing science in the beer industry.
Your formal education in brewing and brewery operations at KPU shows potential Employers a strong commitment to a career in the brewing industry. Add to that the hands-on experience and practical skills gained through the program and you will be prepared for any challenge in the industry.
Student Success
Iain Sutherland
"My time and what I learned in the KPU brewing program gave me a fantastic base of knowledge that I am continuing to build on every day. I still refer to my notes from classes as a head brewer."
Ted Fine
"My KPU Diploma helps in so many ways: brewing theory and science, business best practices, marketing and sales, people management. Since my work experience to this point was more actual brewing and less business focused, it really helps having schooling in the latter three points."
Continuing and Professional Studies
Want to see what brewing is all about? Or want need to brush up on your biology or chemistry? Our Continuing and Professional Studies courses offer you the opportunity to do some prep work before the start of classes or learn more about brewing before you apply.
Visit the Brewing Continuing Professional Studies page for the latest continuing studies offerings from the KPU Brewing department.
