Get Brewing with Kwantlen Polytechnic University’s Award-Winning Brewery Program

Mika Iwai
March 15, 2023

About KPU

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public undergraduate institution in British Columbia, Canada. The university was founded in 1981 and has grown to offer over 120 programs across four campuses.

KPU is known for its innovative approach to education, offering a mix of theoretical and hands-on learning experiences to students. The university offers a range of programs in areas such as business, health, design, technology, and trades. KPU’s programs are designed to prepare students for various careers and provide them with the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in their chosen fields.

In addition to its academic offerings, KPU is also home to several research centers and institutes, including the Institute for Sustainable Food Systems and the Wilson School of Design. The university is committed to sustainability and offers programs and initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.

The Brewing and Brewery Operations Program

Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) offers a Brewing and Brewery Operations program that prepares students for a career in the brewing industry. The two-year program is designed to provide a combination of theoretical knowledge and practical skills in brewing science, beer production, brewery operations, quality control, and business management.

The curriculum, which is developed in consultation with the BC Craft Brewers Guild, local breweries and experts, includes courses that cover topics, including recipe formulation, brewing technology and chemistry, raw materials, fermentation, filtration, packaging, and quality control. Students also learn about the business aspects of the brewing industry, including marketing, sales, and distribution.

The program is designed to give students hands-on experience in the brewing industry. Students have access to a state-of-the-art brewing facility where they can learn to brew beer using brewing methods and techniques. They also get to work with different brewing equipment and technologies, including brewing kettles, mash tuns, fermenters, and bottling lines.

Students are also asked to take general education courses, including communications, math, and science. These courses provide students with a well-rounded education and help them develop the critical thinking, problem-solving, and communication skills necessary for success in the brewing industry.

Admission Requirements and Tuition

To apply to the program, be sure to:

Check the admission requirements. Requirements are different for each program, so please visit www.kpu.ca/admission/requirements for the most up-to-date information on this program’s admission requirements. Be sure to only check “Limited Intake Programs” for the Faculty of Science and Horticulture to find information on the Brewing Diploma. For information on English proficiency requirements, visit https://www.kpu.ca/testing/english.

Apply online at apply.educationplannerbc.ca/apply/complete-application/kpu. Click “Online Application” and create an account. Be sure to select the Science and Horticulture program under the Faculty area. From there, you will be able to select the Brewing and Brewery Operations Diploma Program in the drop-down menu.

After being admitted into the initial round, applicants can expect to participate in a selection process that includes a portfolio review and possibly an interview. See more information here: https://www.kpu.ca/brew/apply

Did You Know?

These feats aren’t exactly well-known among students, but KPU’s Brewing Diploma is popular for several different reasons:

It’s the only brewing diploma available in British Columbia
There’s a custom-built teaching brewery on campus
Students get to use state-of-the-art brewing and lab equipment
Only small classes are offered, with a maximum of 35 students per class
The program has industry partnerships with local breweries and national associations
KPU is the first Canadian institution recognized by the Master Brewers Association for a standard of excellence in brewing education

The KPU Brewery also produces award-winning beer!

At the 2019 BC Beer Awards, KPU’s brewery program won Brewery of the Year
At the 2019 US Open College Beer Championship, they were labelled the Grand National Champion
The program has also been awarded the title “#1 Teaching Brewery in North America”

Dan Marriette, Head Brewer at Ravens Brewing and winner of the World Beer Cup Gold Medal in 2018, recalls how his enrollment in the program has allowed him to utilize his brewing skills in the industry:

“This program opened my eyes to how technical brewing is. I wouldn’t be where I am today at Ravens Brewing if I hadn’t gotten my Brewing diploma at KPU. It’s getting more competitive as the whole craft beer industry continues to grow, so having a formal brewing education is a huge advantage.”