Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is expanding its applied hop research through a new partnership with Molson Coors. The collaboration includes a research hop yard in Chilliwack, where KPU researchers will test new hop varieties, improve growing methods and explore hops that can better withstand heat and drought.
The project also creates hands-on learning opportunities for students in KPU’s Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations. Students can use experimental hops to produce small-batch beers while evaluating their flavour, aroma and brewing performance, connecting classroom knowledge with real-world research and industry experience.
✨To read the full school news, please visit: KPU expands applied hop research through partnership with Molson Coors
🏫 Discover KPU: Applied Learning for Real-World Careers
Kwantlen Polytechnic University (KPU) is a public polytechnic university in Metro Vancouver, with five campuses located in Surrey, Richmond, Langley, Cloverdale and Civic Plaza. KPU offers more than 140 degree, diploma and certificate programs, with a strong emphasis on hands-on learning, industry experience and career-ready skills.
What Sets KPU Apart?
- Canada’s only polytechnic university: KPU combines university-level academics with practical, career-focused education.
- Hands-on learning: Students gain experience through laboratories, applied projects, work-integrated learning and industry-based activities.
- Strong industry connections: Many programs are developed with input from employers and industry professionals to reflect current workplace needs.
- Applied research opportunities: Students can participate in real-world research and innovation projects with industry and community partners.
- Flexible education pathways: Students can choose from certificates, diplomas and degrees, with opportunities to build on previous credentials and continue their studies.
🍺Diploma in Brewing and Brewery Operations
Program Highlights
- Credential: Diploma
- Length: 2 years, full-time OR 3-4 years, part-time
Part-time completion options of three or four years are also available. - Location: KPU Langley Campus, British Columbia
- Intake: September, with one intake per year
- Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 19 years old by the first day of classes.
- Academic Requirements:
- Chemistry 11 with a minimum grade of C+ or equivalent
- E1-level mathematics as defined by KPU’s Math Alternatives Table
- Applicants who do not meet these requirements may be considered through a recommendation from the Brewing Admissions Selection Committee
- A letter of intent of approximately 500 words is also required
- English Requirement:
- Applicants must meet KPU’s undergraduate English-language proficiency requirement.
Program Takeaway
Students will build practical and scientific knowledge across the full brewing process, including:
- Brewing fundamentals, ingredients and advanced production techniques
- Brewing chemistry, microbiology, yeast management and fermentation control
- Operation, maintenance and safe use of commercial brewing equipment
- Beer sensory evaluation, quality testing and identification of defects
- Cellaring, filtration, carbonation, stabilization and packaging through bottles, cans and kegs
- Brewery calculations, recipe formulation and the development of seasonal or specialty beers
- Beer marketing, sales, business planning, staff management and regulatory compliance
- Industry distribution systems and the economic and community role of breweries
In the final capstone course, students apply their training to develop a signature beer, complete product testing and prepare a detailed analysis of the finished product.
👉Click here to see a side-by-side comparison of the full-time diploma completion schedule and the 3- and 4-year part-time options.
👉Click and check out program curricular requirements.
Future Career Pathways
Graduates may pursue opportunities in breweries, brewpubs, distilleries, cideries, beverage research and development, and the wider food and beverage industry. Potential roles include:
- Assistant brewer or brewer
- Head brewer or production manager
- Brewery operations staff
- Quality-control or laboratory technician
- Product-development specialist
- Brewpub operator
- Brewery sales, marketing or brand-management professional
- Brewing consultant or educator
🌟Why Study Brewing at KPU?
- B.C.’s only brewing diploma program: Students receive specialized education in brewing science, production and brewery business.
- Hands-on learning: Students train in KPU’s 4,500-square-foot teaching brewery using commercial and small-batch brewing systems.
- Award-winning facilities and products: KPU is home to Canada’s only teaching brewery to have received a Brewery of the Year award.
- Industry-recognized education: The program was the first in Canada recognized by the Master Brewers Association of the Americas for excellence in brewing education.
- Career-focused skills: Graduates can apply their training in breweries, cideries, distilleries, beverage production, quality control, product development, sales and brewery management.
- Flexible study options: Students may complete the diploma full-time in two years or choose a three- or four-year part-time pathway.
- Successful Alumni:
KPU boasts a strong track record of alumni success, with graduates working at top breweries like Ravens Brewing.
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Source: https://www.kpu.ca/science/brew
