The Major in Beverage studies has been developed specifically for the Arts programme, borrowing relevant modules and principles from the BA Culinary Arts and other programmes that are contained in the school.
The Beverage Studies major has been designed as an interdisciplinary programme that explores the cultural, historical, sensory, and commercial dimensions of drinks. Drawing on gastronomy, sensory evaluation, beverage history, business, and regulations in the industry, it examines beverages not just as products, but as expressions of identity, ritual, and innovation.
Students will study the sensory experience of beverages - how taste, smell, and appearance are used to evaluate different drink categories, and explore the historical evolution of drinks like wine, coffee, tea, beer, spirits, and non-alcoholic alternatives. Modules in drink history and gastronomy connect these beverages to wider food cultures, examining how they reflect class, gender, religion, and colonialism.
The programme also emphasises global and ethical perspectives. Students will analyse how beverages are perceived in different countries and by different nationalities, and how industry regulations shape consumption, advertising, and production practices. Topics like health, sustainability, and policy are addressed through a critical lens.
Innovation and marketing form another core component. Through case studies and hands-on projects, students will explore branding strategies, consumer trends, and product development. Emphasis is placed on how traditional beverages are being reimagined for modern contexts and how digital platforms and sustainability are reshaping the industry.
ECTS credits: 80
- Total Number of Mandatory ECTS credits to be taken: 60
- Total Number of Optional ECTS credits to be taken: 10
- Total Number of Credits for the Capstone Project: 10
What is the latest (semester) a student can select the Major?
Spring Recess 2nd Year
- International Beers and Draught Dispense Management
- Spirits and Liqueurs
- Wine Studies
- Introduction to Marketing
- Innovating Sustainable Food Concepts
- Research Methodology
- Industry Placement
- Bar & Beverage Operations Studies 1
- Cocktail Making
- Advanced Wine Studies
- Developing Sustainable Food Products
- Consumer Behaviour and Sociology
- Innovation Change Management & Creativity
- Gastronomy 1
- Financial & Cost Accounting
- Enterprise Development for the Food and Beverage Industry
- Dissertation Research*
- Capstone*
- Dissertation Research*
This major offers a unique and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the world of beverages, encompassing not only the knowledge of different drinks but also delving into the cultural, historical, and economic aspects that shape the global beverage industry.
This field of study goes beyond the mere appreciation of flavours and techniques, fostering a comprehensive understanding of the role beverages play in societies worldwide. Students in beverage studies gain expertise in various beverage categories, including coffee, tea, wine, spirits, beer, and non-alcoholic beverages, as well as marketing and understanding the methods behind product development, equipping them with a diverse skill set highly relevant in today's beverage industries.
The emergence of a more health-conscious and environmentally aware consumer who are interested in new experiences and new products has led to a shift in the alcohol industry, where low and non-alcoholic beverages are being increasingly sought and introduced.
The scale of the sector, trends as outlined, and the emergence of new sector challenges e.g. new health labelling and the incoming Deposit Return Scheme, demonstrate the opportunities for Arts graduates studying this major stream.
Uniquely, this program emphasises the development of sensory analysis, critical thinking, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing graduates for a wide range of career paths, from becoming beverage connoisseurs and sommeliers to pursuing roles in beverage marketing and management.
In practice, graduates of this programme emerge as Beverage Generalists - professionals equipped with a broad understanding of drinks across cultures, industries, and historical periods. They bring unique insights to companies, public institutions, and creative sectors looking to connect with audiences through the language of taste, tradition, and innovation. Whether shaping a sustainable drinks brand, curating a beverage experience, or contributing to food policy and education, these graduates are well-positioned to influence how we think about and consume beverages in a changing world.
Graduates of this course could find themselves prepared for careers in
- Beverage Journalism
- Brand Development
- Hospitality
- Brand Ambassadors
- Drinks Cultural Heritage
- Drink Educators