KPU Brewing Micro-credential Options
You can now earn one of two micro-credentials by taking select courses from the Brewing and Brewery Operations program. Each micro-credential requires only two or three courses, depending on the option you choose. Simply pick the one that interests you and build toward that credential at your own pace.
If you decide to continue beyond a micro-credential, the courses you’ve completed can also be applied toward eligible programs in the future, giving you even more flexible learning options and career paths.
Beer Sensory Evaluation
HOPS 1110: Beer Sensory Evaluation
Credits: 3 | Term: Fall
Students will learn how various ingredients affect the style and quality of beer. Students will develop skills to critically evaluate a beer’s sensory properties, judge quality and detect potential defects in beer. They will investigate the physiology and psychology of sensory perception, and assess and describe the elements of beer quality using the appropriate terminology.
HOPS 2310: Beer Evaluation & Judging
Credits: 3 | Term: Spring
Students will evaluate a beer's sensory properties under the categories of style profiles, quality and potential defects. Students will develop the necessary skills to organize and manage basic sensory panels within a brewery setting. They will be introduced to consumer sensory science practices. Students will develop strategies for participation in beer competitions.
Total Credits: 6
Business of Brewing
HOPS 2420: Beer Marketing & Sales
Credits: 3 | Term: Spring
Students will be introduced to product marketing, sales management and promotional marketing techniques for the beer industry. Students will learn about important factors to consider in creating a sales and marketing plan and in setting up and running a sales and marketing department.
HOPS 2421: Brewery Management Business Planning
Credits: 3 | Term: Spring
Students will learn the fundamentals of brewery business planning and management. They will study scheduling of brewery operations and personnel, process improvement tools, legal compliance, and record keeping. Students will be introduced to the basics of managing employees and teams.
HOPS 2422: The Brewing Industry
Credits: 3 | Term: Fall
Students will study the scope of the beer industry and its impact on the community and the economy. They will be introduced to the governmental regulatory bodies and industry trade organizations which impact brewing companies. Student will learn about the distribution and container management systems that operate in British Columbia.
Total Credits: 9
How to Apply:
- For existing 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 the 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 (note: the Fall 2026 intake has been cancelled)
- Apply through an open-intake option (such as the 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)
*Must be 19+ by first day of classes.
