This programme is designed to provide a sound introduction to beer. Students will be introduced to the main ingredients and beer production processes, which influence the styles and quality of beer. They will also learn how to select and serve beer appropriately, learn the principles of successful beer and food pairing as well as storage of beer.

 

In addition to beer tasting and evaluation, students will visit a local beer brewery to acquire first-hand experience of how beer is brewed using different types of fresh ingredients, and the whole brewing and packaging process. This programme is suitable to those who are interested in beer and who wish to work with beer as part of a larger beverage portfolio in hospitality, retailing and wholesaling sectors.

INTENDED LEARNING OUTCOMES

On completion of the programme, students should be able to:

1. Identify the main ingredients and their purposes in beer production;
2. Describe how the ingredients are processed and their influence on the beer styles;
3. Explain the beer brewing processes and equipment for key beer styles;
4. Differentiate the styles of beer and describe their typical characteristics; and
5. State the key considerations for food and beer pairing, storage and service of beer.

 

This programme consists of 31 face-to-face teaching hours, including 27-hour lecture and  4-hour field trip to a craft beer brewery.

SYLLABUS

No.	Topic
1	Main beer ingredients and their purposes in beer production
2	Main beer production processes and their influence on styles and quality of beer
3	Different styles of beer and their typical characteristics
4	Key considerations in beer and food pairing
5	Common faults found in beer
6	Key considerations in storage and service of beer

 

ASSESSMENT AND AWARDS

There are two pieces of assessments in this programme: Test 1 and Test 2, both in Multiple Choice question formats. 

Assessment Type and Weighting	Assessment Format and Duration	Passing Mark
Test 1 (50%)	30 Multiple Choice Questions (45 minutes)	70% and above
Test 2 (50%)	50 Multiple Choice Questions (60 minutes)	55% and above

Note: Students may apply to resit the Test if they are unsuccessful, subject to a fee.

Students are required to achieve at least 70% in attendance and obtain a 'Pass' on both Test 1 (i.e., 70% and above) and Test 2 (i.e., 55% and above) for completion of this Certificate for Module programme.

Upon successful completion, graduates will be awarded within the HKU system through HKU SPACE a "Certificate for Module (Intermediate Study in Beer)".

In addition, graduates of this programme with a mark of 70% attained in Test 1 will be awarded a WSET certificate, "WSET Level 1 Award in Beer", with lapel pin. Graduates of this programme with a mark of 55% attained in Test 2 will be awarded a WSET certificate, "WSET Level 2 Award in Beer", with lapel pin.  Graduates will also be able to use the associated WSET certified logo on their name cards.

Application Code	2275-1277AW	Apply Online Now
Start Date	18 Mar 2025 (Tue)
Apply Online Now

Duration

• 31 hours

Venue

• Kowloon West Campus
  KWC wine room

upcoming classes

Application Code	2275-1277AW
Date and Time	Classroom Lecture: 18, 25 March 2025;  1, 8, 15, 29 April 2025; 6, 13, 20 May 2025 (Tuesday) 7:00pm - 10:00pm   Brewery Visit: 27 May 2025 (Tuesday) 2:00pm - 6:00pm
Teacher (Medium of Instruction)	Mr Perry Lam, Mr Kenneth Ho, Mr Nick Ho (Cantonese supplemented with English)
Test	WSET Level 1 Award in Beer: 8 April 2025 (Tuesday)   WSET Level 2 Award in Beer: 10 June 2025 (Tuesday)
Venue	Kowloon West Campus
Application Deadline	24 February 2025

 

• The programme team reserves the right to change the above timetable if necessary.
• All classes are subject to sufficient enrolment.

 

HKU SPACE is one of the Approved Programme Providers (APPs) of the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), and this programme prepares students to attempt and complete TWO  WSET beer qualifications, namely ‘WSET Level 1 Award in Beer’ and ‘WSET Level 2 Award in Beer’.  This programme fully adopts all the learning outcomes, curriculum, specification, educational materials including textbooks, workbook and PowerPoints designed and provided by WSET, so that students exactly know the examination requirements and assessment criteria.

The syllabus is structured in a way that allows progressive and systematic learning by students, with the first few sessions covering the qualification award of ‘WSET Level 1 Award in Beer’; and the remaining sessions are used to introduce a higher level beer qualification ‘WSET Level 2 Award in Beer’ in order to meet the demand for more in-depth knowledge and understanding of beer.

Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET)

WSET was founded in 1969 to provide high quality education and training in wines and spirits. Since then, WSET has grown into the foremost international body in the field of wines and spirits education, with a suite of sought-after qualifications.  WSET qualifications are recognised internationally and are now represented in over 70 countries through the world. WSET Awards is recognised as an awarding body by the regulator for qualifications, examinations and assessments in England, The Office of Qualifications and Examinations Regulation (Ofqual). It also operates a quality management system that complies with ISO 9001:2015, and is a member of the UK’s Federation of Awarding Bodies. For details regarding WSET, please visit http://www.wsetglobal.com/.

 

WHY HKU SPACE?

1. Unique site visit (4 hours) to a local craft beer brewery, allowing students to understand the beer brewing procedures and taste fresh craft beers.
2. Our beer course is taught by a WSET-qualified educator in beer qualification, who is also a craft beer brewery owner and a Master Brewer (educated in Germany).
3. All beers are carefully and impartially selected from different recognized beer suppliers to suit the genuine needs of the course.
4. All beers are tasted according to WSET requirements as benchmarks samples from around the world.

5. Small class-size in all beer courses brings about better teaching and learning, and enhances teacher-student interaction.

 

HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA)

Students are eligible to be a member of HKU SPACE Wine Alumni Association (WAA) after completion of the course. On a regular basis, the executive committee will post the latest updates and promotional materials on the availability of the seminars and events, discounts and offers on the Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/hkuspacewaa; Email will also be sent for information.

 

Life Membership Fee is HK$200 to current students and alumni of all HKU SPACE wine/spirits/sake/beer programmes. Majority of WAA events are hosted by leading figures in the wine industry. All events are exclusive to members, and sometimes with their guests.

 

Future Events

• Wine tastings
• Wine dinners
• Master classes
• Wine seminars
• Idea sharing programmes

Course Fee

• HK$11,700 per programme inclusive of:
  1.about 80 beer for tasting
  2.a 4-hour beer brewery visit and tasting
  3.study guide for WSET Level 1 Award in Beer in English
  4.student study pack for WSET Level 2 Award in Beer in English
  5.test fee for WSET Level 1 Award in Beer qualification
  6.test fee for WSET Level 2 Award in Beer qualification
  7.WSET certificates & pins

Applicants shall be aged at least 18 years or above, and do not have any health problems that make them unfit for beer tasting.

Note: Applicants who have already passed WSET Level 1/2 in Beer should approach Programme Team before application.

Online Application Apply Now

Application Form Download Application Form

Payment Method