Immersive weekend brewing course on offer at Harper Adams University

Posted 18 June 2025

Frank Vriesekoop, Adjunct Professor in Food Biotechnology at Harper Adams

A weekend course which immerses participants in the theory and practice of brewing has been launched by Harper Adams University.

Brew Smarter: A Focused Introduction to Brewing will be an immersive and hands-on weekend that introduces it participants to both the theory and the practical craft of brewing.

Over the weekend attendees through the full brewing process—from understanding raw ingredients like malt, hops, yeast, and water, to learning key concepts and techniques - from mashing through to finished beer.

Working in small groups, participants will get the chance to appraise the science and craft that goes into brewing.  

Melvin Dsouza, Director of Enterprise Opportunities (Food) at Harper Adams University, said: “This course is ideal for anyone with a curiosity about beer and how it's made. Whether you're a passionate home brewer looking to refine your skills, a complete beginner wanting to get started, or someone considering a career in brewing or launching a small-scale brewery, the course provides a welcoming and informative environment.”

The weekend will also include sessions on beer tasting and evaluation, offering an informative and enjoyable learning experience. 

Meals during the two days and one evening’s dinner are included and participants also have the option of getting bed and breakfast at the University for £60 as optional extra.

Melvin added: “No prior experience is necessary—just a genuine interest in the brewing process and a desire to learn. 

“By the end of the weekend, participants will leave with a clear understanding of the core ingredients used in brewing and the role each plays in shaping the final product.

“They’ll gain practical experience in how to brew beer from start to finish, and develop confidence in using equipment, managing fermentation, and applying brewing techniques.

“Crucially, they’ll also be able to assess and evaluate beer with greater clarity and will take away the skills and inspiration needed to brew independently or take their brewing knowledge to the next level.”

The course is one of several which are being introduced by the University will be led by Frank Vriesekoop, Adjunct Professor in Food Biotechnology at Harper Adams,  an internationally-published expert who is both an examiner for the Chartered Institute for Brewers and Distillers. and an Honorary member of the American Distilling Institute.

Frank has helped lead a range of food and drink related research and projects at Harper Adams and has been closely involved with the introduction of the University’s dedicated vineyard.

The first Brew Smarter: A Focused Introduction to Brewing course will run over the weekend of September 6 to 7 2025.

For more information -and to book your place - visit: harper.ac.uk/brewsmart