The Chartered Institute of Brewers & Distillers (CIBD) has announced the launch of updated programmes for their highest level of qualifications, Master Brewer and Master Distiller. The institute is known for its expertise in developing education in the sciences of brewing, distillation, and associated areas worldwide. The two new Master programmes have been shaped by input from business leaders, learning and development professionals, academics, and Masters candidates, making them relevant to real-world needs.
Through engagement with industry experts, it was confirmed that the skill sets required for the industry have evolved, and topics such as sustainability, digitisation, continual improvement, and critical thinking are crucial in day-to-day brewing and distilling operations. To ensure the new Master qualifications meet the highest standards, the CIBD collaborated with leading industry experts, known as ‘unique contributors’, to develop specialist content for the revised syllabi. The content was then peer-reviewed by a cohort of industry experts and academics to ensure its relevance and applicability to the new industry skills and role requirements.
The updated Master programmes will not only have significant content changes but will also be assessed differently. The assessment will involve a mix of controlled assignments, formal examinations, the creation of an ‘evidence of learning’ portfolio, and a final viva with industry experts. This comprehensive assessment process will evaluate candidates’ skills, knowledge, and overall readiness to meet the CIBD Master level qualification and excel in key roles in the workplace.
Deborah Kennedy, CIBD Chair of the Board of Examiners, who has been leading the development of the two new Master programmes over the past 18 months, stated, “Today’s senior brewers and distillers must have an applied understanding of new technological advancements being made within brewing and distilling operations. However, it is no longer enough just to have strong technical knowledge and competence, a successful leader must be able to operationalize and lead across the end-to-end value chain.” The new qualifications will test application and leadership, contain electives that reinforce expertise, and have new assessment methodologies to gauge candidates’ readiness to lead in the workplace.
Dr Megan Sheehy, CIBD President, expressed her appreciation for the detailed and insightful input and support received from industry and academia in shaping the syllabi for the Masters, the institute’s flagship qualification. She added, “The new programmes have been developed by the industry for the industry to meet the needs of not only today but the future. This launch follows on from the institute being granted Royal Charter and reinforces how the CIBD is committed to continually raising the standards of scientific, technical, and operational understanding within the industry.”
To learn more about the changes to the Master syllabi and how they will affect individuals, the CIBD is hosting a live webinar on 29th September at 10am BST (GMT +1). The webinar will discuss the process followed in developing the updates and the impact on candidates.
Derick is an experienced reporter having held multiple senior roles for large publishers across Europe. Specialist subjects include small business and financial emerging markets.