Master Brewers Program

The objective of the Master Brewers Program is to prepare candidates for the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD), London, Diploma in Brewing Examination (IBD DBE). Passing the examination is an internationally recognized standard of achievement and professional qualification for practical brewers, managers and executives in breweries, maltings and allied industries.

The Master Brewers Program is a unique, 18-week program that provides an in-depth understanding of brewing science and brewery engineering. Major topics covered in brewing science include malting, mashing, brewing, fermentation and finishing, while the brewery engineering subject matter focuses on fluid flow, heat and mass transfer, solid-liquid separation and more. Students extensively explore these two fields through courses that are the professional-level equivalents of UC Davis degree-program courses, seminars and tutorials in these fields.

Participants study brewing science and brewery engineering in parallel courses that include university-level lectures, tutorials and seminars. In addition to such directed studies, students expand their brewing knowledge through guided library research, assigned reading and writing exercises and visits to local breweries.

The IBD examination. This challenging nine-hour, three-part examination is administered annually to more than 300 candidates worldwide. UC Davis is an approved examination site. The examination consists of two papers in brewing science and one in brewery engineering. The examination is written and graded by a distinguished panel of brewing academicians, brewery scientists and engineers selected by the Institute of Brewing and Distilling (IBD) and impaneled as the Board of Examiners. The final examination is held each year in June, immediately following the Master Brewers Program.

Who should attend. This program is for persons who desire a formal professional qualification in brewing science and engineering, either to enter the brewing industry or to advance within it, or for those in formal training programs at breweries. The examinations are challenging, and only those seriously committed to study in the field of brewing science should consider enrolling. Candidates should have some college education in science and/or engineering subjects or equivalent educational experience. Practical experience is a plus, but not essential for admission at this level.

Application deadline. The application deadline is December 1 of the year preceding the course you are enrolling in. Complete application packages must include a completed application form, transcripts supporting the academic prerequisites, a resume listing any practical experience in brewing or a related field, and the application fee of $45.00. Applications are reviewed and accepted on a first-come, first-served basis. Class size is limited so early application submission is encouraged.

Prerequisite. While a degree is not required for acceptance to this program, college-level work in the subject areas listed below is required for success in the program. Applicants must be able to provide transcripts documenting the math requirement and at least two other subject areas:

• Mathematics: pre-calculus
• Biological sciences: microbiology, cell physiology or biochemistry
• Chemistry: organic, inorganic or analytical
• Physics: heat and mechanics or process control
• Engineering: topics in mechanical or chemical engineering

Those who cannot document pertinent experience in at least three of these areas will not be admitted to the program. Such students should prepare at least one year before entering the Master Brewers Program by taking appropriate courses at a local college.

Withdrawal/Refund. If a request for withdrawal is received within the first five days of the class and all course materials are returned, a refund will be granted for tuition fees paid beyond the non-refundable deposit. No refunds will be granted after the fifth class day.

Location. Classes are held at the UC Davis Extension classroom at Sudwerk Privatbrauerei Hubsch in Davis, California. This location allows observation of beer production by Sudwerk's two world-class systems: a fully automated 65-barrel Steinecker system and an original 15-barrel Caspary brewhouse. 

This course is not currently scheduled.
Please notify me the next time this course is offered.