A bit of context perhaps helps. The brewers who run through the IBD exams from the bigger houses will typically work through the material as a group and sit the exam (esp. in the UK). On this side of the pond, if you were like me, this is not the case, it would be solo study and the best of luck. There is an online prep series they have available, no sure the length but it was not the cheapest (from memory).
A degree from a school like UB, ECU or the overseas offerings, is a degree none the less and recognized as such. Seems students who study at Davis and some other schools can gain an exception from some of the 3 exams under the IBD, but not the other schools. So there is some difference there. Having tried to complete both (stopped and started the IBD twice), the UB course is at the Diploma level. With only the exams to sit, the IBD was just not the right method for myself.
One brilliant thing the IBD does (and has started in Aust) is the various trade based and short items there (Beer Academy etc). Those courses are great for trade and interested folks and are a good step in broadening awareness of beer for the common man.
So, different horses (or should that be courses and exams), different courses.
Scotty
As I understand it the UC David "Master Brewer" program, which seems to be much admired in the US - is part of their "extension" program. So its not in the same stream as their degrees and diplomas. What I know for certain is - that it is at least (possibly more) a preparation program for the IBD diploma. Essentially, at the end of the UC davis course, you sit the IBD diplom exams. You get a UC Davis certificate or whatever, and you also get the IBD diploma, assuming of course you pass. For the past few years at least, the "dux" diploma student for the IBD diploma exams has been a UC Davis student.... so plainly Davis is doing a fine job.
The IBD certainly isn't part of the regular AQF stream in australia though. It doesn't get you credit at Universities or TAFE - its best to think of it as something akin to a CPA qualification. You know how to brew, because the IBD tested you and they say. Its an industry body - not a university.
That said - it is a VERY widely recognised industry body. If it isn't already, the IBD diploma is rapidly becoming the "standard" qualification for the big brewers - and say what you like about the beers they choose to brew, the big boys DO know
how to brew.
But - as Scotty said. Here in Australia, you are studying on your pat malone if you choose the IBD. The are a few online support courses available from the aibd itself and a couple of other sources, but they are thousands of dollars. And well..... I'm an IBD graduate and think the qualification is valuable and all. But if you are going to spend thousands, you might as well do it on a local course where you get some instruction, where you get to meet people and network. The IBD qual is flexible, well recognised, high quality and cheap - if you are shelling out the big wads of cash anyway though, I'd choose BU or EC.
Mind you - I'm aware that there is an effort being made to run support and training courses for the IBd Diploma Units in Australia sometime soon. Depending on the cost, they might well be a worthwhile option.
Upshot for me is that all the institutions and qualifications are hitting around about the same marks.... I dont actually think one is significantly "better" than another. But:
*If you are happy to learn independently (I was) and official recognition is a significant part of your goal - the IBD is a more flexible option, is an order of magnitude less expensive than the "Grad" options offered by the instututions and is the qualification du jour for big brewers and rather a lot of international brewers of all sizes.
*If you want to be
taught about brewing and the bit of paper is at most a secondary goal.... the IBD at the moment isn't for you. Go to a Uni, do a course.
In both cases - the first thing to do in my opinion, is get a job in a brewery. Hump boxes, stand up bottles, shovel out mash tuns. Get in there. The IBD certainly assumes you are already working in a brewery in some way or form. Its certainly going to help with your study...... and you mit find you get your dream brewing job without the qualification in the first place (but do it anyway)
TB
