The base line qualification for the award of CSci is an MSc in a science/ technology subject OR EQUIVALENT. Applicants for the award of CSci must demonstrate that they have acquired the knowledge, ability and skills commensurate with a Masters qualification. This can be achieved through a taught Masters course, post graduate experience, through work experience and other means including private study.

Applicants for CSci need to demonstrate in their CV, CPD Report and Technical Report abilities that are M level.

To help applicants the following notes give examples of attributes that are M level. The notes include examples of relevant attributes and an indication of the types of activities that applicants need to be involved in through their careers. The intention with this guidance is not to be too prescriptive as IBD members work in a wide variety of different jobs including the brewing and distilling industry, academia, and consultancy. They will develop specialism in specific areas of brewing and distilling science and technology as well as developing other non-scientific skills that are necessary to their career progression. Thus there are a variety of ways in which M level abilities can be achieved.

The abilities required for CSci are both subject specific and generic and guidance on both follow below.

Subject Specific Attributes
Brewing and Distilling Science and Technology is a broad subject area encompassing chemistry, biochemistry, microbiology, engineering, safety, sensory science, production and technology. No one applicant therefore can be expected to demonstrate M level knowledge in all areas. Applicants however must demonstrate knowledge and abilities that are relevant to their jobs.

Generic Attributes
Generic attributes are those which a graduate from a science course are expected to possess. These attributes will be gained during a degree programme and after graduation. A postgraduate course or further study and/or work experience should enable applicants to further develop those attributes to M level. Obviously as applicants' progress in their careers to more senior positions they will develop further specialised attributes commensurate with their responsibilities. Applicants need to demonstrate that their generic skills are developed appropriately for the professional practice of Brewing and Distilling.

The following statements describe the attributes that Institute of Brewing and distilling applicants for CSci must demonstrate at Masters level. Applicants are not expected to demonstrate all of these attributes. A Chartered Scientist would:

1. Brewing and Distilling Science Knowledge
 Possess a systematic understanding and critical awareness of brewing and distilling science and technology topics relevant to their role.
 Have an awareness of new research and ideas in the discipline.
 Identify potential projects and opportunities through knowledge of the scientific discipline and market needs.
 Conduct appropriate research to enable the design and development of new products and processes.

2. Problem-solving skills
 Have the ability to formulate problems in precise terms and to identify key issues.
 Have the ability in tackling open-ended problems and problems of an unfamiliar nature using appropriate methodology and taking into account the possible absence of complete data.
 Have the confidence to try different approaches in order to make progress on challenging problems.
 Use mathematics in problem solving.

3. Investigative Skill
 Manipulate precise and intricate ideas, to construct logical arguments and to use technical language correctly.
 Undertake independent investigations.
 Have the skills required to aid the investigation by utilising available literature including databases and the Internet and interact with colleagues to derive information to support the investigation.
 Critically analyse results and draw valid conclusions based on the data generated.
 Understand error analysis and be able to compare results obtained with expected outcomes, theoretical predictions or with published data.
 Evaluate the significance of the results in context.

4. Experimental Work
 Carry out experimental with some originality and work independently or manage the work of others.
 Make best use of recognised analytical methods relevant to the situation.
 Analyse results and draw sound conclusions.
 Relate any conclusions made to current theories.
 Critically compare the results of model calculations with those from experiment and observation.
 Use specialised equipment; identify appropriate pieces of equipment and master new techniques and equipment.

Indicators of M level Achievement
Indicators of Masters level achievement can be seen in the types of posts held by Chartered Scientists. The careers of Institute of Brewing and Distilling members are varied and therefore it is difficult to be prescriptive on the types of responsibilities held. However it is expected that Chartered Scientists would be involved in the management of product, personnel, and resources. The work could also include project management, development of new techniques and products.

Examples of posts (not exhaustive)
- Management posts in the brewing and distilling industry involving, production, processing, product development, R&D, laboratories, facility management.

- Management of product quality and safety in the brewing and distilling industry.

- Research work on projects that include other practitioners, collaboration with partners.

- Academics running degree programmes and undertaking research and consultancy.

- Consultants advising manufacturers in specialist areas.

- Management posts in professional or trade bodies involving technical publishing, committees, communication, training.