- Analyse industries, markets and competitors to design and implement appropriate competitive strategies (PG4)
- Communicate clearly within various business settings using appropriate media (PG4)
- Critically assess global perspectives in which food businesses operate, including the influence of economic, political, social and cultural factors (PG2)
- Critically assess the economics of food businesses within the concept of sustainability (PG3)
- Devise and develop plans, strategies and organizational structures for food businesses operating in the global market (PG2)
- Employ suitable theoretical and practical models to assist the innovation process (PG3)
- Show ambition and courage for action and contribution to their future career and professional development (PG5)
- Understand the theory and practice of management and strategy development in food businesses (PG1)
Sustainable Development Goals
This course is available through the following application route(s)
This comprehensive course offers a sound training in business concepts and practice, as well as a wider understanding of the unique environment within which food businesses operate.
The curriculum has been co-devised by UCD Smurfit School and UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science in order to offer a unique opportunity to receive the highest quality business training as well as to gain a deep understanding of the food sector.
- Insight into the core business concepts that graduates from the course will need to master with a view to a future career in the sector
- Advanced knowledge of the factors specific to food affecting the sustainability of food production and the role that innovation can play in the sector
- An appreciation of the increasingly complex and global environment in which the food business currently operates and the uncertainties and risks attached to food production
About This Course
Below is a list of all modules offered for this degree in the current academic year. Click on the module to discover what you will learn in the module, how you will learn and assessment feedback profile amongst other information.
Incoming Stage 1 undergraduates can usually select an Elective in the Spring Trimester. Most continuing undergraduate students can select up to two Elective modules (10 Credits) per stage. There is also the possibility to take up to 10 extra Elective credits.
| Trimester | Credits | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AERD40100 | Economics of Food Markets and Business Behaviour | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
BMGT44500 | Supply Chain Mgt Gbl Food Sys | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MKT42590 | Customer Focused Food | Autumn | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AERD40130 | Food Policy and Industry Responses | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MKT42070 | Competitive Strategy in Global Food and Agribusiness markets | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AERD40110 | Group Project | Summer | 20 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
AERD40150 | Innovation for Food Business | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Core Modules |
MKT42600 | Future of Food | Summer | 5 |
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Select one 10 credit module: |
BMGT43480 | Entrepreneurship: Theoretical and Empirical Foundations | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Select one 10 credit module: |
BMGT44300 | Creativity, Innovation & Entrepreneurship | Spring | 10 |
Stage 1 Options - A)1 of: Select one 10 credit module: |
BMGT45580 | Leadership, Organisations &Me | Spring | 10 |
UCD is strongly committed to advancing the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), embedding sustainability in teaching, research, operations, and community engagement. Sustainability principles are integrated into this programme, ensuring students graduate equipped to address global challenges. UCD’s leadership in this area is internationally recognised, ranking 49th globally and 1st in Ireland in the QS World University Rankings for Sustainability 2024. UCD also leads impactful research in areas such as climate action, clean energy, and social equity, supported by a comprehensive Sustainability Strategy focused on reducing emissions, enhancing biodiversity, and fostering a sustainable campus culture.
Here are the SDGs which align more visibly with this programme:
Graduate Profile - Gillian Wlliis, Small Business Manager, Bord Bia
My experience as a Food Business Strategy student at the Michael Smurfit Business School was one of huge growth and development both at an academic and personal level. I wanted to further my knowledge of not only the Irish food industry but also of the global one. The lecturers on our programme were top class with an extensive knowledge of both the domestic and international food industry.
Since graduating I have held global positions at Burger King and Tim Hortons, returning to Ireland to join Bord Bia. There is no doubt that the skills and knowledge I gained during the programme played a role in me securing my graduate level job and I continue to implement this knowledge on a daily basis in my working environment.
MSc Food Business Strategy (D042) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 16150
nonEU fee per year - € 22730
***Fees are subject to change
EU fee per year - € 16150
nonEU fee per year - € 22730
***Fees are subject to change
Tuition fee information is available on the UCD Fees website. Please note that UCD offers a number of graduate scholarships for full-time, self-funding international students, holding an offer of a place on a UCD graduate degree programme. For further information please see International Scholarships.
- A minimum second-class honours degree (or equivalent) in Agricultural Science, Science, Business, Commerce, Business Administration, Economics or related degree, or
- An honours Graduate Diploma in Business Studies or related subject, or
- A primary degree with a minimum of three years’ relevant work experience
You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage.
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EU) applicants: Yes
This course is open to a wide range of undergraduate profiles, but is especially suitable for those with a background in agriculture-based or other science degrees seeking to develop their business expertise and those with more business-focused degrees and an interest in moving into the food sector.
How to Apply
General application route(s) for Irish/UK/EU applicants* for International (non-EU) applicants* to Food Business Strategy:
| ROWCLASS | Apply to |
|---|---|
| showAudience-audienceEU showAudience-audienceInt | D042 Food Business Strategy Master of Science Full-Time Commencing September 2025 Graduate Taught UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School |
* you can change options at the top of the page