Food Business Strategy
Graduate Taught (level 9 nfq, credits 90)
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.
Programme Outcomes
-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)
Subjects taught
You will complete seven modules, an optional module and a research project in the Summer Term. Features of the course include site visits, regular invited industry speakers and the development of a business strategy for a real food company as part of the research project. Previous participating companies include Cully and Sully, Strong Roots and East-Coast Bakehouse.
Entry requirements
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
Application dates
The following entry routes are available:
MSc Food Business Strategy FT (D042)
Deadline
Rolling*
* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised
Full Time option suitable for:
Domestic(EEA) applicants: Yes
International (Non EEA) applicants currently residing outside of the EEA Region. 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.
Assessment Info
90
Duration
1 Year Full Time
Fees
MSc Food Business Strategy (D042) Full Time
EU fee per year - € 14400
nonEU fee per year - € 19825
***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.
Enrolment dates
Next Intake: 2020/2021 September
Post Course Info
Careers & Employability
Upon successful completion of the course, graduates will be open to an array of national and international employment opportunities within a rapidly growing industry or related sectors. Graduates from this and similar courses are employed across a selection of many national and international organisations.