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.

More details
  • Qualification letters

    MSc

  • Qualifications

    Degree - Masters (Level 9 NFQ)

  • Attendance type

    Full time,Daytime

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    Course provider