Insights & Innovation

Founded to accelerate innovation to create and capture value in the exciting food and beverage industry, the Bord Bia DCU MSc Insights and Innovation has already been the launchpad for many successful careers and we are now once again open for applications for the next intake in 2026. This unique full time programme combines an exciting, professional and contemporary Masters qualification in Insight and Innovation delivered in person in DCU’s Business school with an immersive placement in a dynamic food or beverage company.



The programme, which is endorsed and supported by the largest food and beverage companies in Ireland, is designed with three guiding principles: Insight, Sustainability and Innovation.



Jointly designed by Bord Bia and DCU, this programme’s vision is to forge the next generation of world-class innovators to join the food, horticultural and beverage sectors where they will use their creativity, talent and skill to drive sustainable, scalable, profitable and insight-led growth for their host companies and for their industry.



Run over a total period of 15 months (i.e. October 2026 to December 2027), this programme combines study and placement in a Bord Bia client company. It begins with an intensive academic element, with modules taught by experienced thought-leaders in the field of innovation and sustainability in the food industry. Following this, the focus moves to experiential learning, as participants are given placements for 10 months (i.e. February 2027 to November 2027) at the headquarters of dynamic food companies where they partner with leading Insight and Innovation practitioners to discover, develop and deliver new products and services.



This combination of academic content and placement enables participants to directly apply the insights gained from DCU Business School coursework to their placement company, with immediate and direct benefit to host companies.



Successful applicants will be fully funded and will a bursary over the total period of the programme (paid in monthly instalments) to cover living and some travel expenses.

For admission to the M.Sc. Insights and Innovation candidates must hold –



A 2:1 Honours degree, or equivalent international qualification



AND



A minimum of 3 years’ work experience ideally in the food, beverage or innovation sector.



Applicants who have achieved a 2.2 Honours degree may still obtain a place. This will depend on availability of places and on obtaining high grades in relevant modules on their undergraduate programme.



AND



Eligibility to work and study in Ireland.



A demonstrable passion for innovation and creativity and an ambition to develop a career in insight-led innovation and commercialisation.



A clear desire to establish a lifelong career in the Food, Beverage of Horticulture sectors.



Willingness to commit to a full-time 15-month programme.



Please view our English language and academic entry requirements at https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml

Types of Applications



There are two entry pathways to participate in the MSc Insights and Innovation Programme.



1. General Entry: This route is for people who are applying to participate in the programme themselves. If successfully selected for the programme, these individuals will receive a bursary from Bord Bia, undertake a placement in a Bord Bia client company in the Food, Drink or Horticulture industry nationwide and complete the academic MSc programme.



2. Company Sponsored: This route is for people who are currently working in a Bord Bia client Food, Drink or Horticulture company, and whose company will sponsor them to participate in the programme. If successfully selected on to the programme, these people will similarly undertake the full academic MSc programme and will also be required to complete a special insight-led innovation project within their employer’s business. These individuals will maintain their salary and other conditions with their company.

15 Months Full Time

START DATE October 2026



Student Application Portal will open in 2026



Bord Bia, in partnership with DCU Business School is delighted to announce that the next Talent Academy MSc Insights & Innovation programme will commence on 1st October 2026.

The MSc Insights and Innovation programme is an ideal fit for anyone with aspirations to become an effective innovator and leader in the agri-food industry. This programme directly prepares graduates for key roles in innovation strategy, product development, and R&D leadership, equipping them with the entrepreneurial and technical skill sets needed to thrive in a rapidly evolving global industry.



Driving Innovation in a Growing Industry

As Ireland continues to attract global companies to establish innovation, R&D, and technology hubs, there is a growing need for professionals who can drive insight-led innovation in the food, beverage, and horticulture sectors. This programme supports the development of world-class talent by combining cutting-edge academic learning, practical placements, and exposure to emerging trends and technologies like sustainability and digital transformation.



Placement & Industry Projects

One of the hallmarks of this programme is its emphasis on experiential learning through placements and live industry projects with Bord Bia client companies. These placements allow participants to:



Bridge the gap between theory and practice, directly applying insights gained from coursework to real-world business challenges.

Build professional networks by working closely with host companies, channel customers, and consumers, fostering lasting relationships with industry stakeholders.

Gain invaluable hands-on experience, adding significant value to their host companies by working on high-impact projects such as product development, market analysis, and sustainability innovation.

High Demand for Graduates



Graduates of this programme emerge with an impressive combination of business acumen, innovation expertise, and practical experience, making them highly sought after by employers. Armed with:



A deep understanding of the food, horticulture, and beverage sectors.

The ability to think strategically and innovate in response to emerging market trends.

Familiarity with new technologies and methods.

You will be positioned for an exciting career in areas such as NPD (New Product Development), innovation management, R&D, sustainability strategy, and consumer insights leadership.



For more details about Bord Bia client companies and the talent network, visit:

https://www.bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/msc-insights-and-innovation/