What will I learn?
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 effecting 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
How will I benefit?
- The theory-practice blend to the curriculum content, as well as the strong emphasis placed upon recent developments within the industry, makes this the ideal preparation for a career in the food business sector
- The combined business and agri-food expertise of two leading schools, ensuring market relevance and strong theoretical basis to the course
- The benefit of insight into the strategies practiced and applied within the industry, as well as the latest innovations and forms of leadership
- Upon successful completion of the course, an array of national and international employment opportunities within a rapidly-growing industry or related sectors
The curriculum provides a sound training in business concepts and practice, as well as a wider understanding of the unique environment within which food businesses operate. The use of test cases is fundamental to the course to ensure its usefulness and relevance for graduates who go on to work in the agri-food industry. Key industry speakers, including from the Food and Drink Authority and Teagasc, contribute to a number of modules, providing students with insight into the latest developments in the field.
In the autumn term, students complete 3 core modules.
In the spring term, students complete 2 core modules plus 1 option module.
In the summer term, students complete 2 core modules and a Group Project.
Autumn Trimester | Spring Trimester | Summer Trimester |
Core modules: plus 1 option module from: |
Core modules: |
Please be advised that the above reflects the 2024/2025 curriculum structure and is subject to change each year. Option modules listed are indicative of what has been delivered in previous years and are also subject to change. Note that module descriptors are updated in advance of each academic term.
The MSc Food Business Strategy programme is open to a wide range of undergraduate profiles, but is especially suitable for those with agriculture- science- or business-focused degrees and an interest in specialising into the food sector. The programme aims to provide students with core knowledge for management and strategy development of food businesses, which also includes understanding of the role and importance of sustainability and innovation. Graduates will be competent to apply critical and analytical judgement of the increasingly complex and global environment in which food businesses operate.
The curriculum has been co-developed by the UCD Smurfit Graduate Business School and the UCD School of Agriculture and Food Science and offers a unique opportunity to receive the highest quality business training as well as to gain a deep understanding of the food sector. The theory-practice blend to the curriculum content, as well as the strong emphasis placed upon recent developments within the industry, makes this the ideal preparation for a career in the food business sector. Graduates will be encouraged to apply and act upon their core food business knowledge and will have the ambition and courage to solve problems, work in a team and significantly contribute to the success of food businesses in their future career. We encourage critical thinking and motivation and foster ambition of students to continually work on their capacities. This is achieved by providing a diversity of learning environments (classroom, off campus and guest speakers) and methods (lectures, group work, case studies, presentations) that ensures a stimulating learning experience. This equips graduates with the skills necessary to provide professional leadership in food businesses.
On successful completion of the programme students should be able to:
Programme Goals | Programme Learning Outcomes |
Programme Goal 1: |
Demonstrate an understanding of theory and practice of management and strategy development in food businesses. |
Programme Goal 2: |
Critically assess global perspectives in which food businesses operate, including the influence of economic, political, social and cultural factors. Devise and develop plans, strategies and organizational structures for food businesses operating in the global market. |
Programme Goal 3: |
Critically assess the economics of food businesses within the concept of sustainability. Employ suitable theoretical and practical models to assist the innovation process. |
Programme Goal 4: |
Analyse industries, markets and competitors to design and implement appropriate competitive strategies. Communicate clearly within various business settings using appropriate media. |
Programme Goal 5: |
Show ambition and courage for action and contribution to their future career and professional development. |
Global Leadership Programme (GLP)
Our optional Global Leadership Programme (GLP) offers you a unique opportunity to engage in a diverse range of co-curricular professional development activities alongside the modules you take on the Master's programme. Participation in the GLP can give you an advantage over similarly qualified job candidates and increase your readiness for success in the workplace.
Sustainable Development Goals
As part of the curriculum, students are engaged with issues related to sustainability in all of its many facets, including responsible leadership, responsible consumption and production, climate action, and inclusive business practices. As educators, we believe in the value of exposing our students to a variety of perspectives on the role of business in society and equipping them with the knowledge and skills they need to tackle even the most intractable problems. Our programmes seek to develop informed and imaginative leaders that are mindful of responsible and sustainable business objectives and practices and embed a number of the UN sustainable development goals (SDGs) in the curriculum.