Course Summary
Bord Bia, the Irish Food Board, acts as a link between Irish food, drink and horticulture suppliers and existing and potential customers throughout the world. Its objective is to develop markets for Irish suppliers and to bring the taste of Irish food to more tables worldwide. With its headquarters in Dublin, Bord Bia has an extensive network of overseas offices.
The Bord Bia Talent Academy in partnership with Smurfit Executive Development, UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School offers a range of world-leading post-graduate opportunities including the MSc Global Business Practice (Bord Bia International Graduate Programme).
College Link
Career Sectors
This course prepares you for working in the Career Sectors below. Follow the links to get a fuller understanding of the sectors you are preparing for.
Entry Requirements
Eligibility: Consider if you have a passion for, and wish to pursue a career with the Irish Food, Drink and Horticulture Industry. You should understand Bord Bia's mission and purpose. A recent graduate or currently in their final year who has achieved/will achieve a minimum 2:1 degree
Apply: An online application should be completed as part of the application process. This includes; general questions about yourself, copy of CV, a professional photo, University degree Certificate and transcripts (if in final year, most recent transcripts should be uploaded). Applications are now closed for 2025-2027 Intake. Next intake will be 2027 - 2029 and application will open Autumn 2026.
Online Assessments:
Psychometrics - Shortlisted applicants will be invited to complete up to 2 psychometrics during the application process. These can be shared with you upon request after the selection process has ended. Successful candidates will also be shared their psychometric results as part of their Professional and Career Development module during the programme.
Language Fluency - If you have a level of fluency in a relevant language to one of the programme market locations e.g. French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin Chinese, Japanese (but not limited to) you will be invited to complete an online assessment and potentially an informal phone call with a native speaker. Please note that you may still be considered for other markets that are English speaking aside from your language being assessed.
Assessment Centre: Assessment centre will take place in Autumn 2026
First Round Interview (online via Zoom) - Tasked to deliver a short presentation on case study provided 1 hour before interview, followed by a short Q&A, before a structured competency-based interview with a panel. Interview panellists consist of Bord Bia, University College Dublin and Food/Drink Industry representatives.
Written Language Assessment - If you have been shortlisted for your level of fluency in a specific language you will be tasked with a short written exercise before your interview.
Second Round Interview (in-person) - Further shortlisted candidates may be asked to attend and in-person second round interview Spring 2027.
Offer: Successful candidates will be sent an offer during Spring 2027 (exact date tbc) including their major learning assignment and location and will be required to sign a learning assignment internship agreement committing to the full-time 24-month programme starting summer 2027.
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.
https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax
Application Details
The next intake will be for June 2025 start.
Applications opening Autumn 2024. Interested participants must be available if selected to take part in the interview and assessment centre process in early 2025, (attendance on one day is required - exact dates to be confirmed) and if successful must be ready to commence the programme in June 2025*. If you have any queries about this programme, please contact a member of our team by email at [email protected]
B693 Global Business Practice Master of Science Full-Time
Commencing May 2025
Graduate Taught (Smurfit Executive Development)
*(Applications are now closed for 2025 - 2027 intake. Applications for 2027 - 2029 will open Autumn 2026.)
*The next intake will be Summer 2027.
Fees
This is a full scholarship programme. All tuition fees are paid and, in addition, you receive a tax free bursary of €43,700- €49,450* for the 24-month programme. The bursary is to cover participant’s basic living costs per 24 months. (Bursary is approximate and depends on the location assigned)
The Student
Career Interests
This course is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests. If these interests do not describe you, this course may prepare you for work you may not find satisfying.
Enterprising
Enterprising people like situations that involve using resources for personal or corporate economic gain. Such people may have an opportunistic frame of mind, and are drawn to commerce, trade and making deals. Some pursue sales and marketing occupations. Many will eventually end up owning their own business, or in management roles in larger organisations. They tend to be very goal-oriented and work best when focused on a target. Some have an entrepreneurial inclination.
Career Progression
Duration
Delivery: On Campus
(This is a full-time Action Learning programme designed around eight modules that will be delivered virtually or in-person. The programme will challenge participants through an exciting programme that includes block releases in Dublin, combined with industry placements.)