NOTE: Closing Date for Applications – April 22nd 2025

Bord Bia is delighted to announce that the next Talent Academy MSc Insights & Innovation with DCU will commence on 1st October 2025.

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 for 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.

Application Process
Applicants are asked to apply by submitting two digital files.

1. A single PDF document that includes 3 elements:
1a. A Personal Statement: This should outline why you believe you are suitable for the programme and should be considered. If applying under the General Entry pathway you should confirm that you understand that you can be placed in a Bord Bia client company anywhere in the country and that you have resources to support yourself beyond the bursary payments, in line with your own circumstances and needs.
1b. CV: This should outline your academic achievements and their relevant experience. All applicants must have a minimum 2.1 undergraduate honours degree, be proficient in English and must be resident in Ireland for the duration of the programme.
1c. 2 Written References: These can be from current or former employers where you have worked full- or part-time, or if an employer reference is not possible, from an academic institution that outlines the applicants’ academic abilities.

Note: If people are applying under the Company Sponsored route, you need to provide details of their Manager and their organisation’s commitment to your participating in the programme.

2. An optional 2-minute Personal Video: This should provide some further insight into you – the applicant- outlining your commitment to the Irish Food, Drink and Horticulture industry, your ambition and the kind of roles or work you would aspire to upon completion of the programme.

DCU will share information about the Selection Process at a later date with applicants.

Apply Here

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.

Naturalist

Not surprisingly, some aspect of the natural sciences will run through the Naturalist's interests - from ecological awareness to nutrition and health. People with an interest in horticulture, land usage and farming (including fish) are Naturalists.

Some Naturalists focus on animals rather than plants, and may enjoy working with, training, caring for, or simply herding them. Other Naturalists will prefer working with the end result of nature's produce - the food produced from plants and animals. Naturalists like solving problems with solutions that show some sensitivity to the environmental impact of what they do. They like to see practical results and prefer action to talking and discussing.

The MSc Insights and Innovation programme is ideal for anyone aspiring to be an effective innovator in the agri-food industry. It directly prepares graduates for roles in innovation leadership, with both the technical and entrepreneurial skill sets required.

Many global companies are choosing to locate their innovation, R&D, and technology centres in Ireland. This programme helps such companies to build world-class talent in the area of innovation and design thinking for the food, beverage and horticulture industry.

Placements and industry projects are an integral part of the programme and provide participants with an opportunity to bridge or translate the theory of innovation and strategy into practice. Students will learn from host companies, their channel customers and their consumers. You will foster new and lasting relationships with key stakeholders in the industry.

You will graduate with strong business acumen with an innovative and dynamic mix of skills that will allow you to pursue a career in the agri-food industry. Your knowledge of the food, horticulture and beverage sector environment and the ability to be able to think innovatively and strategically coupled with your exposure to new methods and technologies will ensure you are in high demand by employers.

For further information on Bord Bia client companies please see https://www.bordbia.ie/about/talent-academy/msc-insights-and-innovation/