The MSc Business Sustainability runs every 2 years in springtime i.e. 2025, 2027, 2029 and so on

No you cannot apply by emailing your CV. All applications must be made via our recruitment platform "Submit" during the application period of the programme. The green application button is on the righthand side of the website.

As per the Bord Bia Scholarships Notice for this programme, the successful candidate must be resident in Ireland or have Irish citizenship. Applicants with citizenship of a limited number of other locations may be considered subject to the availability of placements in those locations. In addition, applicants with fluency in other languages may be considered for learning assignment locations e.g. Germany

We look for people who have a passion for Irish Food and Drink with a via or transitioning into the sustainability sector. Also those who are hard-working, resilient, willingness to travel overseas, dedicated and motivated. You don’t need to have previous experience in the Food and Drink industry or sustainability sector but you should have at least 3–6 years professional work experience.

You could be placed in one of a selection of major cities around the the world. Some recent locations include London, Chicago, Texas, Portland, Dubai, Amsterdam, Dusseldorf, Vevey, Salzburg, Riyadh, Ontario among others. Successful candidates will be advised on their location for placement 1 during induction. Locations change year-on-year so this list is subject to change for both placement 1 and placement 2

The majority of the placements for this programme are in English speaking locations. We do however look for those with fluency in German.

Each participant will complete 2 overseas learning assignment placements that are roughly 7-8 months each. In most cases you will be sent to 2 different countries for each learning assignment placement.

During the assessment centre interview you can express an interest in a particular location. While this will be taken into account, ultimately the decision regarding where you are placed lies with Bord Bia

This programme combines on-the-job experiential learning in the form of overseas learning assignments for Bord Bia's client companies. Successful candidates are awarded a monthly scholarship bursary, and a fully funded internationally recognised MSc Masters programme at UCD Michael Smurfit Business School. No academic fees will apply.

Guidance can be provided by the team at UCD Smurfit School and Bord Bia to students assigned to overseas markets where a visa is necessary.

Places are competitive and there are limited spaces for our programmes. If unsuccessful you can re-apply in the next application year, if you wish and if you still meet the requirements. We recommend that you check out our other Talent Academy programmes on offer that might be better suited to you or other MSc programmes in UCD.

You will not be guaranteed a full-time position in Bord Bia upon finishing the programme. However, we place a strong focus on your future career and self-development through offering a module on navigating the industry and professional and career development. There a multitude of networking opportunities for you while in your market e.g. trade fairs, food conferences, client engagements to name a few.

We also create a CV booklet of all participants for sharing with the Irish food, drink and horticulture industry towards the end of your programme. We are very confident that the combination of overseas learning experience and our outstanding Masters programme will advance your career in the food industry to an exceptionally high standard. Approximately 80% of alumni are retained in excellent food industry roles.

Finally, you will become a valued member of our Bord Bia Talent Academy/UCD Smurfit School Alumni network. This network provides an excellent way to connect with other food industry executives for insights sharing, jobs sharing, events, among other career development initiatives.

No, as a recipient of the tax-free Bord Bia Scholarship you cannot work a part-time job or paid job during the programme.

Sustainability Manager, ESG Strategy & Partnerships Manager, Global Sustainable Sourcing Manager, Sustainability Consultant, Group Sustainability Manager, Sustainable Sourcing and Human Rights Manager, Sustainability Director, Global Sustainability Lead, Head of Corporate Social Responsibility, Global Regenerative Agricultural Manager, Head of Sustainability, Senior Sustainability Manager etc.