Retailing, Marketing and Management BSc (Hons)
This well-established programme was developed in response to growing demand from major retail organisations for high-quality graduates in retailing. The programme was originally titled Retail Management, but was renamed for 2009 entry onwards. The new name - Retailing, Marketing and Management - more closely reflects the current content.
Retailing is a large and dynamic sector of the economy, and many UK retailers are among the world's most highly respected and innovative businesses. The increasing scale, complexity and competitiveness of retailing requires professional managers capable of running multi-million pound businesses. These managers need to be able to lead large teams and use modern information systems to solve complex management and marketing problems. For this reason retail organisations are recruiting growing numbers of graduates each year.
Originally designed in collaboration with major retailers, our Retailing, Marketing and Management programme is commercially relevant, ensuring that graduates maximise their employment prospects. It is the only retailing programme in the country to have been continuously sponsored by retailers from its inception. Our teaching team includes staff recruited from senior positions in retailing and marketing. We have close working relationships with retailers, who provide guest lecturers, case studies, skills workshops and company visits.
The programme prepares you for a career in retailing as a manager in one of the specialist retailing areas such as buying, merchandising, personnel, logistics or store management. Equally, the multidisciplinary nature of the programme will equip you for a variety of graduate career opportunities in marketing or more general management.
In the first two years you will be introduced to the major functional activities in retailing, and the core management techniques, especially marketing, alongside economics, financial management and organisational behaviour. We will develop quantitative and computing skills relevant to the modern management. We will also develop your communication and interpersonal skills and your ability to work in groups. You will have the choice of developing your language skills in French, German or Spanish or pursuing other management options.
Your third year will be spent on professional training in a salaried business placement as a trainee manager. This will typically be with a retail organisation or in a marketing role with one of a broad range of major UK companies. We have achieved considerable success in helping students gain placements, and each year many blue chip companies specifically target the retail students.
In the final year you will study specialist retailing and marketing subjects in considerable depth drawing on your experiences during your placement year. You will also be able to choose from a wide range of options which include further retailing specialisms, advanced marketing, and advanced business modules. These options enable you to study in substantial detail those areas which are of particular interest or importance to you in your proposed career.
The teaching and assessment methods are similar across all our degree programmes and there is a coordinated approach to admissions.
Careers and Further Study
Retail graduates are in demand. Opportunities abound, not just in retail management, but also in a variety of head office functions with large multiple retailers. Additionally, a number of retailer suppliers, such as brand manufacturers, specifically target our retail graduates. There are relatively few university sandwich degree courses specialising in retailing, and consequently employment and career prospects are excellent.
Sponsorships and Scholarships
The retailing companies supporting this course are keen to sponsor students during their degree and will make awards to suitable applicants. In addition, there are sponsored prizes for students who do well in their examinations, and a number of companies sponsor students in their final year following a successful placement year.
