Retail Management BA(Hons)

Overview

Retail is critical to the future growth and development of the global economy - in the UK alone accounting for approximately 12 per cent of all employment and 24 per cent of GDP. As an industry, retail is one of the most diverse there is.
You will combine business and management skills with the specialist knowledge required by retail employers. Modules, teaching and assessment are designed to enhance your knowledge and ability to operate in this fast paced and rewarding environment. You will benefit from a high level of industry contact through applied case studies and industry guest speakers.

Course duration
Full-time: 3 years
With placement year 4 years

UCAS code N240
Course content

Course structure

Teaching staff have industry experience of retail management and use a blend of lectures, workshops and group seminars to ensure an engaging and stimulating learning experience.
You can opt to undertake a 48-week work placement after your second year. We offer a wide range of opportunities (including many overseas) enabling you to obtain valuable work experience and also a hands-on understanding of the industry. You will also develop industry links and many of our students then go on to full-time employment with their placement company after graduation.

Areas of study

Year 1 focuses on operational issues within retail whilst introducing key principles of management. Year 2 focuses on specialist retail subjects such as merchandising and logistics. Management skills, such as human resources, are developed through a variety of case studies.
During the final year you will be encouraged to take a strategic approach to management and engage in research into contemporary retail trends.

Syllabus

Year 1
Retail Environment
Branding and Consumer Psychology
Retail Location and Operations
Economics and the Business Environment
Marketing Principles
Professional Development
Year 2
Merchandising and Retail Consumption
Buying and Supply Chain Logistics
Retail Management in Action
Research Methods
Managerial Accounting
Understanding and Managing People
Optional placement year
Final year
Contemporary Retail Trends
Business Strategy
Dissertation or placement project
Options may include:
Fashion Retailing
Change Management
Public Relations
Retail Consultancy
International Management
Service Quality
E-tailing
Customer Relationship Marketing
Ethical Retailing and CSR
Entry requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary
A-levels:
BBB (typically translates to 300 points in the UCAS tariff).
BTEC
DDM.
International Baccalaureate:
32 points.
Access to HE Diploma
pass (at least 45 credits at level 3), with 18 credits at merit or above. Must include level 3 units in business or management.
GCSE (minimum grade C) or Access Equivalent
at least three subjects including English language and mathematics.
Foundation degree/HND
/HNC may enable you to start the course in year 2 or 3. Contact the course team for specific requirements.
For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, with 6.0 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in the other elements.
Location

Location Eastbourne
Career opportunities

The combined focus and multidisciplinary nature of the course enables you to pursue a variety of career opportunities in retail, service or business environments. You could consider store management, logistics or merchandising, for example. Graduates of our retail degrees have taken up positions with companies including Ted Baker, Tesco, Ralph Lauren, New Look, Jaeger and River Island.

Visit the careers centre website.
Fees and costs

The fees listed here are for full-time courses beginning in the academic year 2012-13. Further tuition fees are payable for each subsequent year of study.

The tuition fee you have to pay depends on a number of factors including the kind of course you take, and whether you study full- or part-time. If you are studying part-time you will normally be charged on a pro rata basis depending on the number of modules you take. Different rules apply to research degrees - please contact the Doctoral College for advice.

To help you plan for your time here we will be providing further information about what is included in your tuition fee, and any optional costs you may need to budget for, later in the autumn.

Our website wwww.brighton.ac.uk/money provides advice about funding and scholarships as well as further information about fees and advice on international and island fee paying status.

BA(Hons) Retail Management [J2EA017]

UK/EU 9,000 GBP
Island Students 9,000 GBP
International 10,900 GBP

When on a placement (sandwich) year, students pay a reduced fee in the placement year of this course. This is currently £750 for Home and Island Students and £1,760 for International students. This fee is likely to increase with inflation.
More details
Work placements

This course gives you the option of taking a 48 week work placement between your second and final year of study.

The placement is a great way to get valuable practical experience in a workplace relevant to your degree.

Where can I go on placement?

Our placement team has links with employers throughout the UK and overseas and can help you find the right placement to suit your course.

Students have been placed with such diverse and prestigious employers including:
- Tesco Logisitcs
- Harrods
- ToysRUs
- MIH Fashion, London
- Iconix Brand Group, New York
- Superdrug
We also have a longstanding placement partnership with Walt Disney World. Each year students have a chance to do their placement with them in the USA.

Why should I go on placement?

You will gain contacts and a competitive advantage for when you graduate. Many placements pay a salary, as well as providing valuable recruitment and workplace experience.

While on placement you can apply the knowledge of your degree subject in a real-life work situation. Furthermore the knowledge you gain from the placement will inform your final year project and academic study.

Successful completion of your placement will also help you stand out from the crowd when you seek work.

Find out more about placements
Student views

Annie Brazel

Retail Management BA(Hons)

Year: one

The main reason I chose to study in Eastbourne was the course. The different modules really interested me and I particularly liked the option of having a sandwich year working in industry.

I enjoy the combination of group and individual assessment work. There are also strong links between the university and major retailers, many of which present at the school.

Great atmosphere and facilities

I came straight to university from sixth form, and have been living in university halls - there is a great atmosphere. Making friends has been really easy and being on the Eastbourne campus you are always seeing familiar faces. There are excellent facilities for students including a good library and sports centre.

Seaside life

Eastbourne has a number of clubs, bars and restaurants, alongside a large range of shops, all just a short walk from the university. And of course it’s great being just a stone’s throw from the sea!

Eastbourne is a surprisingly lively place to live. All staff and lecturers are very friendly, and the university has modern facilities - it’s definitely well worth a visit!