Retail is one of the most challenging of all service industries. In the UK 11% of the total workforce are employed in the sector and it accounts for 24% of national gross domestic product. Graduate opportunities in retail include management, merchandising, marketing and logistics.
Our retail courses
Our undergraduate courses offer opportunities to specialise in the marketing and management aspects of retail. Graduates are equipped with transferable skills required across the retail sector, for example fashion or food and drink.
Late year entry: Students with appropriate qualifications can gain access to years two or three of our courses. Advice on late year entry.
Students have opportunities to develop their understanding of
- operational issues within the retail industry
- merchandising
- strategic marketing
- retail trends
- retail internationalisation
Course leader for Retail at the School of Service Management, Dan Bennett talks about the course, the school and the benefits of studying for a undergraduate degree in Retail at the University of Brighton.
Industry links and professional accreditation
The school has links with industry and professional organisations including
- The Institute of Customer Service
- The Consortium of Retail Universities
We have forged strong links with industry through our placement programme, research and consultancy. Industry representatives also advise on the content and development of our courses and contribute to teaching as guest lecturers. Academic staff at the school come from a range of industrial backgrounds including food retail and fashion management.
Placements
Students have the opportunity to get hands-on experience by taking a paid work placement year between years two and three within the service industry. The completion of a placement-based final year project replaces the dissertation. The placement will gives students the opportunity to apply practical skills, gain hands-on experience and make industry contacts.
Graduate outcomes
Retail graduate Lisa Matthews talks about her role at Ted Baker
Many graduates are recruited on to specialist management programmes. Our students are employed by companies including
- Jaeger
- Sony UK
- Tesco
- Burberry
- American Express
A significant number of the school's graduates have progressed to starting up their own businesses in the retail industry.
Research and facilities
The school conducts research and consultancy in areas including rebranding and marketing, merchandising, business to business service technologies and customer service strategies.
