Retail Management

BA (Hons) Retail Management

Delivery method: Full-time (including a 40 week industrial placement)
Course Reference: BARM

Course Overview

One of the largest sectors in the UK for graduate employment, retailing offers a wide range of challenging and exciting careers. This course are regarded by many retailers as the best in the country.

Retail management is about managing the whole retail process from the raw materials to the final consumer; it's not just about working in shops, although some of our graduates do manage retail stores out of choice.

To succeed in the competitive and demanding world of retailing, potential managers need an understanding of the industry and the environment in which it operates in addition to the technical and functional skills necessary for success. Retailers recognise the demands they place on graduates entering the industry, and significant responsibility and reward often comes at an early age.

Equipped with the skills of analysis and critical evaluation, and with a high level of innovative and creative ability, graduates become highly effective in key areas of the business such as marketing and promotions, personnel and buying - as well as in operations.

As part of the final year students undertake a Retail Management Consultancy Project which involves giving a presentation to industry, Steve Clarke, Merchandising Director for Tesco said, "Over the past twenty five years I have been at lots of presentations from Multinational companies and this presentation would not be out of place in comparison."

Why BU?

• The largest number of Retail Management students in the UK
• Eight successive years of 100% full employment and still running in the high 90%
• Many retailers offer priority application routes to BU Retail Management graduates and some offer students sponsorship in the final year
• Industry links are paramount , including a final year consultancy project working with a retailer on a specific area of their business
• Average starting salary in 2007 was £23,000