Business and Management (Retail) with a Year in Industry

The Business and Management (Retail) with a Year in Industry BSc at the University of Kent offers students a comprehensive understanding of the dynamic retail sector within the broader context of business management. This innovative programme is designed to equip students with essential skills in retail operations, strategic management, marketing, and consumer behavior, all tailored to meet the evolving challenges of the retail industry. By combining academic theory with practical experience, the course provides a balanced approach that prepares graduates for immediate entry into retail management roles or further postgraduate study.

Throughout the degree, students will explore key topics such as retail marketing strategies, supply chain management, e-commerce, customer relationship management, and retail analytics. The curriculum emphasizes real-world applications through case studies, group projects, and industry-specific simulations, fostering critical thinking, problem-solving, and leadership abilities. A significant feature of the programme is the Year in Industry placement, which offers students the opportunity to gain valuable work experience within leading retail companies. This year-long placement not only enhances employability but also allows students to apply their academic knowledge in practical settings, develop professional networks, and understand the operational realities of the retail sector.

The programme is delivered by experienced faculty members who are experts in their fields, utilizing a blend of lectures, workshops, and industry engagements. Students will benefit from the university's strong links with retail organizations, providing access to guest lectures, site visits, and internship opportunities. The University of Kent’s supportive learning environment encourages personal development, teamwork, and entrepreneurial thinking, all of which are essential qualities for successful careers in the retail industry.

Graduates of this programme will be well-prepared for a variety of roles within retail organizations, including store management, marketing, supply chain logistics, merchandising, and e-commerce management. Many alumni have secured positions in renowned retail companies, advancing their careers in competitive markets. Furthermore, the programme serves as an excellent foundation for students interested in pursuing postgraduate studies, such as an MBA or specialized retail management qualifications.

Overall, the Business and Management (Retail) with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent provides a robust, industry-relevant education that combines academic excellence with practical experience, empowering students to thrive in the fast-paced and competitive world of retail.

Detailed Course Facts

Application deadline 15 January Tuition fee

• GBP 9000 Year (EEA)
• GBP 12450 Year (Non-EEA)

Start date September 2015 Duration full-time 36 months Languages Take an IELTS test

• English

Delivery mode On Campus Educational variant Full-time

Course Content

Stage 1

Stage 1 represents the first year of your degree programme. For the first year of your Business & Management degree, possible modules will be:

• Business Skills and Employability
• Data Management for Business
• Economics for Business 1
• Fundamentals of Financial Accounting
• Fundamentals of Management Accounting
• Management Principles
• Marketing Principles

Stage 2/3

Stage 2/3 represents the first year of your degree programme. For the second and final year of your Business & Management degree, possible modules will be:

Compulsory

• Business Information Systems
• Corporate Strategy and Leadership
• Critical Thinking for Contemporary Business Issues
• Human Resources and Organisational Behaviour
• The Management of Operations
• Managing People and Teams
• Marketing and the Value Chain
• Strategy Theory and Practice

The following modules are compulsory for those students studying on the Retail pathway, but are also offered as optional choices on the general Business & Management degree:

Retail Pathway

• Managing Retail Locations
• Retail Buying
• Retail Distribution & Supply Chain Management
• Retail Merchandising

In addition to the Retail Pathway modules, there is a range of optional modules available at Stages 2 and 3, enabling you to specialise in areas of your choice:

Optional

• Business Law
• Business Management Project
• Consumer Insight
• Creating your Own Enterprise
• E-Commerce
• Economics for Business 2
• Enterprise and Entrepreneurship
• European Business
• Global Business Environment
• Project Management
• Sales Forecasting
• Service Management
• Social Justice Practice

Requirements

Award: BA (Hons)

Offer levels: BBB at A level; IB Diploma 34 points including 4 in Mathematics or IB Diploma with 15 points at Higher including 4 in Mathematics

Entry Requirements: Tariff points from 3 A levels, GCSE Mathematics grade C

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Access Bursary

  Bursary for UK students all subjects where the variable tuition fee rate is payable.

• Alumni Bursary

  Alumni Bursary for UK Undergraduate students

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than University of Kent.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Business and Management (Retail) with a Year in Industry at the University of Kent is a comprehensive undergraduate programme designed to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary for a successful career in the retail sector. The programme combines core business management principles with a specialized focus on retail environments, consumer behaviour, supply chain management, marketing strategies, and retail operations. Students will develop a solid understanding of how retail businesses operate within the larger context of the global economy, including insights into digital retailing, e-commerce, and innovative retail technologies.

The course structure typically includes modules in management fundamentals, strategic planning, financial accounting, marketing principles, and retail-specific topics such as visual merchandising, retail logistics, and customer relationship management. A distinctive feature of the programme is the year in industry, which offers students invaluable work experience in real retail businesses. This placement allows students to apply classroom theory to practical scenarios, develop professional skills, expand their industry contacts, and enhance their employability upon graduation. The Year in Industry usually takes place between the second and final years of study, during which students work full-time in a retail organization, gaining insights into daily operations, management challenges, and career opportunities.

Throughout their studies, students benefit from the University of Kent’s strong links with retail employers, guest lectures from industry professionals, and opportunities for networking through career fairs and industry events. The programme aims to foster entrepreneurial thinking, leadership qualities, and an understanding of sustainable retail practices. Graduates of this programme are well-prepared for roles such as retail manager, merchandising officer, brand manager, supply chain analyst, and other positions within the retail and consumer services sectors. The programme’s emphasis on hands-on experience, combined with academic rigour, makes it an ideal choice for students aspiring to thrive in the dynamic and competitive world of retail business.