Retailing in its various formats continues to make a significant contribution to the global economy. Changes, trends and issues in the industry are widely covered and addressed via various sources, capturing the attention of academics, practitioners and the general public alike.

Issues in retailing have caught the attention of the general public, especially in light of recent shifts in consumption behaviour, the continuous growth of digital technologies, as well as the overall dynamic and highly competitive nature of the industry. Such interest has created new opportunities in retail management and marketing. As such, the study of retailing at academic level remains critical for potential candidates currently working or hoping to secure employment in sectors relevant to retailing.

This Master’s degree is a conversion course which is ideal for graduates who would like to change subjects or career direction. The course deals with the learning and practical application of concepts essential for operating and marketing a retail business. It will help you to understand the contemporary retail environment and examine topical issues related to retail management and marketing including digital marketing and globalisation. It is accredited by the Institute of Direct and Digital Marketing (IDM) which means you may be eligible to sit an extra exam to achieve the IDM Professional Certificate alongside your degree.

You will learn from research-active, industry-experienced academics who have published innovative research into retail management and marketing issues. You will develop analytical skills essential for operating and marketing in the international retail environment by critically examining international retail development and activity, with a view to putting this knowledge into practice.

The opportunity to undertake a 30-week work placement in the sector will help prepare you for retail and marketing-related roles once you graduate and provide you with valuable skills and knowledge to improve your performance as an employee and a manager.

We have been offering courses in this subject since 1989, with over 700 alumni, many of whom who are now in senior managerial positions. Our extensive network of alumni provides us with unrivalled contacts and opportunities in businesses across the retail and marketing sectors. Furthermore, we enjoy a long and well-established reputation for teaching and research excellence.

There is a demand for highly skilled professional retail managers and a Master’s degree is increasingly seen as the entry qualification to high-profile retail roles.

This course is well regarded in the industry for developing graduates with strong practical and analytical skills in related issues. Our history of offering courses in this subject has seen BU develop a long and well-established reputation for excellence. We have a large alumni base of around 700 retail graduates, which has helped to develop excellent contacts and opportunities through retail and marketing businesses.