Programme Content

The Bachelor of Business in Retail Management Programme is designed to give a clearly structured business education that provides a solid foundation for success in a retail career. The course, which runs for almost 3 years, provides a strong grounding in fundamental business concepts, ideas, practices and methodologies. It features a rich learning environment that involves trainees in comprehensive analysis of business organisations, functions, processes and management techniques with particular emphasis on the retail sector. This programme provides trainees with a solid understanding of general business theory and practice. The course is underpinned by a comprehensive work-based training programme, which allows trainees to put into practice what they have learned in college. It also provides the knowledge and skills that will enable an effective contribution to the resolution of business problems and will prepare trainees for the challenges posed by the dynamic nature of the modern retail environment.

Structure and Content

The programme comprises three levels of complementary, integrated, theoretical and practically applied modules delivered over 35 months, with integral opportunities for personal and intellectual skills development. This is facilitated through rotating blocks of formal academic learning with real work-based application and learning by doing. Each college based learning block is followed immediately by workplace application and experience.

Year 1
In the first year, the academic and skills based subjects provide foundation knowledge in core retail business areas and disciplines. An in-depth introduction to store training is supplemented by application workshops.

Year 2
Subjects in year 2 further develop knowledge and understanding of the key retail business disciplines. Trainees are also introduced to current business situations and issues and how they impact on the retail industry. There is continued work-based training and development with focus on store management functions.

Year 3
In the final year, the subjects focus on a Retail Simulation Interactive game and a Retail Project – both which add a practical dimension to the programme. The in-store training concludes with the application of Lidl management principles and deputising in the running of a store.

Teaching and Assessment
The academic side of the Bachelor of Business in Retail Management is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with trainees taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class contact times. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays and reports, individual and group assignments and formal examinations.
The work-based learning is predominantly “hands-on”, in-store training, which is supplemented by formal training sessions and application workshops. On-going assessment, written tests and performance management ensures the path to success.

Academic Content

Next page