Contemporary Retail BA Honours
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
3 up to 4 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
18 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2025
TUITION FEES
GBP 15,400 / per year *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international | UK/EU: £9,250/year
Introduction
BA Honours in Contemporary Retail, In an era defined by rapid technological advancements and ever-shifting consumer behaviours, the demand for individuals equipped with the expertise to navigate the evolving retail landscape has increased. Our innovative curriculum is designed to meet this demand head-on.
On our Contemporary Retail BA, you’ll gain insight into how customer behaviour impacts retail decision-making, in the UK and globally. Nestled in the heart of central London, the epicentre of the nation's retail industry, our program will empower you with the strategic acumen essential for driving organisations and contributing to the broader economy.
Our comprehensive course covers all aspects of retail, with a distinct emphasis on three key pillars: technology, innovation and ethical considerations. We believe in fostering a mindful approach to commercial strategies that not only prioritise profit but also centre on people and the planet.
The course can be uniquely tailored to your interests and aspirations, with specialisations available across various retail sectors, including fashion, luxury, sports and leisure and grocery retail. But we don't just stop at theory. We’re dedicated to providing you with authentic learning experiences through partnerships with leading retailers, giving you the chance to apply your skills in real-world workplace settings, and enriching your knowledge with practical expertise.
Additionally, between your second and third year of study, you'll also have the opportunity to spend a year in industry applying your knowledge in a real-work environment or gain international experience with a year studying abroad.
Be empowered to tackle the ever-evolving challenges of the retail world, shaping its future with confidence.
Top reasons to study with us
- Experience real-world learning, through partnerships with local and industry-leading retailers, enabling you to apply your skills in authentic workplace settings
- Learn from experienced retail practitioners with extensive industry experience alongside retail and digital academic specialists, in the epicentre of UK retail
- Delve into contemporary issues and digital innovation within retail and learn how to market traditional high-street stores as well as manage evolving channels including digital and social media shopping channels
- Experience innovative learning and assessment methods that allow you to learn in different ways
- Be equipped with sought-after skills and knowledge in retail, business and marketing practice to gain a competitive edge and become a mindful leader
- Put theory into practice on a year-long work placement or gain international experience studying abroad
- Cultivate your creativity and refine your digital skills with access to our dedicated digital marketing lab, Switch 23
Why study this course
Fantastic location
Based on our Marylebone Campus, you can enjoy the benefits of studying in a major global city and at the centre of UK retail.
Practical and transferrable skills
Our degree gives you the skills to pursue a management career in not only retail but any sector.
Build connections
Build connections with business and retail organisations, peers, and future business leaders.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
The University is dedicated to supporting ambitious and outstanding students and we offer a variety of scholarships to eligible undergraduate students, which cover all or part of your tuition fees.
As well as tuition fee loans, there is a range of funding available to help you fund your studies.
Curriculum
This course is designed to provide you with a well-rounded education in the world of retail.
Our innovative teaching methods combine traditional lectures with hands-on experience, immersing you in cutting-edge technologies like AI and digital solutions, essential for the evolving retail industry. We'll equip you with proficiency in industry-standard software such as Microsoft and Adobe Creative Cloud, ensuring you're job-ready upon graduation.
Collaboration with industry partners means you'll tackle real-world challenges through live client briefs, simulating authentic work environments.
The following subjects are indicative of what you’ll study in this course.
Year 1
In Year 1, you’ll gain an understanding of contemporary retail, mastering key concepts, frameworks, and theories that serve as building blocks for your course. You’ll also develop research and investigative skills to analyse strategies and propose solutions in different retail contexts.
Subjects of study include:
- Digital Marketing Essentials
- Fundamentals of Marketing
- Leadership, Innovation and Organisations
- Marketing Research and Data Analytics
- Retail Essentials
You’ll also have the chance to tailor your course by choosing an elective module.
Credit Level 4
Year 2
In Year 2, you’ll hone your specialist retail skills and generate innovative ideas through in-depth analysis and evaluation of challenges and issues related to Contemporary Retail.
Subjects of study include:
- Category and Channel Management
- Consumer Insights
- Retail Omni Channel and E-commerce Design
You’ll also choose between a range of optional modules such as Contemporary PR Management, Fashion Retailing Strategies, Finance for Marketing Managers and Social Media Marketing. You will also have the opportunity to study a module from other parts of the University, including a foreign language.
Alternatively, in place of the option modules listed above, you may be able to take the WBS Study Abroad Experience (subject to eligibility) or the WBS Work Experience.
Credit Level 5
Placement Year
Between Years 2 and 3 (Levels 5 and 6), you may choose to undertake either a professional placement year in the UK or an international experience year.
Professional experience
You’ll have the option to take a placement year in industry in the UK. During the year, you’ll identify goals to work towards achieving whilst on placement; carry out research to develop an awareness of the retail business sector you are working in, using a range of data sources; familiarise yourself with a range of retailer techniques and processes, which help effectively deliver key initiatives and retail business objectives.
International experience
Alternatively, you may choose to undertake an international experience year at one of our partner overseas institutions. During the year, you’ll study and reside in the country of a host institution. The content of your study is agreed through a Learning Agreement between you, the home institution and Westminster Business School.
Year 3
In Year 3, you’ll build on your critical review skills and be able to apply a comprehensive body of knowledge related to contemporary retail. You’ll also critically evaluate concepts and draw evidence from diverse sources to inform judgment in complex situations.
Subjects of study include:
- Contemporary Selling and Sales Management
- Customer Experience
- Final Major Project
- International Market Planning and Strategy
You’ll also choose between a range of optional modules such as Digital Business Innovations, Leisure and Lifestyle Retail Marketing, Luxury Brand Management, Purchasing Management and Sustainability Marketing, or learn a foreign language.
Credit Level 6
Program Tuition Fee
Career Opportunities
The Contemporary Retail BA will unlock a range of career opportunities in areas such as customer insights, brand and marketing management, trade marketing and sales, retail management, digital management, and more.
The University's Careers and Employability Service has built up a network of over 3,000 employers around the world, helping all our students explore and connect with exciting opportunities and careers.
Build a global network
Build a global network and develop your own professional online ‘brand’.
Kickstart your career
Learn how to use social media in your job hunt or LinkedIn to kickstart your career.
Develop your CQ
Develop your cultural intelligence – or ‘CQ’ – by studying alongside students and staff representing more than 100 nationalities.
Industry links
The Contemporary Retail BA course team collaborates with industry partners to provide live client briefs, simulating real work environments. Work-based and experiential learning are integral to the curriculum, enhancing employability. This approach allows for innovative teaching methods such as the flipped classroom, promoting active and engaging learning.
Job roles
This course will prepare you for roles in a variety of areas, including:
- Advertising and marketing manager
- Customer experience manager
- Digital channels specialist
- Retail manager
- Retail media planner
- Retail operations manager
- Sales and marketing manager
- Visual merchandiser
Graduate employers
Graduates from the Business School have found employment at organisations including:
- Jimmy Choo
- McDonald’s
- Tesco
- Unilever
Westminster Employability Award
Employers value graduates who have invested in their personal and professional development – and our Westminster Employability Award gives you the chance to formally document and demonstrate these activities and achievements.
The award is flexible and can be completed in your own time, allowing you to choose from a set of extracurricular activities.
Activities might include gaining experience through a part-time job or placement, signing up for a University-run scheme – such as mentoring or teaching in a school – or completing online exercises.