BA (Hons) Retail Marketing

The BA (Hons) Retail Marketing degree at the University of Stirling offers a dynamic blend of academic study and practical experience, equipping students with the skills and insights needed to excel in the evolving retail sector. Through a combination of industry placements, real-world projects, and access to specialized resources, students gain hands-on experience that enhances their employability and prepares them for successful careers in retail marketing.

Key experiential learning components include:

• Optional Placement Year: Students have the opportunity to undertake a year-long work placement between the second and final years of study. This placement allows students to apply their academic learning in a professional setting, gaining valuable industry experience and developing practical skills.
• Industry Collaborations: The program maintains strong ties with the retail industry, providing students with opportunities to engage in live projects, case studies, and consultancy work. These collaborations enable students to work on real-world challenges, applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. 
• Final Year Business Project: In the final year, students undertake an independent research project, allowing them to explore a retail marketing topic in depth. This project encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and the application of research methodologies to real-world issues.
• Access to Specialist Facilities: Students benefit from the university's state-of-the-art facilities, including dedicated seminar rooms, computer labs equipped with industry-standard software, and the Stirling Management School's resources. These facilities support collaborative learning and provide access to tools essential for retail marketing studies.
• Career Development Support: The university offers comprehensive career services, including CV workshops, interview preparation, and networking events with industry professionals. These services help students develop the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the competitive retail marketing job market.

Graduates from this degree typically move into roles such as Retail Marketing Manager, Brand Executive, Customer Insight Analyst, or Merchandising Coordinator. The program equips students with skills tailored to retail’s fast-paced environment, combining marketing theory with practical retail knowledge:

• University services to support your employment
  Stirling’s Careers and Employability Service offers one-to-one guidance, CV workshops, employer networking events, and placement support to help students transition smoothly into the retail sector.

• Employment stats & salary figures

  • Around 80% of graduates find relevant employment or further study within six months.
  • Starting salaries for retail marketing roles typically range between £22,000 and £27,000.
  • Alumni report strong career progression in retail marketing and management roles within 3-5 years.

• University–industry partnerships
  The program benefits from connections with leading retailers such as John Lewis, Tesco, and Marks & Spencer, offering live projects, internships, and networking opportunities.

• Long‑term accreditation value
  The course is accredited by the Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM), providing exemptions that accelerate professional qualification paths and support career advancement in retail marketing.

• Graduation outcomes
  A large proportion of graduates enter skilled retail marketing roles immediately, with many progressing to managerial positions in retail, brand, or customer experience teams.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can pursue postgraduate study in areas like MSc Marketing, MSc Retail Management, or an MBA. The CIM accreditation also allows graduates to fast-track professional marketing qualifications, further enhancing career prospects in retail and beyond.