BSc (Hons) Business Management (Retail) top-up University of Bolton

Course Overview

Business management qualifications are essential for advancing your career in business or taking on greater responsibilities in your current role. We are here to help you enhance your existing foundation degree or HND-level knowledge, preparing you to graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Business Management (Retail). This program allows you to study advanced topics in business, management, and retail, while also enhancing your professional skills and employability.

Building on your previous studies, you will explore specialized areas such as retail operations, global consumer behavior, and digital marketing strategy. This honours-level program will equip you with strategic management insights and develop your critical inquiry and research skills to elevate your work quality. Additionally, you will earn the CMI Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management, giving you a competitive edge in the job market.

A major focus of this dynamic and flexible program is your employability. Through real-life case studies, guest speakers, and industry visits, you’ll gain insights into the business environment and understand employer needs across local, national, and international contexts. We aim to help you develop in-demand skills such as communication, data analysis, time management, teamwork, and problem-solving.

Moreover, we emphasize lifelong learning, empowering you to take charge of your professional development and maximize your potential for future success.

Highlights

Our Business, Management, and Marketing courses are ranked second in the UK and top in the North West of England for course and teaching satisfaction by the Guardian University Guide 2022.
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2022 also ranks our Business, Management, and Marketing courses second in the UK and top in the North West of England for student experience.
The Institute of Management Greater Manchester, along with the wider University, offers a welcoming environment with small class sizes, purpose-built facilities, and excellent student support and library services.
Upon successful completion of this dual award course, you will earn both an academic degree and a professionally-recognized management qualification – the CMI Level 5 Award in Leadership and Management. You won’t need to complete additional exams or coursework, as we integrate the degree module with CMI assessments for a streamlined path to both qualifications.
This course is part of our Business Management suite of degrees. At the honours level, based on your prior studies, you can pursue this specialist pathway in Retail, choose the core Business Management route, or select from other specialized pathways.
Our experienced and enthusiastic lecturers, who have worked across various sectors from multinational corporations to SMEs, provide face-to-face sessions and one-on-one support.
A bespoke induction program will help you transition smoothly to honours-level study and acclimate to your new academic environment.

Key Features

You will study in our vibrant Institute of Management, located in Bolton town center.
We employ small group and tutorial teaching methods, ensuring you receive excellent support from our teaching staff.
Guest speakers from senior industry positions regularly visit, providing you with valuable insights and advice.
Course materials are available online, allowing you to prepare at home and fully engage in our interactive in-class sessions.
Our teaching incorporates contemporary research findings, ensuring a strong academic foundation for your studies.
Our dedicated team will assist you in developing critical thinking and research skills, which you can apply during your final year dissertation or work-based project (if you’re employed).
By studying with us, you’ll enjoy Bolton’s many shops, bars, restaurants, and leisure facilities. Nearby Manchester is one of the UK’s most vibrant and multicultural cities, while the Northwest of England boasts beautiful countryside, coastline, and rich heritage.

Entry Requirements

Typically, you should hold a relevant Level HE5 qualification, such as a foundation degree or HND (e.g., FdA/FdSc or HND in Business Management). Alternatively, a relevant professional qualification at an equivalent level may also be acceptable.

You may need to attend an interview and/or submit a portfolio of work as part of the application process.

Career Opportunities

Our dual award BSc (Hons) Business Management (Retail) top-up course is designed to deepen your understanding of business functions at the honours level, specifically in the retail sector.

This course provides a pathway into general management as well as specialized roles in retail. Graduates will have access to a variety of fields, including supply chain management, enterprise, finance, company law, marketing, and people management. The dual qualification earned upon completion enhances your employability across these areas.

In addition to fostering academic and sector-specific knowledge, the program emphasizes key employability skills such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and data analysis. Overall, it aims to equip you with the essential skills needed to thrive in an evolving work environment.

Completing your honours-level studies will be instrumental in achieving your career goals.

What Can I Do with This Qualification?

Graduates with specialized retail knowledge, coupled with a comprehensive understanding of business operations, gain a competitive edge in the job market. As a graduate of this program, you will be prepared for a diverse range of business and management roles across public, private, and voluntary sectors.

Your expertise in retail and knowledge of operational and staffing concerns will be invaluable in roles that advise organizations on retail practices. Career paths may include retail management, as well as opportunities in marketing, human resource management, finance, customer service management, advertising, merchandising, logistics, supply chain management, and accountancy.

You may also choose to pursue further studies to refine your expertise. Numerous postgraduate and professional development courses are available in fields such as human resources, marketing, finance, law, computing, and international business management. An MBA is another option to consider.

Alternative Career Options

This qualification can also serve as a stepping stone into various other careers, although some roles may require relevant experience and/or postgraduate study. Possible alternatives include: