BSc (Hons) Retail Business Management (Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship) University of Bolton

Course Overview

The Level 6 BSc (Hons) in Retail Business Management (Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship) is designed to cultivate the next generation of leaders in retail organizations. This program enhances your understanding of retail management and the evolving external factors impacting the industry, focusing on both strategic and operational leadership skills.

Offered by the University of Bolton, this course is tailored for individuals with retail management experience or those transitioning into managerial roles. Developed in collaboration with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) and informed by employer feedback, the curriculum ensures relevance to current industry needs. At the Greater Manchester Business School, apprentices will complement their workplace learning with a structured educational framework, equipping them to drive long-term success while managing projects, people, operations, and services.

The learning experience emphasizes practical application, with apprentices spending the majority of their time gaining on-the-job experience. They will also engage in at least six hours of off-the-job learning each week, which includes university studies and access to online resources. Our expert faculty will guide apprentices through essential topics such as strategy, project management, business finance, and digital technologies, fostering their development into effective leaders who can communicate, negotiate, and collaborate successfully.

Our flexible program acknowledges the diversity of retail environments and their unique challenges. We work closely with employers to create tailored learning agreements for each apprentice, ensuring they meet the essential criteria of the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) while gaining additional skills relevant to their organization.

If you’re interested in undergraduate-level training in this field but your employer does not offer apprenticeships, please refer to our related courses for alternative study options.

Highlights

Upon successful completion of the program, apprentices will receive a degree apprenticeship certificate from the relevant awarding body, alongside their academic degree—BSc (Hons) Retail Business Management from the University of Bolton. Graduates will also be eligible to apply for Chartered Manager (CMgr MCMI) status with the CMI.

Engaging face-to-face sessions and personalized support from our experienced lecturers, who have diverse backgrounds in various business sectors.
Development of key skills such as data analysis, critical thinking, professional communication, time management, and teamwork.
A significant work-based research project in the final stage, developed in consultation with your organization, providing valuable insights and experiences.

Key Features

This four-year part-time course seamlessly blends academic study at our vibrant Greater Manchester Business School with hands-on work-based learning in your organization.

Course materials are available online, enhancing the virtual learning experience and allowing apprentices to prepare for interactive in-class sessions.
A student-centered teaching approach ensures tailored support for each apprentice throughout their studies.
A comprehensive overview of retail business management, covering core principles, theories, and models.
Quarterly reviews involving the apprentice, their workplace mentor, and our team to assess progress and foster ongoing dialogue between the workplace and the University.

Entry Requirements

Level 3 qualifications in any subject are acceptable.
Applicants should possess five GCSEs at grade C or above (or equivalent), including English and Mathematics. If applicants have not yet achieved the necessary Level 2 English and Mathematics qualifications, they can complete suitable alternatives locally or with the University’s assistance before starting the apprenticeship.
Previous business and management experience may be considered for applicants who do not meet the academic requirements.
A joint discussion with the employer and the University of Bolton will take place during the application process to establish mutual understanding and rapport. Additional assessments or portfolios may be required to assess suitability.

Admission to this program is contingent on meeting ESFA eligibility criteria, including:

Employment for a minimum of 30 hours per week in a relevant role.
Right to live and work in the UK.
Employer support for at least six hours per week of off-the-job training, including university attendance.

Career Opportunities

This retail-focused program aligns with the Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship (CMDA) standard for Leadership and Management (ST0272). Developed collaboratively by employers, higher education institutions, and the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), this qualification offers a relevant pathway for professional development, preparing retail business managers to take charge of people, projects, operations, and services for long-term organizational success.

The program aims to cultivate professional managers who can navigate complexity and make an impact at both strategic and operational levels. Employers can expect graduates to possess skills in strategic decision-making, setting direction, achieving results, team leadership, effective communication, skill development, motivation, fostering inclusive and ethical cultures, change management, project management, financial oversight, innovation, risk management, and building stakeholder relationships.

Overall, the BSc (Hons) in Retail Business Management (Chartered Manager Degree Apprenticeship) equips apprentices to assume management and leadership responsibilities for achieving organizational objectives across various functions in retail.

What Can I Do With This Qualification?

Graduates from this program will be valuable assets to retail organizations of all sizes and across diverse functions. Upon successful completion of the end-point assessment, apprentices will have the opportunity to apply for Chartered Manager status, positioning them for more advanced roles in retail management.

Additionally, graduates will be well-prepared to pursue postgraduate studies in areas such as marketing, finance, human resources, and international business management to further enhance their expertise. An MBA is also a viable option for those looking to elevate their career prospects.

Modules

The following modules may include both compulsory and optional components, and you may not have the opportunity to study all of them as part of the course.