Retail Marketing BA/BSc

Retail Marketing is all about understanding consumers and creating strategies to attract, engage and retain them in a competitive retail environment. From fashion and luxury brands to supermarkets and online stores, this degree equips you with skills in marketing, branding, consumer psychology and retail management. It’s ideal for students who are creative, commercially minded and interested in how products are marketed and sold.

BA or BSc

You can find a retail marketing degree as a BA (Hons), which often has a stronger focus on the creative and strategic aspects like brand management and visual merchandising, or a BSc (Hons), which may emphasize the data, analytical, and business-oriented sides like supply chain management and finance.

Course Structure

A Retail Marketing degree is usually three years full time, with many universities offering a four-year option including a placement year or study abroad. The course blends academic learning with practical case studies, simulations and live projects with retail businesses. Assessment is typically through coursework, group projects, exams and presentations.

Useful A-Level or BTEC Subjects

Entry requirements vary but helpful qualifications include:

• A levels: Business Studies, Economics, Sociology, Psychology, Media Studies or English. Typical offers are around BBC–ABB.

  
  

• BTECs: Business, Marketing or Enterprise are highly relevant and widely accepted.

  
  

• International Baccalaureate: Business Management, Economics or Social Sciences at Higher Level are often preferred.

  
  

A background in business, marketing or social sciences provides a strong foundation.

What Makes a Strong Application

Retail Marketing courses value students who show creativity, commercial awareness and people skills. A strong application includes:

• Good academic results in relevant subjects.

  
  

• Work experience, particularly in retail, customer service or marketing, which demonstrates practical understanding.

  
  

• A personal statement showing an interest in consumer behaviour, branding and the future of retail (such as e-commerce and sustainability).

  
  

• Extracurricular activities, such as running a social media page, small business or involvement in marketing projects, can strengthen your application.

Transferable Skills You Will Develop

A Retail Marketing degree develops skills that are highly valued in business and beyond, including:

• Marketing strategy: Creating campaigns tailored to consumer needs.

  
  

• Consumer insight and research: Understanding shopper behaviour and market trends.

  
  

• Digital and social media marketing: Using online platforms effectively to promote retail brands.

  
  

• Communication and creativity: Designing persuasive messages and visual content.

  
  

• Problem-solving and adaptability: Responding to changing retail trends and technologies.

  
  

• Teamwork and leadership: Working on projects and managing retail-focused campaigns.

  
  

Wider Reading: Recommended Books for Aspiring Retail Marketing Students

To prepare for your studies and show curiosity about the field, here are four accessible books:

“Why We Buy: The Science of Shopping” by Paco Underhill

A fascinating look at how consumers behave in stores and what influences their decisions.

“Buyology: Truth and Lies About Why We Buy” by Martin Lindstrom

Explores the psychology and neuroscience behind consumer choices.

“Contagious: How to Build Word of Mouth in the Digital Age” by Jonah Berger

Insightful and engaging, this book explains why some ideas, brands and products go viral.

“Retail Marketing Management” by David Gilbert

A practical and student-friendly introduction to marketing in the retail industry.

Typical Pay After Graduation

Retail Marketing graduates can expect to earn around £23,000 to £28,000 in entry-level roles such as marketing assistant, retail analyst or brand coordinator. With experience, salaries rise to £35,000–£50,000 in management positions. Senior brand managers, marketing directors or retail consultants can earn £60,000 to over £100,000 depending on the company and sector.