MA in International Retail Business, Sustainability & Technologies
London, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
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EARLIEST START DATE
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TUITION FEES
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STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* we encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study
Introduction
This programme will provide you with fundamental knowledge of the retail industry, introduce you to a diverse range of contemporary issues and teach you skills in creative and cutting-edge solutions based on core intellectual and practical frameworks.
The MA International Retail Business, Sustainability and Technologies combines retail business/management studies with a deep exploration of sustainability principles and practice, technological solutions to contemporary challenges, and building the requisite skills of leadership to drive these solutions forward. The programme differs from conventional retail management courses which exclusively or predominantly focus on the narrow 'management' aspects of retail business. Instead, we adopt a multi-disciplinary approach that introduces you to a diverse range of contemporary issues and provides knowledge and professional skills in cutting-edge solutions based on three core areas of expertise: International Retail Business, Sustainability and Leadership, and Retail Data and Technology.
Study across disciplines
Since the term 'retail' includes all retailing sectors (e.g. automobiles, groceries, electronics, fashion, etc), this programme examines 'retail' not as a sole business subject, but as a multi-disciplinary integrated study field permeating myriad areas of social-cultural and economic life. The programme also aims to challenge established frameworks for understanding global retail business, with a strong emphasis on contextualisation and the incorporation of localised perspectives and frameworks.
Prepare for a career with a combination of theory and practice
As one of the most highly globalised industries at a time of significant change, the retail sector has an urgent need for personnel (new recruits and middle-level managers) who not only understand core business principles and practices but also have the requisite mindset to engage with the social and cultural contexts within which their businesses operate.
This programme's interdisciplinary approach augments a traditionally business studies approach to equip you with business management fundamentals in both theory and practice. You will also be exposed to relevant knowledge and critical understanding from other disciplines, set within a variety of economic, social, and cultural contexts that more closely reflect the true business world. You will come away with a much broader understanding of the retail sector and why certain business decisions should or should not be made. These essential critical thinking, analytical, and practical skills will make you extremely marketable in the retail world of the immediate future.
Engage with pressing contemporary issues
The last two decades have seen the retail industry and its socio-cultural context encounter unprecedented challenges, which require a number of changes in approach, philosophy, and practice. Among the more important of these are the environmental pressures associated with the retail sector, linked to the ecological footprint of the products it sells, the resources it devours, the waste it generates, and the pressures associated with consumerism in general.
The sector is also facing significant existential challenges as it struggles to navigate the rapid changes in globalisation, consumer preferences, and demographics, as well as the proliferation of social media, online retail platforms, and seismic shifts such as those caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. The retail industry is currently facing a historic watershed as it responds to simultaneous demands for stability, adaptability, relevance, sustainability, social responsibility, inventiveness, technological innovation, and financial viability.
Admissions
Scholarships and Funding
British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM
Goldsmiths is delighted to announce the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM for the 2022/23 academic year.
GREAT Scholarships 2022 (India and Pakistan)
In partnership with the British Council and the GREAT Britain Campaign, Goldsmiths is offering 2 scholarships to students in India and Pakistan applying for postgraduate-taught courses.
Curriculum
Compulsory Modules
You will take the following compulsory modules.
Module title Credits
International retail Management 30 credits
Sustainability Thinking and Leadership: Consumption & Development 30 credits
Retail Data and Technology 15 credits
Dissertation 60 credits
Option Modules
You will then make up the remaining 45 credits by choosing from the modules below.
Module title Credits
Creative Social Media 30 credits
Luxury Brands: Retail, Digital and Marketing 30 Credits
Culture, Tourism and Regeneration 30 credits
Cultural Relations and Diplomacy II: Explorations 30 credits
From Idea to Realisation: Entrepreneurial Thinking 15 credits
Technological Innovation & Market Creation 15 credits
Marketing Strategy 15 credits
Consumer Behaviour 15 credits
Creating Customer Experiences 15 Credits
Leadership and Talent Management 15 credits
Data Visualisation and the Web 15 credits
Critical Social Media Practices 15 credits
Consumer Citizenship and Visual Media 30 credits
Social Media in Everyday Life: A global perspective 15 credits
Please note that due to staff research commitments not all of these modules may be available every year.