Retail Leadership BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship
Subject and course type
- Business and management
- Degree apprenticeship
The Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship is delivered by Kingston University. This four-year, fully funded programme is designed in collaboration with industry partners to develop future retail leaders.
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Lead the future of retail with Kingston University.
Embark on a career-transforming journey.
This unique four-year, fully funded programme enables you to earn a BSc (Hons) in Retail Leadership while gaining real-world experience within a leading retail organisation. You'll earn a degree and get paid.
Whether you’re passionate about business, leadership, or making an impact in a fast-paced industry, this programme is designed to shape the retail leaders of tomorrow.
Why choose this course
Kingston Business School accreditation
Kingston Business School is internationally accredited by the AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business), a global mark of excellence in business education. Fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide hold this accreditation, recognising the exceptional quality and high standards of our business programmes.
Earn while you learn
You'll start on a competitive salary that increases as you progress through the four-year apprenticeship. During the programme, you’ll gain hands-on experience across a range of retail roles, preparing you for management-level responsibility by the end of your studies.
Zero tuition fees
This degree is fully funded through the Apprenticeship Levy by your employer.
Blended learning model
Enjoy the flexibility of online lectures, interactive seminars and an in-person induction at Kingston University.
Fast-track career path
Our degree apprenticeship is designed to do more than just teach you the basics. We’ll equip you with the skills, knowledge and experience you need to build a successful career in retail. In just four years, you could be managing your own store or leading a team – that’s the kind of potential we see in our apprentices.
Course content
Level 4: Foundations
Core modules
30 credits
This module introduces learners to the retail sector and seeks to embed the beginnings of a strong foundation of knowledge. Consideration is given to the external context in which retail organisations operate and introduces the concept of the retail journey (‘from farm to fork’). As potential retail leaders of the future, learners need to be equipped to understand the component parts of this journey, its relationship to the external environment and the variety and complexity it offers. Understanding of the impact and interaction of the external environment on the way organisations are organised and managed is a key factor.
The performance and measurement of success for organisations over time is an important skill to understand and to be able to appraise. The way in which individuals operate and behave in different types of industry with a focus on retail and grocery retailing is also important to understand.
This module will equip learners with the skills and knowledge required to be able to research, critically appraise, and compare businesses across territories, sectors and size.
Learners experience this based on analysis of contemporary cases, examples and links to varied organisations.
30 credits
This module introduces learners to core topics and concepts of experience and service management, which are critical to the development of a positive and successful retail business culture. This includes the behaviour and management of people in work situations, customer interactions, stakeholders or partners in the sourcing/resourcing and delivery of the proposition organisations offer.
Understanding of different behaviours and needs of stakeholders (including direct reports, peers, line manages and others) is developed in this module. Consideration is given to the ideal customer experience and how to bring all of these elements together for business success. The complexity of relationships within and across global organisations is examined and how these function in “best practice” situations; to build and manage relationships, partnerships and networks in the retail context.
Service is an extremely important element of the proposition for all retail organisations and is deeply embedded in the way an organisation behaves and the individuals and teams work together within it.
The Future Skills Navigate Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.
30 credits
The shift from ‘bricks to clicks’ has rapidly changed the retail landscape in recent years, leading to a proliferation of new opportunities and complexities associated with the advent of the omni-channel. The ‘always-on’ nature of modern retail is established and how retailers can adapt to technological advances is examined.
The key focus of this module is to introduce the concepts and principles associated with the digitisation of the retail sector. This begins with an understanding of traditional retail practices and how the disruptive nature of the digital economy has revolutionised contemporary operations, leading to a more customer-centric approach. The proliferation of data and data sources in an omni-channel environment is considered, enabling learners to confidently navigate multiple sources of information used in retail planning and proposition development. This module takes a practical and immersive approach to problem-solving, applying digital tools and techniques to information gathered for the development of associated skills.
30 credits
The retail supply chain has developed in recent years to become a dynamic ecosystem accounting for the optimum movement of goods from the point of production through to the point of consumption (from ‘farm to fork’). Making connections and building relationships within this complex ecosystem has given rise to best practice including consideration of availability, and environmental issues. Technological advances have also opened-up retail supply chains to consumer influence and concerns, as well as the onset of internationalisation, ‘just in time’ approaches and e-commerce.
This module seeks to deliver an introduction to the fundamental concepts of retail operations from a supply logistics and retail management perspective. The basic mantra of ‘getting the right products to the right place at the right time’ is explored and expanded to cover theoretical concepts and models as well as looking at contemporary issues and hot topics though the lens of case examples.
Learners will work on problems retailed to the retail industry and supply of the UK market. They will develop skills in problem solving, decision making and analysis.
Level 5: Strategy and Insights
Core modules
30 credits
This module builds on, and extends, the introductory principles and skills developed in Level 4 modules, specifically relating to the Retail Business Environment and Digital Retail. It has been designed to enable future Retail Leaders to understand and develop marketing plans for the medium to long term, aligned to corporate objectives, brand values and consumer needs.
The module will follow the strategic marketing process, with close attention paid to the needs of consumers, the importance of brands and the implications of tactical opportunities for retailers. Key models and frameworks will be applied throughout along with case studies of the retail sector.
30 credits
The module builds on and extends the introductory principles and skills developed in Level 4 modules, specifically relating to the Retail Business Environment and Digital Retail. It has been designed to enable future Retail Leaders to understand and develop marketing plans for the medium to long term, aligned to corporate objectives, brand values and consumer needs.
The module will follow the strategic marketing process, with close attention paid to the needs of consumers, the importance of brands and the implications of tactical opportunities for retailers. Key models and frameworks will be applied throughout along with case studies of the retail sector.
30 credits
This module uses and extends data familiarity and skills developed at Level 4 in the Retail Business Environment module to introduce future Retail Leaders to knowledge and application of the principles and key techniques of management accounting. This will support future retail leaders in planning, controlling and monitoring performance as part of their professional role.
30 credits
We live in an uncertain world. Uncertainty brings both opportunities and challenges. In the business world, organisations are grappling with the challenges of sustainability, social responsibility, wellbeing and diversity and inclusion and as key aspects of the KBS strategy these are core to the way we encourage learners to consider their approach to business.
This module delivers the concepts and knowledge of sustainable business and supply chain management and focusses on managing organisations in a responsible way by looking at the ethical issues that emerge in the interactions between a business and its stakeholders and implementation of socially responsible and sustainable programmes and initiatives.
The Future Skills Explore Learning Outcomes are delivered in this module.
Level 6: Leadership in Practice
Core modules
30 credits
This module builds on principles first introduced to students in Level 4's Retail Culture and Service Mindset and addresses learnings from Level 5 about how retail businesses operate, to equip future retail leaders with the tools and skill required to operate in complex and rapidly changing environments. Undertaking this module will prepare retail leaders of the future to sense disruption and change and to create an organisation that is able to respond accordingly. Students will consider the transitions organisations go through, and the implications for leadership.
Students will critically reflect on their own leadership capacity and skills in initiating and leading change in different contexts. Students will consider their own progress and career journey in the context of these environments and leadership styles. This module includes the Future Skills 'Apply' topics and assessment.
30 credits
This module takes a contemporary perspective on the retail landscape and seeks to equip future retail leaders with the skills and knowledge to lead and manage retail strategy development and operations in a fast-changing and technology driven world. This builds upon the strategic process knowledge developed at Level 5 in Retail Marketing Strategy and adds in current thinking and best practice in relation to technological developments and how they impact retail planning, consumers and operations. This includes review of the use of AI in delivery and fulfilment as well as using data and AI tools to predict the behaviour of customers.
Critical thinking, analytical and problem-solving skills will be developed during this module though in-class exercises and assessment support sessions.
60 credits
This is the final core Level 6 module for the BA (Hons) Retail Leadership Degree Apprenticeship. It serves both as 60 credits on the degree and is also the End Point Assessment (EPA) for the Retail Leadership Apprenticeship Integrated Degree IfATE Standard ST0547.
In line with the EPA strategy for the Standard, this module is guided by the EPA Methods, comprising a Work-based Project (Assessment Method 1 Part 1) and Presentation of key findings upon its conclusion with questions and answers (Assessment Method 1, Part 2), and a professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence (Assessment Method 2).
Successful completion of the module requires the student to pass both Assessment Methods of EPA assessment: the Work-based project and Presentation, questions and answers, and the Professional discussion supported by a portfolio of evidence.
Partners
This programme was launched in partnership with Lidl GB and is expanding to include collaborations with a range of leading organisations. Together, we aim to provide exceptional workplace opportunities and real-world experience for our students.
Kingston University's Future Skills framework
Kingston University's innovative teaching integrates nine key future skills into your learning journey:
- Creative problem solving
- Digital competency
- Entrepreneurial thinking
- Adaptability and resilience
- Collaboration and empathy
- Strategic decision making
- Ethical leadership
- Real-world application of knowledge
These skills are embedded through both academic and workplace modules, to ensure you graduate as a confident, future-ready leader.
Career progression
This apprenticeship doesn't just lead to a degree. It opens doors to a long-term career in retail leadership.
After successfully completing the programme, you will:
- graduate with a BSc (Hons) in Retail Leadership from Kingston University
- move into a management training role within your organisation
- access further career pathways within the retail sector.
Future Skills
Our Future Skills programme is embedded within all our undergraduate courses and throughout the whole Kingston experience. These skills will help you to become a future-proof graduate by equipping you with the skills most valued by employers, such as problem-solving, digital competency and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills. You’ll also understand how to demonstrate and articulate to employers how these future skills give you the edge.
Teaching and assessment
The academic delivery on this apprenticeship is offered through a 1-day a week release which will predominantly account for the required 20% off-the-job training.
When not attending timetabled sessions, you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. This typically will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking preparing coursework assignments and presentations, and preparing for final assignments. Your independent learning is supported by a range of excellent facilities including online resources, the library and CANVAS, the online virtual learning platform.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
Assessment typically comprises exams (e.g. test or exam), practical (e.g. presentations, performance) and coursework (e.g. essays, reports, self-assessment, portfolios, dissertation). The approximate percentage for how you will be assessed on this programme is as follows, though depends to some extent on the optional modules you choose.
Type of assessment:
- Coursework: 85%
- Exams: 15%
Based on the Education and Skills Funding Agency funding rules your on-the-job training will also be assessed to ensure that it meets the requirements of the apprenticeship standard. You will also need to successfully complete an End-Point Assessment.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Your individualised timetable is normally available to learners within 48 hours of enrolment. Whilst we make every effort to ensure timetables are as student-friendly as possible, scheduled teaching can take place on any day of the week between 9am and 6pm.
End-Point Assessment
Each apprentice on an approved Apprenticeship Standard is required to take an End-Point Assessment (EPA) to complete the programme. The EPA is delivered by an End-Point Assessment Organisation (EPAO) that is registered with the Education and Skills Funding Agency (ESFA).
The EPA is either integrated as part of the apprenticeship or completed after the course element. If an apprentice is completing the EPA after the course element, they must ensure they have successfully completed their learning, achieved the gateway requirements and finished uploading their evidence prior to taking the EPA.
Fees and funding
This degree apprenticeship programme is funded through the Government's Apprenticeship Levy within the approved funding band.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
Next steps
Employees
If you are currently employed full time and would like to find out more about apprenticeships, please ask your employer to contact the Kingston University apprenticeship team.
Employers
If you are an employer interested in how apprenticeships can support your organisation and employees, please contact the apprenticeship team for further details.
Download our brochure
Download the brochure for our Retail Leadership BSc (Hons) Degree Apprenticeship.
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
