Program structure: BSc in Retail Management
All six semesters include mandatory courses with a specific focus on retail. They also provide you with general knowledge within business and economics.
The program also includes three tracks that run through the six semesters:
- The Applied Retail Track gives you a unique opportunity to work closely with well-known retail companies. It gives you unmatched networking opportunities for a future career in retail.
- The Antonia Ax:son Johnson Tutorial Program focuses on offering a more personalized learning experience and develop your leadership skills.
- The AI Skills Building Track helps Retail Management students develop practical skills in using artificial intelligence to address real business challenges.
In semesters 5 or 6, you write your Bachelor thesis and also have a big company project. Furthermore, you have the opportunity to go on an exchange semester at one of more than 100 prestigious partner universities around the world.
The program is designed as a full-time course of study, where teaching and learning rely heavily on active participation, collaboration, and consistent attendance. It is difficult to combine the program with other demanding daytime commitments, such as additional studies or employment. To get the most out of the program, both academically and socially, you should approach your studies as a full-time responsibility, roughly equivalent to a typical workday (9:00–17:00), allowing time for classes, preparation, and group work.
See the program structure in full detail below.
Before the start of the program
Before you enroll, we offer a preparatory Mathematics course as well as "Welcome to Swedish", a popular introductory course for international students who wish to familiarize themselves with the Swedish language and culture (even though all programs at SSE are taught in English).
Integrated tracks
Integrated tracks running in parallel with the core curriculum throughout the 3-year program:
- The Applied Retail Track
- The Antonia Ax:son Johnson Tutorial Program
- AI Skills Building Track
Year 1
Semester 1
Period 1:
- Introductory Course in Happiness and Wellbeing
- Introduction to Retailing
- Economics I
Examination Period in October.
Period 2:
- Accounting
- Marketing
Examination Period in January.
Semester 2
Period 3:
- Management Control
- Supply Chain Management
Examination Period in March.
Period 4:
- Economics II
- Marketing Research
Examination Period in May/June.
Year 2
Semester 3
Period 1:
- Finance
- Management & Organization
Examination period in October.
Period 2:
- Retail Accounting and Financial Management
- Business Law
Examination period in January.
Semester 4
Period 3:
- Data Analytics: Statistics for Retail Management
- Principles of Happiness
Examination period in February. - Marketing Communications
Examination period in March.
Period 4:
- Customer Experience Management
Examination period in May. - Data science for Retail Management
Examination period in June.
Year 3
Semester 5
Period 1:
Examination period in October.
Period 2:
- Retail Operations
- Advanced Customer Management
- Applied Retail Track Company Project
Examination period in January.
Semester 6
Period 3:
- Brand and Category Management
- Degree Project
Examination period in March.
Period 4:
- Innovation Strategy
If you have a strong interest in starting your own business, make sure to also check out the SSE Business Lab (not part of the program). - Degree Project
Examination period in May/June.
Possibility for exchange semester
In semester 5 or 6, you have the opportunity to go on an exchange semester at one of more than 100 prestigious partner universities around the world. The Retail Management Program have 8 exchange seats every year (4 in semester 5 and 4 in semester 6).
You apply for an exchange seat based on your GPA merits and SASSE (student life association) points in year 2. The mandatory courses during semester 5 or semester 6 will then be replaced with participation in the student exchange program.
Elective courses in year 3
Students who do not go for an exchange semester can select one elective course during in either semester 5 or 6:
- In Semester 5, the elective can replace the 'Retail Operations' course.
- In Semester 6, the elective can replace the 'Innovation Strategy' course.
Students may apply for any elective courses offered during the relevant semesters. Some of the most popular electives include Luxury Goods and Art in the Market and Leading Teams: Advanced Project Management.