Retail Management

About the program

Why Retail Management at SSE

A distinctive business degree combining strong academic foundations with deep collaboration with industry. Students develop the analytical tools, strategic thinking, and practical experience needed to understand and shape consumer-focused businesses.

The only program of its kind in the world 

With only 60 students enrolled each year, the program offers an intimate and highly selective learning environment.

Rooted in business economics, the curriculum provides a strong foundation in marketing, strategy, and financial management, using retail and consumer business as its applied context. Students graduate with both analytical depth and practical industry insight. 

Deep integration with the industry’s top players

Close industry collaboration is at the core of the program. Through the Applied Retail Track, a three-year course running alongside the curriculum, students work directly with leading companies on real business challenges, applying theory to live cases and strategic projects. 

This close engagement with more than 100 corporate partners ensures that learning remains practial, relevant, and closely connected to the realities of modern business. The retail clubs that students are part of in the Applied Retail Track are:

• Accenture
• Axel Johnson
• Circular Impact (powered by Svensk Handel/Swedish Commerce)
• Entrepreneurship & Family Business (powered by Erling-Perssons Stiftelse)
• E-Commerce
• Fiskars
• H&M
• ICA
• Synsam
• Systembolaget

Personal development and leadership

Alongside academic coursework, students participate in the Antonia Ax:son Johnson Tutorial Program, a unique personal development track.

Through mentorship, small-group discussions, and reflective exercises, students strengthen their critical thinking, communication, and ethical leadership. 

Graduates leave the program not only with business knowledge, but with the ability to lead responsibly in complex organizations.

AI and future business skills 

Through Prompt Days, students develop practical skills in applying AI to real business challenges.

Hands-on workshops teach students how to use AI tools to analyze data, automate tasks, and develop innovative solutions. 

By combining academic insight with industry expertise, the initiative ensures graduates are prepared to navigate the technological transformation of the consumer economy.

Program structure

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. You also have the opportunity to go on an exchange semester at one of our prestigious partner universities around the world. The Bachelor program in Retail Management has eight exchange seats available each year (four in semester 5 and four in semester 6).
  
  Learn more about the program structure.

Career opportunities

Graduates typically persue ambitious careers across retail, consumer, consulting, financial, and technology sectors.

According to the latest BSc Employment Report: 

• 91% of graduates working after graduation had a job within three months.
• 78 % received a job offer before graduation. 

Many join leading companies within the program's network of more than 100 corporate partners, while others continue their studies at the Master’s level at SSE or other leading universities. 

Typical roles include: 

• Brand Manager/Marketing Manager
• CEO
• Consumer Insight Analyst
• E-commerce Manager
• Entrepreneur
• Head of Sustainability
• Key Account Manager
• Merchandise Manager
• Sales Manager
• Supply Chain Manager

Career support
SSE’s network of corporate partners and alumni supports career development throughout your studies. During your studies, you will have access to career services including:

• Job opportunities and internships via the SSE Career Hub
• CV support and interview training
• Career coaching and workshops
• Mentorship programs with alumni and professionals

Student life

SSE is a small international business school with a beautiful art-infused campus. You study right in the heart of Stockholm, with cafés, parks, and public transportation hubs just around the corner.

Student life at SSE is vibrant, social, and closely connected to your studies. The student association (SASSE) is one of the most active in the Nordics. Through SASSE, you can get involved in a wide range of activities, projects, and events alongside your academic work.

Many students join committees, organize events, or contribute to initiatives in areas such as business, culture, sports, and social impact. This creates opportunities to meet students across programs and years, build your professional network, and develop skills beyond the classroom.