MA
International Retail Business, Sustainability & Technologies
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Why study MA International Retail Business, Sustainability & Technologies at Goldsmiths
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.
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This Masters 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.
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The programme differs from conventional retail management courses that 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.
Contact the department
If you have specific questions about the degree, contact the Programme Convenor.
Length
1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
Fees
Home - full-time: £13600
Home - part-time: £6800
International - full-time: £24350
Department
Study across disciplines
Since the term 'retail' includes all retailing sectors (for example, automobiles, groceries, electronics, fashion), 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.
What you'll study
You'll 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 |
Teaching style
Taught sessions and lectures provide overviews of themes, which students are encouraged to complement with intensive reading for presentation and discussion with peers at seminars.
Assessments build on lectures and seminars, so students are expected to attend all taught sessions to build knowledge and their own understanding of their chosen discipline.
Entry requirements
You should normally have (or expect to be awarded) and undergraduate degree of upper second class standard in a subject relevant to the programme, or relevant equivalent experience.
Entrepreneurs or industry professionals may gain entry by prior accredited learning, subject to stringent evaluation criteria.
International qualifications
We accept a wide range of international qualifications. Find out more about the qualifications we accept from around the world.
If English isn’t your first language, you will need an IELTS score (or equivalent English language qualification) of 6.5 with a 6.5 in writing and no element lower than 6.0 to study this programme. If you need assistance with your English language, we offer a range of courses that can help prepare you for postgraduate study.
Fees and funding
Annual tuition fees
These are the PG fees for students starting their programme in the 2025/2026 academic year.
- Home - full-time: £13600
- Home - part-time: £6800
- International - full-time: £24350
If your fees are not listed here, please check our postgraduate fees guidance or contact the Fees Office, who can also advise you about how to pay your fees.
It’s not currently possible for international students to study part-time under a student visa. If you think you might be eligible to study part-time while being on another visa type, please contact our Admissions Team for more information.
If you are looking to pay your fees please see our guide to making a payment.
Funding opportunities
Explore the Goldsmiths scholarships finder to find out what funding you may be eligible for.
If you are a UK student you may be eligible for a postgraduate loan.
Meanwhile our Careers Service can also offer advice on finding work during your studies.
Paying your fees
Find out about paying your tuition fees.
Additional costs
In addition to your tuition fees, you'll be responsible for any additional costs associated with your course, such as buying stationery and paying for photocopying. You can find out more about what you need to budget for on our study costs page.
There may also be specific additional costs associated with your programme. This can include things like paying for field trips or specialist materials for your assignments. Please check the programme specification for more information.
How to apply
You apply directly to Goldsmiths using our online application system.
To complete your application, you will need to have:
- Details of your academic qualifications
- The email address of your referee who we can request a reference from, or alternatively a copy of your academic reference
- Copies of your educational transcripts or certificates
- A personal statementpersonal statement. Please make sure your statement addresses the following questions:
- What is your educational/professional background and how does this relate to your decision to choose this particular MA?
- What are your expectations of this MA/what do you want to achieve through this programme?
- Why and how do you think this MA at Goldsmiths particularly aligns with your future goals and aspirations?
You'll be able to save your progress at any point and return to your application by logging in using your username/email and password.
When to apply
We accept applications for students wanting to start the following September. We encourage you to complete your application as early as possible, even if you haven't finished your current programme of study. It's very common to be offered a place that is conditional on you achieving a particular qualification.
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available.
If you're applying for funding, you may be subject to an earlier application deadline.
Further guidance
Read our guide to applying for a postgraduate degree at Goldsmiths.
