International Retail Management (B. A.)

Please note: The program will expire in the winter semester of 2022. Application is no longer possible.

The course is highly practical in orientation with at least 30 weeks spent doing internships in retail companies. The latter includes a 10-week basic internship and a 20-week practical semester in a retail company that operates internationally.

Recommended English language level
In this degree course, some modules are taught in English. Furthermore, it is possible to write seminar papers and final theses in English. This can be an opportunity if the seminar papers and final theses are written in cooperation with international companies. Successful participation in the modules as well as the successful completion of the seminar and final theses requires experience in English at the level of an Internet-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) with at least 71 points.

Possibilities to achieve the recommended language level
Students who do not have the recommended language level at the beginning of the study can earn this level during their studies through the offers of the THI Language Centre. This offer includes e.g. Business English, Refresher courses in grammar and spelling, and TOEFL preparation courses. In addition, the THI Language Centre provides individual advice to students on how to improve the English language level.

The degree course in International Retail Management (in German) offers a high level of practical orientation and focuses on dovetailing theory and practice, so it is usually taken as a dual studies programme. We recommend students take up an internship contract with a retail company for the entire duration of the course, though this is not an admission requirement.

The dual studies programme enables a combination of practical training elements in a company with the theoretical education provided by the university. There is a choice of either the joint model (academic study + vocational training) or the degree course with vocational experience (academic study + intense practical phases). There is an obvious advantage to students here: practically oriented academic study generally enables a particularly smooth transition from university to the world of work. What is more, the student usually receives financial remuneration from the company concerned.

In the joint model, students may start working at the company several months before the start of the first semester, depending on the company concerned. At the start of the course there is an alternation between theory (during the semester) and practical experience (between semesters and during the practical semesters). In order to embark on a dual studies programme, students have to apply to both a company and to THI (be sure to take note of company application deadlines!).

More info on our dual studies-pages, or check dual cooperation partner companies. Even if no partner company is currently active in this degree programme, you are welcome to contact us.

The course gives students a sound basis for taking on demanding leadership roles in a retail company. It offers excellent career prospects as well as the ability to take on interesting, innovative and challenging roles.

Career options including a range of management positions in the retail field, such as:

• Branch director
• Head of department
• Market director
• Area or regional manager
• A range of central positions in the areas of purchasing, HR, multi-channel management, logistics, expansion, etc.

THI has set itself the goal of encouraging as many students as possible to undertake a study trip or internship abroad. This is because international experience enhances job prospects – not just due to the language skills acquired abroad but first and foremost because of additional qualities such as independence, tolerance and flexibility.

For this reason we would encourage you to make the most of the opportunity of a study trip or internship programme offered by THI in other countries. Our international network consists of more than 130 partner universities as well as numerous international companies, and it is growing constantly worldwide. In this connection, students should feel free to use the International Office as a central point of contact.

Why are you studying International Retail Management (IHM)?
Marwan, intern with Media-Saturn

“I chose this degree course because of its two-pronged approach. I think the combination of theory and practice is ideal because I can apply what I’ve learned in practice. That’s exactly what I like so much about this programme – the fact that it’s very hands-on. What is more, THI offers a great platform for successful studies. All in all I can recommend anyone who's considering taking a degree in International Retail Management at THI to go ahead and sign up.”

Why did you opt for the dual studies degree course in International Retail Management (IHM)?
Alexandra, intern with Aldi-Süd

“I was drawn to the dual studies programme because of the link between theory and practice. And I've always been interested in retail anyway. I particularly like the fact that you work in small groups. This means you can get proactively involved in the lectures.”