The Retail Academy Singapore

Q: Why Stirling?
The Institute for Retail Studies at the University of Stirling was established in 1983 to act as a focus for the study of the retail industry. It has a core staff of academics renowned for both academic and applied research. It has undertaken both research and consultancy for public and private sector organisations and its staff appear regularly in the media.

The Institute for Retail Studies

is respected by the retail sector
has an international academic reputation
provides teaching applicable to business with materials specially written for the retail sector
operates a flexible approach to teaching and learning
has staff expertise and related research networks with over twenty-five years experience of research and management development

Q: Why this MBA?
The MBA in Retailing is unique in that it is the only MBA which caters specifically for the retail sector. It is written and delivered by a team renowned for their international research and consultancy. Participants on the programme apply their knowledge from the MBA to their own business. Students therefore benefit by:

becoming more effective managers;
enhancing their career opportunities;
achieving a prestigious postgraduate business qualification.
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Q: Why Distance Learning?
The MBA in Retailing has been designed for those managers who cannot or who do not wish to study on a full-time basis. Distance learning is a means of delivering HIGH QUALITY management education to a student regardless of location.

Q: How does the MBA work?
The MBA in Retailing is a modular programme and this means that individuals can study at a pace to suit themselves. To gain an MBA an individual must complete eight taught modules and submit a dissertation. However, as the programme is modular, individuals who have completed four prescribed modules qualify for the Postgraduate Certificate in Retailing, while those who complete eight taught modules qualify for the Postgraduate Diploma in Retailing. Those who then go on to complete the dissertation successfully qualify for the MBA in Retailing.

Q: Will I lose out by studying for an MBA that specialises in retailing?
The simple answer is no. The programme incorporates the general management principles that one would expect on an MBA. Students who graduate have a firm understanding of Finance, Marketing, Strategy and HRM. There are two differences between the Stirling MBA and other programmes. First, when teaching the general management principles we use retail examples rather than practices drawn from other sectors. In this way they remain relevant to our core market. Secondly, the programme offers the opportunity to examine subjects not traditionally found on an MBA programme such as International Retailing and Locational Strategy.

Q: Do you give any assistance with the programme fees?
This is not available through the University, for a range of fee options please see our ‘Programme Fees & Scholarship’ page.

Q: What are the benefits to my employer?
If you are thinking about approaching your company to enquire about sponsorship or if you are thinking about sponsoring an individual on the programme it may be helpful to consider the following advantages of the MBA in Retailing. These are:

Applicability: the programme has been designed for the retail industry. Employers and participants benefit immediately from the additional skills and knowledge gained.
Integration: employers do not lose valuable members of staff to full-time study for one or two years and the employees avoid the problem that can arise with re-integration into the organisation.
Flexibility: participants can organise their study time according to personal circumstances, without loss of income or disruption to their careers.
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Q: Can my employer sponsor me?
Many of our students have been supported by their employer on a full or part sponsorship basis. We provide you with examples of the various ways to do this on our ‘Programme Fees & Scholarship’ page.

Q: I have no formal qualifications. How will I cope with studying at University level?
We take a range of factors into account when considering a candidate’s suitability for the programme, including industrial experience, career history and previous qualifications. In the first few months, emphasis is placed on study techniques including a “trial” assignment. The programme is designed to equip you to learn at a distance, but help is always at hand! The normal entrance requirements onto the MBA are either (i) an honours degree plus 2-3 years relevant work experience or (ii) 8-10 years working in retailing or a related field in a middle or senior management capacity.

Q: I have a lot of work and family commitments. I’m concerned that I would not be able to fit it all in?
This is one of the most common concerns from students. A Masters degree is challenging and most of our students have responsible and demanding jobs. However, most of our students graduate and nearly all of our graduates observe that they were glad to start it when they did. All comment on how quickly the time passes!

Q: How many hours a week does the MBA take?
The amount of time obviously varies depending upon the speed with which you study and the subject being taught. However, a fair estimate is between 6-8 hours per week. After the first few months individuals quickly settle into the pattern that best suits them.

Q: Can I take ‘time out’ if my circumstances change?
Yes. Because of changed work or family commitments a small number of students take ‘time out’ and then re-commence the programme from where they left off.

Q: I think I’m too young / too old?
We have had a wide range of students on the programme ranging from mid-20s to over 60 years of age.

Q: When does the programme start?
The programme starts May/June of each year but early enrolment is advised.

Q: What happens if I do not complete the programme?
The programme is modular, so if you successfully complete Year One you will receive the Postgraduate Certificate in Retailing. If you successfully complete Year Two you will receive the Postgraduate Diploma in Retailing.

Q: What if I have not studied since I was in school?
Don’t worry. You will find yourself with a number of other individuals in exactly the same position. In addition, the IRS provides a full support package to assist you back into the learning environment.

Q: Would I be able to talk to someone who has completed the MBA?
Yes - if you want to, we can arrange for you to talk to one of our MBA graduates.

Q: What if I start the programme and it is just not for me?
We want to make sure the programme is right for you. If you leave within the first fourteen weeks, we will refund your programme fees as long as all materials and books are returned in good condition and that you cover the cost of accommodation at any Study School attended. After fourteen weeks, refunds would be at the discretion of the Programme Director.

Within the first six weeks of the first study period		Full refund of the annual fee, less a 15% administrative charge. In addition, students will be responsible for the cost of materials and books provided as well as any costs incurred for the study school.

More than six weeks after the first study period and before the beginning of the second study period		50% refund of the annual fee, less 15% administrative charge. In addition, students will be responsible for the cost of materials and books provided as well as any costs incurred for the study school.

Thereafter		No refund on the annual fee

Q: What happens if I cannot attend the Study Schools?
We advise our students to try and attend all the Study Schools if they possibly can as that is when exams take place and the next section of the programme is taught. In addition, the study school is a great opportunity to cement friendships, share notes and generally bond with fellow students - many graduates cite the study schools as a very important part of their University ‘experience’. However, for overseas students and in other extenuating circumstances, we can make arrangements for external examinations to be held elsewhere.

Q: What happens after I graduate?
Students undertake the MBA for different reasons. Some do it for career advancement, whilst others do it to further their professional development in their current role. Other people use it as a springboard for new horizons or for their personal achievement. Whatever your goals, the MBA in Retailing will help you to achieve them.

Q: If I am interested what should be my next step?
Pick up the phone and give us a call on (65) 6838 7001 or email any questions to enquiry@retailacademy.com.sg. We would be happy to talk through the programme with you and to discuss your individual requirements.