Dual studies Business Administration - Retail Management (B.A.) – IU International University of Applied Sciences

👉 The dual Bachelor's programme in Business Administration - Specialisation in Retail Management at IU International University combines business knowledge with practical experience in the retail environment. The target group consists mainly of high school graduates and professionals who are interested in retail management, e-commerce, and modern management tasks. The seven-semester programme provides foundations in business administration, management, law, and digitalisation, as well as specialisations such as e-commerce, market research, and supply chain management. Practical phases in companies ensure a close connection to the working world. The programme can start in either the summer or winter semester, with a practical partner covering the tuition fees. The Dual Studies programme is available for many cities in Germany and as Dual myStudies online.

Business Administration - Retail Management (B.A.) at a Glance

📜 Degree Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
⏳ Duration 7 Semesters
🏫 University IU International University of Applied Sciences, UAS based in Erfurt (Germany)
IU International University is a private, state-recognised university of applied sciences based in Erfurt, Thuringia, and one of the largest distance-learning providers in Germany. Its programmes span business, IT, health and engineering. For international students, the key draw is its range of fully English-taught online degrees – accredited in Germany, open to applicants worldwide, and studied flexibly from home or alongside work.
📋 Study Format Dual studies
🎓 Field of Study EconomicsBusiness Administration
🎯 ECTS 210 Credit Points
🌍 Language of Instruction German
📖 Course contents Introduction to Scientific Work for Business, Management, and Communication, Business Administration, Accounting and Financial Reporting, Fundamentals of Management, Investment and Financing, Cost and Performance Accounting, Leadership 4.0, Managerial Economics, Marketing, Personnel and Corporate Management, Law, Statistics, Taxation, Corporate Planning and Control, Business Mathematics, Seminar: Current Topics in Business Administration, Practical Project: Agile Project Management, Practical Project: Corporate Social Responsibility, Practical Project: Digital Business Models, Practical Project: Megatrends in the Business Context, Practical Project: Business Start-Up, Practical Project: Economic Policy, Practical Project: Generative AI in the Business Context, Practical Reflection 1: Business, Practical Reflection 2: Business, Practical Reflection 3: Business, Practical Reflection 4: Business, Practical Reflection 5: Business, Practical Reflection 6: Business, Practical Reflection 7: Business, Bachelor Thesis, Colloquium
📚 Electives Market research and analysis, economic policy, supply chain management, personnel marketing and development, basics of trade management, customer relationship management, international trade, corporate and tax law, special issues in trade management
📍 Location Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Brunswick, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Hanover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart, or Virtual Campus
📅 Enrollment Winter or summer semester
🔗 More Info https://www.iu.de/en/

These are the requirements for the Bachelor of Business Administration - Retail Management

For the Dual Studies in Business Administration - Specialization in Retail Management at IU, the following formal admission requirements apply:

  • General qualification for university entrance (Abitur) or subject-restricted higher education entrance qualification (Fachabitur)
  • Alternatively: Subject-specific higher education entrance qualification
  • Studying without Abitur is possible, if one of the following conditions is met:
    • Completed advanced training course, for example as a state-certified business administrator or with a master craftsman's certificate
    • Completed, recognized vocational training with subsequent at least three years of relevant full-time work experience
  • No numerus clausus (NC); there are no entry restrictions based on the Abitur grade
  • Additionally, a contract with a practical partner company is required to secure the practical part of the studies. IU actively supports the search with its network of over 15,000 practical partners.

The study programme starts twice a year (April, October).

Possible personal requirements for a successful study in the field of Business Administration - Retail Management are:

  • Strong interest in business processes and trade
  • Motivation to directly apply theoretical knowledge in practice
  • Communication skills, teamwork and organizational talent
  • Willingness to work independently and flexibility to combine study and practical assignments
  • Affinity for digital markets, (online) marketing or e-commerce is advantageous
  • Good time management to meet the requirements of theoretical and practical phases

The university values an open, practice-oriented attitude and expressly promotes career changers with professional experience.

What content do you learn in the Dual Studies in Retail Management?

In the dual degree program Business Administration - Specialization in Retail Management at the IU International University, you will deal with all relevant areas related to trade. The program provides you with a combination of basic business knowledge and specific expertise in modern retail management.

  • Basic Business Principles: Accounting, Balance Sheet, Cost and Performance Accounting, Investment, Financing, Statistics, Business Mathematics.
  • Management Skills: Personnel and Corporate Management, Leadership 4.0, Corporate Planning and Control, Legal Issues in Commerce, Taxation.
  • Retail-specific Focus Areas: Supply Chain Management, E-Commerce, Market Research, Customer Relationship Management, International Commercial Law.
  • Practical Projects: Agile Project Management, Digital Business Models, Corporate Social Responsibility, Generative AI in a Corporate Context.
  • Seminars and Reflections: Business Practice Reflection, Seminars on current topics in Business Administration.
  • Conclusion: Bachelor's thesis and colloquium.

The regular projects and practical phases you have to complete promote the direct application of the knowledge you have acquired in business practice.

How is the Dual Studies in Retail Management structured?

At IU, you study in the dual degree program using one of the following two study models: In the Dual Studies, classes are held on campus two days a week - occasionally also online via live video conferencing. Afterwards, the learned material is deepened through the study materials. The Dual myStudies program combines flexible self-study with digital learning formats. Through myCampus, you independently acquire the theory - supported by innovative learning materials and Syntea, your personal AI learning assistant. Additionally, you can participate in weekly virtual companion events and use other interactive live formats to deepen your knowledge.

The program starts twice a year (April or October). The program usually lasts 7 semesters.

  • Dual Studies: You attend classes on campus or virtually two days a week and work in a practical company on the remaining days.
  • Dual myStudies: Self-study is flexible with digital learning materials and an AI tutor, supplemented by regular virtual companion events.

Each week, you work about 20 hours with your practical partner. In total, you earn 180 (Dual Studies) or 210 ECTS points (Dual myStudies).

Career Opportunities with a Degree in Retail Management

The Dual Studies program qualifies you for responsible positions in retail, wholesale, or e-commerce. Possible career fields include:

  • Store Manager: You take over the personnel management, efficiency, and process optimization of a store.
  • Customer Relationship Manager: You are responsible for customer relationship management and develop strategies for customer retention and acquisition.
  • E-Commerce Manager: You design and optimize the online presence, develop marketing measures, and work closely with the sales and marketing departments.
  • Other Perspectives: Procurement, Sales, Supply Chain Management, or Market Research in domestic and international trade.

The practical experience during the program facilitates entry into middle management and enables versatile career paths in the business environment.

Where can you complete the program?

IU offers the Dual Studies in Business Administration - Specialization in International Management at numerous locations nationwide as well as online.

On-site locations for Dual Studies: Aachen, Augsburg, Berlin, Bielefeld, Bonn, Braunschweig, Bremen, Dortmund, Dresden, Duisburg, Düsseldorf, Erfurt, Frankfurt am Main, Hamburg, Hannover, Karlsruhe, Cologne, Leipzig, Mainz, Mannheim, Munich, Münster, Nuremberg, Stuttgart

Dual myStudies: Online study via myCampus with accompanying virtual live events

  • Optional companion events for deepening knowledge - weekly via live video conference
  • All programs at the Virtual Campus are accredited as dual distance learning programs
  • Your theory is 100% virtual - flexible, location-independent, at your own pace
  • You learn independently on myCampus with innovative learning materials and the AI learning assistant Syntea
  • Digital, interactive live formats promote interaction with lecturers and fellow students

At the locations, you will find modern learning environments, small study groups, and personal support. In the Dual myStudies, you experience the entire program digitally - with live lectures, online seminars, and a digital learning platform.

What are the costs of the Dual Studies? How does the financing work?

Your dual degree program at IU International University is free of charge - the practical partner covers all study fees. This means for you:

  • €0 Tuition Fees - no costs for teaching, materials, and seminars.
  • Remuneration during practical phases depending on the company may be possible.
  • You have to finance additional living expenses (rent, meals, etc.) yourself.

The model is designed to enable you to pursue a private university education without self-financing - theory, practice, and personal development under one roof.

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