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Deutsch Who is the Bachelor's Degree in Retail Management & E-Commerce suitable for?
The Bachelor's degree in Retail Management & E-Commerce is aimed at school leavers who aspire to a career in retail or online business and are specifically interested in topics such as sales, e-commerce, digital marketing, and supply chain management. It is particularly targeted at individuals who want to work in positions such as e-commerce manager, store manager, sales manager, or online marketing manager, or who plan to develop their own digital business models. The practice-oriented study concept is ideal for you if, after completing your Abitur, Fachabitur, or as a professionally qualified person, you are looking for a broad commercial education with a digital focus and value hands-on case studies as well as close collaboration with corporate partners.
What formal admission requirements apply at the University of Applied Management?
You can be admitted to the Bachelor's degree in Retail Management & E-Commerce if you meet one of the following requirements:
- General higher education entrance qualification (Abitur)
- Advanced technical college entrance qualification (Fachabitur, recognised nationwide)
- Professional qualification without Abitur: You have completed vocational training and several years of professional experience in accordance with the applicable state-specific regulations; a separate selection procedure may be required
Admission is also possible if you have already earned credits at universities and these are recognised.
You should have a strong interest in economic contexts, especially in retail and e-commerce. Analytical thinking skills, initiative, and willingness to work on practical projects are crucial for success in the course. Communication skills, digital affinity as well as the willingness to familiarise yourself with new IT solutions, shop systems and current market developments are expected. As the course is practice-oriented and partly project-based, motivation, teamwork skills, and flexibility will support your learning success.
What content can you expect in the Bachelor’s in Trade Management & E-Commerce?
In the Bachelor’s degree programme Trade Management & E-Commerce at the University of Applied Management, you will develop comprehensive skills for the modern trade world. Focus areas include both classical trade management and the digital economy – preparing you perfectly for the fusion of offline and online retail.
- Specialist knowledge in trade: You will learn to understand and manage processes from procurement to sales. This includes pricing, sales strategies, customer retention, accounting, and tax law.
- E-Commerce know-how: The focus is on the creation and management of online shops, omnichannel strategies, conversion optimisation, webshop systems, and digital payment methods.
- Practical projects & future skills: You will work on real case studies, deepen your “AI inside” skills (artificial intelligence in every subject module), learn data-driven decision-making, and practise project management as well as innovative problem-solving.
- Analytical and personal skills: Statistics, business mathematics, market analysis, personal development, communication, teamwork, and leadership are systematically developed.
- Transfer modules – trade and e-commerce: These include international trade processes, online marketing & analytics, supply chain management, customer journey, CRM, and business intelligence.
- Practical semester: During your studies, you will complete a practical semester (6 months) that facilitates your direct entry into working life.
The integration of artificial intelligence (“AI inside”), digital marketplace models and handling global trade challenges prepare you specifically for the demands of modern trading companies.
How is the Trade Management & E-Commerce degree structured?
The study concept is based on the Blended Learning model of HAM with about 42% practical content. You can choose between two formats:
- Studium Plus (part-time/flexible): You mainly learn online via the learning platform – whenever and wherever you want. This is accompanied by interactive in-person workshops (approx. 10 per semester) and personal supervision in small groups (max. 30 students).
- Dual Plus (dual model): Here, you spend up to 32 hours weekly at the partner company and integrate real practical projects directly into your studies. The company pays the tuition fees. Parts of your study time take place synchronously within the company context.
The standard period of study is 7 semesters (standard study duration, 210 ECTS). Clear competencies are taught each semester – from trade basics through digitisation to AI applications in e-commerce. The degree is completed with the bachelor thesis in the 6th semester, frequently in cooperation with a company partner.
What career prospects does the degree offer?
After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Trade Management & E-Commerce, you will have access to a wide range of career opportunities in a high-growth industry. You are qualified for roles in:
- E-Commerce management: Controlling and developing online shops, digital marketplaces and multichannel concepts.
- Trade management & sales control: Managing branches, category and store management, developing successful sales strategies.
- Customer management & marketing: Customer relationship management (CRM), online marketing, data analysis, conversion optimisation.
- Supply chain and logistics: Organisation of goods flow, inventory management, shipping and global supply chains.
- Analytical & technical positions: Web analyst, marketing controller or UX specialist for digital shopping experiences.
- Other fields of activity: Purchasing, controlling, market research and brand management in brick-and-mortar or digital trade.
Graduates are in demand by retailers, wholesale companies, e-commerce platforms and logistics firms. Pursuing a master’s degree, such as the Management (M.A.) at HAM, is also possible afterwards.
Where does the degree take place and which locations can you choose from?
The programme is organised as a part-time or dual degree with a focus on virtual teaching. In-person workshops and events are regularly held at several German locations:
- Ismaning (near Munich, Bavaria)
- Unna (near Dortmund, NRW)
- Treuchtlingen (Bavaria)
- Additionally: Presence phases are also possible at other HAM study centres (for example Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Nuremberg or Hanover).
The majority of the programme is conducted virtually: Using the online learning platform, you work on course content independently of location; presence is used for workshops, exams and networking events.
What costs and financing options should you expect?
In the Studium Plus (flexible part-time model), the monthly tuition fees are €495. Over the standard duration of study (7 semesters), this results in a total amount of approx. €20,790 (210 ECTS bachelor). In the Dual Plus programme, tuition fees are completely waived as your partner company covers them. Additionally, you receive a salary there.
- In Studium Plus, instalment payments and funding options such as BAföG, scholarships or educational funds are available.
- In Dual Plus, the company covers all tuition fees, you pay nothing and receive a salary.
- No separate enrolment or examination fees according to official information.
With these individual financing options, you can complete the programme without major financial hurdles – the dual model in particular offers a very attractive entry.
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