Professor Anthony Brabazon and Breege O'Donoghue at the MSc in Retail Leadership launch

Ireland’s first Masters Programme in Retail Leadership launched on Monday, 1st of October 2018 at UCD Michael Smurfit Graduate Business School. Recognising the rapid rate of innovation and growth in the retail sector, the MSc in Retail Leadership ensures that Ireland’s industry expertise and educational system work hand in hand to create a coordinated approach in developing a real-world and relevant curriculum.  

The goal of the programme is to provide students with a detailed understanding of the retail landscape as the business world undergoes fundamental technological and commercial challenges. Students will develop critical skills and competencies to enhance their management careers in retail and related industries.

Working with leading, international companies, the programme will offer students practical experience as they gain a deeper understanding of the implications of different retail propositions and practices from various sectors and cultures. 

The MSc has emerged from a unique collaboration between the Garfield Weston Foundation and UCD leadership. Inspired by Breege O’Donoghue’s outstanding achievements and dynamic career with Primark, one of the world’s leading popular fashion retailers, the partnership honours Breege’s contributions to the sector by funding the creation of the MSc in Retail Leadership programme alongside numerous scholarships in her name.

More about the MSc in Retail Leadership
The programme is open to graduates from a wide variety of disciplines including general business, social sciences, digital technology, philosophy and financial management who want to pursue a leadership career in the retail and allied sectors. Modules on the course include retailing fundamentals, leading retail in a digital age, marketing insights and analytics, marketing strategy, retail consumer experience, omnichannel marketing, retail and digital procurement as well as an industry project.

Applications for the MSc in Retail Leadership are now open.

Courses will commence in September 2019. 

Professor Anthony Brabazon, Dean, UCD College of Business said: “We are delighted to launch Ireland’s first MSc in Retail Leadership. This is a unique programme which encourages students to develop creative and analytical approaches to problem-solving in the retail sphere. As Ireland’s global business school, we strive to actively develop expertise in relevant areas of national and international interest. In particular, we are pleased to contribute to the area of retail leadership where we see an opportunity for us to produce a truly differentiated next generation of leaders. We are particularly indebted to the path forged by Breege O’Donoghue and her outstanding retail career which was the genesis for this programme.”

Philippa Charles, Director, Garfield Weston Foundation said: “The Garfield Weston Foundation supports charities making a positive contribution in their communities and we were delighted to work with UCD to establish the MSc in Retail Leadership in partnership with retail pioneer, Breege O’Donoghue.  Breege’s extraordinary leadership in the retail sector inspired the development of the programme which aims to advance the careers of innovative graduates who have a passion for retail careers.  Breege’s extensive industry knowledge and experience in concert with the business faculty at UCD will present unparalleled access to and insight from corporate and academic leaders to shape tomorrow’s business innovators. We are excited to be a part of this forward-looking programme.”