The course has been developed jointly by BCSC and the College of Estate Management.

At least two years’ experience of, or emplyment within, centre management, or appropriate experience of management in the retail or related industries over the same period. If you are not directly employed in the shopping centre industry, you must demonstrate a commitment to obtaining qualifications in order to progress to centre management.

Formed in 1983, the British Council for Shopping Centres represents the retail property industry. Its primary objective is to encourage improvement in the standards of management, planning and design of British shopping centres. Membership is open to all professional consultants, retailers and contractors involved in the ownership, development or operation of shopping centres. Free student membership of the BCSC is given to all students of this course upon entry.

 BCSC organises regular lunchtime lectures, centre visits, seminars and conferences to keep its Members updated on the latest trends and developments in the UK and overseas. It also operates a Regional Secretariat.

The BCSC Educational Trust awards scholarships to students who are not eligible for financial support from other sources.

For further information on how to apply for a scholarship please click here.

Year 1

Five modules

Management functions related to shopping centres; retailing; management structures and organisation; business plans; communication and reporting; customer relationship management; financial controls and budgeting; CSP considerations.

Strategic provision of centre management services; providing and maintaining trading environment; outsourcing of contracts; performance reviews; tender procedures; estate management and FM principles; sustainability issues; car park management; security; fire precautions; maintenance and external consultants; service charges.

Origins and different types of purpose-built centre (with international comparisons) and integration into traditional retail environment; town planning controls; Building Regulations; health and safety standards, sustainability and other public policy measures influencing shopping centre development and management.

Retail space layout; internal and external design; planning and design of markets; food courts; leisure complexes; car parking; public transport facilities.

Recruiting and developing people; understanding peoples’ motivation and managing behaviour.

Year 2

Four modules and a major project

Application of English property law relevant to shopping centres; law of contract; rights of way; covenants; joint maintenance responsibilities; fundamentals of leases; employment and security law.

Managing and implementing public relations and CSR; promotions and display activity; market research; advertising.

Ownership of shopping centres; funding; letting policies and tenant mix; financial aspects of lease arrangements; business rates.

Understanding the management processes of refurbishment; current retailing trends; characteristics of future shopping centres; external consumer and retailer demands influencing shopping centre development.

An individual piece of research and examination of a specific topic, identified by the student and approved by the Course Director and Project Tutors.

Year 1

• Introductory lecture and workshops – February

• Shopping centre study day and visit – behind the scenes tour of an exemplar retail development – April/May

• Interactive workshop sessions – negotiation skills and role play – July

• Revision day – September

Year 2

Broadly similar in structure to Year 1 We recommend that you also attend the annual BCSC/CEM Shopping Centre Management Conference in March (a number of places have been reserved at a discounted rate). Overnight accommodation is not provided as part of the course.

Assessment consists of assignments and examinations with the exception of the major project in Year 2, which is 100% weighted on one coursework submission.

Assignments

You will complete and submit one assignment per module for assessment according to the timetable of the course. You will also submit a project in Year 2.

Exams

Exams are normally held in October and comprise: Five 1-hour written papers in Year 1 Four 1-hour written papers in Year 2

Please apply using the link on the right. A letter of support from your employer should be submitted with your application.

Overseas applicants

Applications from suitably qualified candidates living or practising overseas are welcomed but the course does involve attendance at a number of obligatory sessions in Reading and elsewhere in the UK.