MSc Retail Management
Academic expert in Retail Management
Program
Highlights
The continuing education program in Retail Management is offered in two formats:
- As a two year continuing education Master completed with the title “Master of Science (MSc) Retail Management” or
- As a one year certificate degree program completed with the title of “Academic Expert for Retail Management”
Organization
Type of degree program
Part-Time
Blocked
Language of instruction
German
Start of degree program
Always in fall
Place of study
LandesWIFIs in the whole of Austria
Application
Fees
- MSc Retail Management: € 12,500 for the whole degree program
- Academic expert in Retail Management: € 5,900,- for the whole degree program
Application
Both degree programs are carried out by WIFI Austria together with FHWien der WKW.
Focus & Qualifications
Two steps to becoming a retail manager
The continuing education program in Retail Management offers the chance for applicants with completed vocational training and many years of professional experience in retail to gain a university level qualification. The continuing education program offers the opportunity for students to attain a qualification at university level and is a successful combination of compact, theoretically sound training and a practice-based education. As a graduate you can make use of your leadership skills in all areas of the retail business, you can take over a new area or start your own company.
The continuing education program in Retail Management is offered in two formats:
- As a two year continuing education Master completed with the title “Master of Science (MSc) Retail Management” or
- As a one year certificate degree program completed with the title of “Academic Expert for Retail Management”
The MSc Retail Management is carried out by WIFI Austria together with FHWien der WKW.
Curriculum
Know more – do more
The requirements of the labor market are growing and growing – making it increasingly important to be “fit for the job” after completing your degree program. Curricula are improved on an ongoing basis so as to fit in with developments in the working world and new international trends. This is to prepare our graduates for the beginning of – or the next step in – their careers. Our motto spans from “know more” to “do more” – meaning that we focus more on practical strengths learned. Teaching, learning and exams at FHWien der WKW are completed in modules. This means: Topic blocks make up modules, and at the end of the module there is an exam.
What is a module?
A module is a teaching unit consisting of multiple topic blocks, which are thematically linked and cover a specific area relevant to the degree program. In this module, clearly defined skills will be developed, with an examination of all sub elements at the end.
How does it help students?
Teaching is directed towards learning outcomes. Competency-based learning and fewer exams – which are integrated and more comprehensive – make up the curricula. Students’ personal development and their employability in business is our central goal.
Quotes from graduates & lecturers
Highly qualified and well-educated business leaders are required so that online and retail shops are well-served. The continuing education program in Business Management is up to the challenge.
In retail the requirements for staff and managers are continuously increasing. Well-qualified business managers are needed in all company sizes and industries. Especially those who are confident in both theoretical and practical aspects of the retail business and those who make use of their knowledge with dedication.
Our tailor-made teaching and research allows us to prepare our graduates effectively for their careers.
Job & Career
The continuing education program in Retail Management qualifies its graduates for the following roles:
- Product or customer group manager
- Shop director
- Head of purchasing or sales
- Area or regional manager, national manager
- Founder or CEO of a company
- Company successor
Application
Target group & Admission requirements for the title of Academic expert in Retail Management:
- Apprenticeship certificate or high-school leaving certificate
- At least two years of relevant professional experience having completed an apprenticeship.
Target group & Admission requirements for the MSc in Retail Management:
- Completed first degree (to at least Bachelor level) from a recognized Austrian or equivalent university and at least one year of professional experience OR
- At least six years of relevant professional experience – of which at least one year is spent in a leadership position. Students who have completed an apprenticeship must have completed at least three years of relevant professional experience having finished their apprenticeship.
Application process
Application takes place at your chosen LandesWIFI.
Program information
Your nearest LandesWIFI can answer any questions you may have.
Subsidies
- Tax reimbursement: You can write off the tuition fees against your taxes, as long as the continuing education program is relevant or related to your current occupational field. The tax advantage depends on your total income. You could be reimbursed for up to 43.6% of the tuition fees!
More information can be found here:
Bundesministerium für Finanzen (Federal Ministry of Finance)
Hintere Zollamtsstraße 2b, 1030 Wien
Tel.: 01/514 33-0
www.bmf.gv.at
The e-mail contact form can be found here:
www.bmf.gv.at/service/allg/feedback/_start.asp - BFB Training allowance for companies:
www.kursfoerderung.at/index.php?id=9&uid=22
Subsidies in Austria
- Datenbank Weiterbildungsförderung (English)
- Wiener ArbeitnehmerInnen Förderungsfonds (English)
- Arbeiterkammer in German
- Weiterbildungsgeld AMS (German)
- Wiener Wirtschaftsförderungsfonds (English)
- You could also save money with help from your employer (for more information see here www.bmf.gv.at)
All information is without guarantee. Please be aware that we cannot make any guarantees about subsidies!
Team

Mag.a (FH) Martina Zöbl
Business & Law
Business Field Projects / Internships
Head of Program MSc Retail Management