Harrods is the capital's premier luxury retail outlet, world famous for its motto: omnia omnibus obique - 'All things for all people, everywhere' and for giving their customers exemplary service for over 155 years. With over 1 million square feet of retailing floor area across 330 departments, Harrods prides itself on providing a shopping experience unlike any other. With a worldwide reputation for quality and excellence - and some 3,500 staff - Harrods have developed an in-house training Academy for their top Sales Associates.

Together with Degrees at Work team at our University, the Lord Ashcroft International Business School are partnering with Harrods' Learning & Development team to build an accelerated, work-based programme of study for their valued Sales Professionals, incorporating the Harrods Sales Academy.

The delivery of the programme must accommodate the store's business cycles and peak trading times: two Harrods 'Sales' (January and July), Christmas and summer tourist seasons - and of course, the training must result in more sales being achieved! Jan Skene, Skills Development Consultant, describes how the development of this new degree pathway is a demonstration of two expert institutions - one academic, one commercial - working productively together to devise a high-calibre, work-based programme that doesn't compromise on standards.

The sales degree programme consists of a blend of face-to-face teaching onsite at the store in Knightsbridge, action learning sets supported by sector experts and work-based projects. The projects are co-designed with senior Harrods Retail Managers to ensure that selling time on the shop floor is optimised and that both theory and practice together contribute to improved performance. Successful participants will graduate with BA (Hons) Sales.

For further information please contact Jon Salkeld, Director of Corporate Partnerships.