In 2010, the first work-based BA (Hons) Sales degree was co-created by Anglia Ruskin University in close collaboration with the iconic luxury retailer Harrods.
Tracy Armstrong,
Principal Consultant at Anglia Ruskin University
Harrods' Learning and Development team wanted to build an accelerated, work-based programme of study for their valued Sales Professionals incorporating their own in-house Harrods Sales Academy training programme in order to broaden their knowledge and understanding of the ‘art of selling’.
The Degree was recently updated to include the option of fully online studies and adapted so that it was applicable to all sales environments.
We spoke to Tracy, about the benefits of this innovative online Sales Degree for Sales Professionals.
Q: What is unique about the Sales Degree?
The BA Sales is the UK’s first entirely online Sales Degree course. It gives people the flexibility to study whilst working, at times to suit them and without the need to take time away from the day job.
There are many sales training courses out there, but our degree is about developing those higher level graduate skills, and to get University accreditation is a unique benefit. The course is also endorsed by the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management (ISMM) with students automatically becoming members for the period of the course and benefitting from one-to-one mentoring from an ISMM Fellow
During the course students become more entrepreneurial and strategic in their thinking. They find new ways of tackling challenges and bring transformative ideas to their work place through work-based projects that are negotiated with their employer.
Q: Anglia Ruskin were named UK Entrepreneurial University of the Year 2014 and the Degrees at Work team were 2016 finalists in the British Excellence in Sales & Marketing Awards (BESMA). What does this mean to you and your clients?
The Entrepreneurial University Award and BESMA recognition are fantastic accolades for our University. They really reflect our University’s customer-focused, solution-based and innovative approaches to staff learning and development.
Q: Who is the Degree suitable for?
It is applicable to both companies and individuals. We can work with corporate clients that want to attract and retain their best talent and those who want to reward top performers through development opportunities.
The degree also appeals to individual sales professionals who are looking for career progression and expanding their sales performance. One of our students commented that when applying for a new job, the achievement of the qualification gave his CV a competitive advantage over other applicants. He got the job, promotion and a huge salary increase!
Q: Who are the tutors?
We have a range of tutors with a good mix of academics and working professionals with extensive Sales experience. The Course Leader has considerable expertise within our International Business School and we also have Richard Lane from the sales performance company durhamlane, who runs the sales training courses based on durhamlane’s Selling at A Higher Level® methodology. We have a psychologist, who tutors the module about consumer buying behaviour and the psychology involved in building relationships with clients.
Q: How can I get involved?
The next cohort starts in September 2016. To find out more or make an application go to www.anglia.ac.uk/sales
Alternatively, you can contact Tracy Armstrong to explore how this course might support your company’s people development strategy at degreesatwork@anglia.ac.uk or: +44 (0)1245 686 707 .
People who read this have also viewed...
It pays to think differently - Birthday Interview with durhamlane
