BA Business & Finance

Why choose this programme?

The Business and Finance degree aims to allow students to study both business and finance to a high level at Heriot-Watt University. The course is structured for students to study the core Stage 1 modules and later to specialise in business and finance subjects at higher levels. Students who graduate with a degree in Business and Finance will pursue a wide range of potential careers in industry; commerce; the financial sector, including banking, capital markets and financial services and with international agencies requiring a knowledge of business and financial affairs. Among the many possible occupations would be business management, marketing, personnel management, banking, commodity dealing and broking; and financial and investment analysis.

Aims

The programme aims to enable learners to:

  1. Develop knowledge, understanding and subject skills in the areas of finance and those related to the principles and practice of modern business management for employment in a variety of careers in commerce, industry (particularly banking and finance), education and public administration.
  2. Develop subject interests
  3. Gain a firm foundation, through the External Programmes common structure in Stage One, in key areas of accountancy and finance, economics and management to give flexibility of choice in selecting a course to suit their interests and career aspirations.
  4. Develop personal abilities and attitudes for employment in a variety of careers and prepare for lifelong learning and personal development.

Structure

In order to attain this qualification; the eight mandatory courses from Level 1, six mandatory courses from Level 2 and two mandatory courses from Level 3 are required. Additional courses can be selected from the elective course lists.

Credits

Synoptically-linked courses (such as 'Introduction to Accounting 1' and 'Introduction to Accounting 2') are together worth 30 credits.

Stand-alone courses (such as 'Consumer Behaviour') are worth 15 credits.

Students will normally study 120 credits at each Level of the degree programme.

Full details about the requirements for intermediate awards such as the Certificate and Diploma of Higher Education can be found in section 6 of the External Programmes' Handbook.

Professional accreditation

This programme will help you to attain professional qualifications by maximising opportunities for exemptions awarded by professional accountancy bodies.

Syllabus: BA Business and Finance

Level 1

All courses required

Level 2

Courses required:

Course Electives:

Business:

Psychology:

  • Cognitive Psychology 1 (15 credits)
  • Cognitive Psychology 2 (15 credits)
  • Human Development and Intelligence (15 credits)
  • Social Psychology (15 credits)

Level 3

Courses required:

Course Electives

Business:

Psychology:

  • Cognition Across the Lifespan (15 credits)
  • Psychobiology (15 credits)
  • Applied Psychology: Health Psychology and Professional Practice (15 credits)
  • Social Cognition and Personality (15 credits)
  • Attachment Across the Lifespan (15 credits)
  • System Safety and Disasters (15 credits)

Notes: 

  1. Students can not repeat modules if they have already been taken at Stage 2.
  2. Pre-requisite rules apply.
  3. Full details of programme structures are listed in section 4 of the External Programmes' Handbook.

What our students think

Read a profile of one of our recent graduates from this degree programme.