Key information
Heriot-Watt's Bachelors Degree Accelerator Foundation Programme is a one-year programme designed to prepare you for university study, in a learning environment specifically created for you to thrive in.
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- Cert of Higher Education
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 1 year
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
The Bachelors Degree Accelerator Foundation Programme is a supportive alternative pathway into a Heriot-Watt undergraduate degree. Designed to prepare you for university study, the programme helps you develop the academic knowledge, study skills and confidence needed to succeed in higher education and progress to your chosen degree, subject to meeting progression requirements.
During the programme, you'll:
- Develop the academic and independent learning skills needed for university study.
- Build confidence in research, analysis, teamwork and presentations.
- Benefit from small-group lectures, tutorials and workshops in a supportive learning environment.
- Gain the knowledge and experience needed to progress to the next stage of your chosen degree programme, subject to meeting progression requirements.
Your student experience
The Bachelors Degree Accelerator Foundation Programme is taught by experienced academics with expertise in supporting students as they transition into higher education. Our teaching team understands the challenges students may face when beginning university study and provides the guidance, encouragement and academic support needed to help them succeed.
With small class sizes, personalised support and a strong focus on active learning, you'll learn in an engaging and supportive environment where you can build confidence, develop essential academic skills and achieve your full potential.
Go Global
Go Global is our student mobility programme, allowing you to seamlessly transfer your studies to one of our global campuses, or to a partner university. Live and learn in a new country, experience different cultures and build a global perspective, while continuing your degree without interruption.
Inter-Campus Transfer: Dubai
Inter-Campus Transfer: Malaysia
Course content
September intake - Edinburgh
On successful completion of year one, you will progress to year two on one of the following programmes:
Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computing
Accounting, Economics and Business Management
- Economics
- Business Management
- Accounting
Psychology
- Economics/Mathematics
- Business Management/Physics
- Psychology
Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business Management/Physics
- Computing
Optional September
- Business Management A
- Accounting A
- Economics A
- Computing A
- Chemistry A
- Maths A
- Physics A
- Psychology A
Mandatory September
- Academic Skills Project A
Optional January
- Business Management B
- Physics B
- Accounting B
- Computing B
- Economics B
- Chemistry B
- Maths B
- Psychology B
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project B
January Intake - Edinburgh
On successful completion of year one, you will progress to year two on one of the following programmes:
Science
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Computing
Accounting, Economics and Business Management
- Economics
- Business Management
- Accounting
Psychology
- Economics/Mathematics
- Business Management/Physics
- Psychology
Mathematical and Computer Sciences
- Mathematics
- Business Management/Physics
- Computing
Optional January
- Business Management A
- Economics A
- Computing A
- Chemistry A
- Maths A
- Physics A
- Psychology A
- Accounting A
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project A
Optional May
- Business Management B
- Accounting B
- Physics B
- Psychology B
- Maths B
- Economics B
- Computing B
- Chemistry B
Mandatory May
- Academic Skills Project B
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
Student testimonials
I completed the Certificate of Higher Education in Accelerator Foundation at Heriot-Watt, before progressing onto the Master of Arts in Economics. I've always been drawn to understanding how decisions, markets, and policy shape the world, and Economics gave me the tools to explore that properly.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £10,050 |
| International | £20,880 |
- Status: Your residency status is usually defined as the country where you have been ordinarily resident for the three years before the start of your course.
- International: 'International' includes applicants from European Union countries who do not hold Pre-Settled or Settled status in UK. (This does not include students from the Republic of Ireland - see above).
Entry requirements
We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.
Academic background equivalent to A Levels DEE/CD + GCSE English and Maths at C/4.
Academic entry requirements
- Highers CCD including a science or maths for STEM pathways + National 5 Maths & English at Grade C
- A-Levels DEE/CD including a science or maths (for STEM pathways) GCSE English and Maths at C/4
- International Baccalaureate DEE/CD including a science or maths (for STEM pathways) GCSE English and Maths at C/4
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMP + GCSE English and Maths at C/4. For progression to non-STEM pathways only
International academic entry requirements
- China - Senior High 2 - average grade of 70% or Senior High 3 at an average of 65%
- Ghana - West African School Certificate (WAEC) - or Senior School Certificate in four subjects with grades 1-6 (A-C)
- Hong Kong - Form 5 in four academic subjects (grades will be assessed on a case by case basis) or HKDSE with grades 223 in relevant subjects
- India - Standard 10 + 1 - 70% or Standard 10 + 2 at 55%
- Indonesia - SMU 2 - Grade 7.0 or SMU 3 Grade 6.5 (five relevant subjects required)
- Iran - High School Diploma (3 years) - average grade of at least 14 (in relevant subjects)
- Jordan - Tawjihi - 80% in 4 relevant subjects
- Kazakhstan - ATTESTAT/Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 4
- Kuwait - Shahadat-al-thanawia-al-a'ama - passmark of 80% in relevant subjects
- Libya - Secondary Education Certificate - average of 80%
- Malaysia - Form 5. Ter, 2 or Mid-Year Transcript - A-C in five relevant subjects
- Nigeria - WAEC or SSC - grades 1-6 in four relevant subjects.
- Qatar - Thanawaya Aam Qatari - average grade 80% in relevant subjects
- Saudi Arabia - Tawjihi - average of 80% in relevant subjects
- Thailand - MAW5 - GPA of 2.5 or of MAW 6 with a GPA of 2.0 in six relevant subjects
- United Arab Emirates - Tawjihi - 80% or above in relevant subjects
- Ukraine - ATTESTAT/11th Grade Certificate of Secondary Education - grade average of 7.0
- Vietnam - Completion of Year 12 at Secondary School with average grade of 7.0
Why Heriot-Watt
We have been producing career-ready graduates since 1821. With our roots as the world’s first Mechanics Institute, Heriot-Watt is a pioneering university with a global reach.
At Heriot-Watt, learning goes beyond the lecture theatre. We tackle real world challenges through extraordinary research – from climate change to protecting our oceans, to advancing life-saving medical breakthroughs and shaping the next generation of AI. We are also committed to developing forward-thinking design and sustainable business practices that impact industries worldwide. On our campuses you’ll find some of the world’s most advanced facilities, while our strong industry links set you up for career success. This is why almost 90% of our graduates are in employment or further education (Graduate Outcomes Survey 2024).
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