Key information
Gain foundational knowledge in business and get prepared for degree level studies. This is an alternative route where you after your first year you will progress onto second-year study of an undergraduate degree.
- UCAS code
- GC31
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- BA (Hons)
- Mode of delivery
- On-Campus
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September, January
The BA (Hons) Business with Foundation gives students a strong introduction to business and related subject areas, while helping them develop the academic skills they need for undergraduate study. Students build knowledge in areas such as business management, accounting, economics and psychology, depending on the courses they choose and the degree they hope to progress to.
The programme also helps students develop wider skills such as independent learning, critical thinking, problem-solving, communication, research, teamwork and digital confidence. These skills are important not only for university study, but also for future employment.
Towards the end of your first year, you will have the opportunity to work closely with your academics to identify which undergraduate degree programme you will progress onto in second year. It can be overwhelming choosing a degree before starting university, so this approach means that you can make your decision based on your learning.
Degree pathways
Successful completion of this programme offers a direct pathway to a wide range of professionally relevant degrees:
Your student experience
BA (Hons) Business with Foundation is taught by an experienced academic team with expertise across business, accounting, economics and psychology. The team brings together subject knowledge, teaching experience, student support and an understanding of the transition into university study.
Learning is informed by practical examples, current business issues, research-informed teaching and applied classroom activities. Students are supported to connect theory with real-world business contexts and to build the confidence needed for second-year undergraduate study.
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
In first year, you will take four year-long courses of 30 credits each.
Optional September
- Economics A
- Accounting A
- Maths A
- Psychology A
Mandatory September
- Academic Skills Project A
- Business Management A
Optional January
- Economics B
- Accounting B
- Maths B
- Psychology B
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project B
- Business Management B
January Intake - Edinburgh
In first year, you will take four year-long courses of 30 credits each.
Optional January
- Economics A
- Accounting A
- Maths A
- Psychology A
Mandatory January
- Academic Skills Project A
- Business Management A
Optional May
- Economics B
- Accounting B
- Maths B
- Psychology B
Mandatory May
- Academic Skills Project B
- Business Management 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.
Fees and funding
| Status | Full Time |
|---|---|
| England / Wales / N Ireland | £9,790 |
| International | £20,080 |
- 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
If joining us in September 2027, please see the entry requirements below. Heriot-Watt offers different entry requirements, depending on your background.
Academic entry requirements
- Highers CCD + National 5 Maths and English at Grade C
- A-Levels DEE/CD + GCSE English and Maths at C/4 is required
- International Baccalaureate 25 points including H5 + H4 OR H4+H4+H3. S4 Maths and English
- BTEC Extended Diploma MMP + GCSE English and Maths at C/4
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).
Student life
Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students
Discover Uni course data
Discover Uni provides data on each university's degree courses across a range of measures including student satisfaction, graduate jobs and salaries.