Skip to main content

MA Business Management (Graduate Apprenticeship)

Key information

Level
Undergraduate
Delivery type
Full Time
Degree qualification
MA
Mode of delivery
On-Campus
Duration
4 years
Location
Edinburgh
Start date
September, January

Please note the mode of delivery for this programme is Online, and there is a September start only. This a SCQF level 10 programme. 

As the modern business world becomes increasingly dynamic, understanding the way businesses and organisations operate and how they make key decisions, is crucial.

The graduate apprenticeship programme is open to new or existing employees in Scotland of all ages and consists of 20% academic learning and 80% work-based learning.

In the Business Management graduate apprentice programme our objective is to develop the general management and business knowledge and skills of participants in the context of contemporary private and public sector organisations, large and small.

Employees examine organisations, understand workings and relate theories to actual business practices. Throughout the programme we develop the management and business skills necessary for a professional organisation.

Graduates' skillset

The Business Management graduate apprenticeship is designed to produce graduates with the following high level skills and knowledge attributes:

  • An understanding of business/organisations and their key functions and processes
  • An understanding and consideration of environment, organisational strategy, markets and processes – and how these work together.
  • Knowledge and understanding of organisational strategy and models and how to apply them.
  • Understanding of approaches to project management and the ability to apply them
  • Knowledge of financial models and how to use them to analyse performance
  • Understanding of how technology can enhance business
  • Able to communicate effectively using a range of media
  • Knowledge and understanding of leadership styles and organisational culture
  • Knowledge and understanding of how to manage people and teams effectively
  • Understands how to build effective relationships internally and externally
  • Able to manage self effectively, use emotional intelligence and core values
  • Knowledge and understanding of how to plan effectively and undertake personal development
  • Able to make effective decisions and solve problems based on research

Key areas of the programme

The primary focus of the Business Management graduate apprenticeship programme is on developing the knowledge, understanding and skills outcomes sought by employers.

Organisational performance

  • Organisational strategy and operations
  • Project management
  • Business finance
  • Digital business and new technologies

Interpersonal excellence

  • Communication
  • Leading People
  • Managing People
  • Developing collaborative relationships

Personal effectiveness

  • Awareness of self and others
  • Management of self
  • Decision making

Your student experience

Ranking (Business and Management, Complete University Guide 2023)

We're ranked in the top quartile for Business and Management by the Complete University Guide 2023

Ranking (Overall, QS World University Rankings 2024)

Heriot-Watt are ranked in the Top 250 universities in the world, 32nd in the UK by the QS World University Rankings 2024

Graduate apprenticeship success stories

Read our graduate apprenticeship partners' success stories who are already seeing the benefits.

Go Global

There are currently no Go Global opportunities for this particular programme. However, other Go Global opportunities may be available. Please contact studywithus@hw.ac.uk for more information.

Course content

September Intake - Edinburgh

During the first year, the apprentice will be provided the foundations of management that include: finance and economics; a knowledge of different management and business functions; the enterprise in the context of its environment. The apprentice will also develop business skills that include: questioning and interviewing techniques; presentation skills; and design thinking.

At the end of year 1, the apprentice will be aware of the skills required within business and show an understanding of both the internal and external influences on the organisation. Additionally, they will have gained introductory organisational skills for working as managers.

Mandatory September

  • Management in a Global Context
  • Introductory Economics (GA)
  • Introduction to Finance

Mandatory January

  • Enterprise and its Business Environment
  • Information Systems for Business
  • Business Skills

Mandatory May

  • Management Project 1

Entry requirements

We have standard entry requirements for all of our courses that you will have to meet.

  • SQA Highers at BBBB (over two sittings)​
  • A-Levels at BBC​
  • Int. Baccalaureate 29 points​
  • SQA HNC in a relevant subject (or a suitable Modern Apprenticeship) with B in the graded unit​
  • Foundation Apprenticeship in Business Skills in conjunction with other suitable qualifications

Why Heriot-Watt

We're the top university in Scotland for graduate outcomes which means that more of our graduates are employed or in postgraduate education than any other institution in the country and we ranked 5th in the UK.

We're also rated number one in the UK for CEO or MD roles, meaning more of our graduates go on to become CEOs or MDs than any other university in the whole of the UK. On top of that, we have beautiful campuses, across the globe, so you'll get a truly international education. Our Edinburgh Campus is home to Oriam, Scotland's National Sports Performance Centre combined with plenty of wellbeing resources, prioritising fitness and mental health for all students. Our Global Research Institutes look at solving real world issues such as climate change and saving our oceans as well as working on the next medical technological breakthrough and the future of AI and robots.

Employability

GA students in our flagship Business Management programme work in forward-thinking organisations that recognise the future of higher education and understand the value of growing management talent from within, rather than acquiring talent from outside.

Student life

Explore facilities, and chat to staff and students