Heriot-Watt University

MA (Hons) Business Management: Financial Services

Honours degree; for employees in Scotland; duration 4 years; 20% study, 80% work

The programme

Qualification
MA (Hons)
For
New or existing employees in Scotland
Duration
4 years
Age
No limit
How
20% at University, 80% at work

The Business Management: Financial Services GA is aimed at employment in the financial services sector.

Specific roles will depend on the nature of the organisation, including, but not limited to:

  • Team Leader
  • Team Manager
  • Operations Manager
  • Investment Operations Analyst

Graduates’ skillset

The Business Management: Financial Services Graduate Apprenticeship is designed to produce graduates with the following high level skills and knowledge attributes:

Organisational strategy
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.
Project management
Understanding of approaches to project management and the ability to apply them
Business finance
Knowledge of financial models and how to use them to analyse performance
Digital business and new technologies
Understanding of how technology can enhance business
Communication
Able to communicate effectively using a range of media
Leading people
Knowledge and understanding of leadership styles and organisational culture
Managing people
Knowledge and understanding of how to manage people and teams effectively
Developing collaborative relationships
Understands how to build effective relationships internally and externally
Awareness of self and others
Able to manage self effectively, use emotional intelligence and core values
Management of self
Knowledge and understanding of how to plan effectively and undertake personal development
Decision making
Able to make effective decisions and solve problems based on research
Regulatory requirements
Knowledge and understanding of the regulatory environment in which the financial services sector operates.
The financial services sector
Knowledge and understanding of the sector and its relevance.
Technological change and its application
Knowledge and understanding of the impact and use of technology in the sector.
Client management
Understanding of how to manage relationships effectively.

Key areas of the programme

The primary focus of the Business Management: Financial Services Graduate Apprenticeship programme is on developing the knowledge, understanding and skills outcomes sought by employers.

Organisational performance
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of organisational strategy
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of project management
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of business finance
  • Demonstrate knowledge and understanding of digital business and new technologies
Interpersonal excellence
  • Demonstrate effective communication skills
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively lead people
  • Demonstrate the ability to effectively manage people
  • Demonstrate the ability to develop collaborative relationships
Personal effectiveness
  • Demonstrate an awareness of self and others
  • Demonstrate effective management of self
  • Demonstrate effective decision making skills
Behaviours
  • Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to take responsibility
  • Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to be inclusive
  • Demonstrate behaviour that shows the ability to be agile
  • Demonstrate behaviour that shows professionalism
Financial services
  • Demonstrate knowledge of regulatory requirements
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the financial services sector
  • Demonstrate knowledge of technological change and its application
  • Demonstrate knowledge of client management
Optional
Demonstrate specialist knowledge of products and services within the chosen sector
  • Retail banking
  • Commercial / business banking
  • Investment banking
  • Investment management
  • Operations
  • Insurance
  • Workplace pensions
  • Client segmentation
  • Market segmentation

Why Heriot-Watt University?

Our graduates are specialist, creative, progessive, global citizens. Graduate Apprenticeship Programmes are taught by respected and experienced academics and business professionals.

With five campuses, in Edinburgh, Galashiels, Orkney, Dubai and Malaysia, Heriot-Watt is a truly global community.

Our GA Business Management for Financial Services programme blends several core courses from our flagship Business Management programme with specialised courses such as Financial Technology, Financial Regulation, and the Financial Services Sector to help them take the next big step in their career.

David C. Steinberg, Ph.D., Director of EBS GA Programmes

Heriot-Watt University is consistently ranked at a high level across a number of key university league tables.