Key information
- Level
- Undergraduate
- Delivery type
- Full Time
- Degree qualification
- MA
- Mode of delivery
- Online
- Duration
- 4 years
- Location
- Edinburgh
- Start date
- September
There is a September start only, and 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.
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
Disclaimer
The courses mentioned above may change between now and the time that you study. For more information, please view our Terms and Conditions.
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.
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 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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