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.
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
Year 1
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
Year 2
During year 2, building upon the basic business knowledge and skills gained in year 1, the apprentice will develop an understanding of human behaviour in the workplace, basic accounting, and understand themes, theories and concepts of organisational behaviour.
Projects will be undertaken to consider improvements that can be made to an operational element within the organisation and taking greater responsibility for personal development.
The apprentice will also learn about contemporary marketing issues and problems faced by organisations; intercultural issues in business and management; and legal principles within the context of public-, private-, and third-sector organisations.
Mandatory September
- Fundamentals of Marketing (GA)
- Intercultural Issues in Business and Management (GA)
Mandatory January
- Organisational Behaviour
- Commercial Law
- Operations Management
- Accounting for Managers
Mandatory May
- Management for Business Professional Development Review 1
Mandatory AY
- Contemporary Human Resource Management
Year 3
Year 3 will build up on the knowledge and skills gained in year 2. The apprentice will have had experience of project management and be able to discuss the theoretical and practical issues involved in the strategic and innovation management of organisations.
After gaining an understanding of how to carry out research in the business context, the apprentice will carry out a business analysis and consultancy project and present findings within their organisation.
The apprentice will also undertake a timely course in logistics and supply chain management and learn how to analyse and troubleshoot logistics chains and distribution networks in the context of industrial, commercial and public sector organisations.
Mandatory September
- Innovation Management
- Strategic Management
Mandatory January
- Project Management
- Introduction to Business Research Methods
Mandatory May
- Management for Business Professional Development Review 2
Mandatory AY
- Business Consultancy Project
- Logistics and Supply Chain Management
Year 4
The final honours year will see the apprentice taking full responsibility for a major work-based Capstone Project throughout the year. This project will be supported by the workplace mentor and an academic supervisor matched with the chosen topic. The apprentice will also consider the impact of various global political, economic, social and technological trends on the way we manage organisations, leading to an increased global awareness for managing international business.
Building on the operational excellence, quality management course, the apprentice will acquire the methods, tools and techniques for measuring and managing performance as well as analysing and troubleshooting existing performance measurement and management systems.
Finally, the apprentice will gain and understanding of processes, techniques, challenges and opportunities associated with digital marketing.
Mandatory September
- Global Business Analysis
- Managing Business Performance
Mandatory January
- Digital Marketing
Mandatory May
- Management for Business Professional Development Review 3
Mandatory AY
- Capstone Project 1
- Capstone Project 2
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.
Year 1
- 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
Year 2
- SQA Advanced Highers at BB in relevant subjects plus SQA Highers at BBBB
- A-Levels at ABB in relevant subjects
- Int. Baccalaureate 34 points;
- SQA HND Business (or a suitable Modern Apprenticeship) with A or BB in the graded unit
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
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