MA Business and Finance
About this course
MA in Business and Management and Accounting and Finance, a joint degree with equal emphasis on both subject areas. Core topics include Financial Analysis and Accounting. This four-year programme offers optional courses such as financial derivatives and employment law, and requires an independent dissertation on a business management or accounting and finance topic.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 29 points Highers: AABB (over two sittings) BTEC Extended Diploma: DMM HNC: B in graded unit HND: BB (BBB where HND includes 3 graded units)
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What students say
Based on about 14 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 81%
- Learning opportunities: 87%
- Assessment and feedback: 72%
- Academic support: 83%
- Organisation and management: 83%
- Learning resources: 93%
- Student voice: 80%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 45 students who started
- Continued on course: 85%
- Left higher education: 10%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 5%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 40%
- Working and studying: 30%
- Further study: 15%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 20 graduates, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- London: 15%
- South East: 5%
- Scotland: 60%
- Northern Ireland: 10%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 75%
- Other HE qualification: 25%
Accreditation & quality ratings
- Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route.
- Recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA).
Modules
- The Economy
- Critical Academic Skills
- Introduction to Accounting
- Management in a Global Context
- Sustainable Business
- Introduction to Economic and Financial Analysis
- Introductory Finance
- Becoming a Professional
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University earn?
The median salary is £31,000 after 3 years, £39,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £30,500 and £58,500. The £39,500 median after five years is £5,500 more than the UK median for Management studies.
What do graduates of MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University do next?
85% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University?
81% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 29 points in the IB. The average entrant had 185 UCAS points.
Is MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University accredited?
Yes. Accredited by the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants (CIMA) for the purpose of exemption from some professional examinations through the Accredited degree accelerated route. Recognised by the Chartered Financial Analyst Institute (CFA).
Does MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Business and Finance at Heriot-Watt University?
85% of students continued into their second year, and 10% left higher education.