Heriot-Watt University BA Accountancy and Finance

Introduction                                                                                                                         Based in Scotland with three campuses around the world, Heriot-Watt University (www.hw.ac.uk) is the eighth oldest higher education institution in the UK.   The name commemorates George Heriot - the 16th century financier to King James, and James Watt - the great 18th century inventor and engineer.    The University focuses on delivering research and teaching of international standing, providing innovative and problem-solving capacity for business, industry and society, and exploiting novel multi-disciplinary approaches.  Heriot-Watt University offers their BA in Accountancy and Finance as a supported Distance Learning programme through Approved Learning Partners (including B&B) worldwide. 

Course Overview

The BA Accountancy and Finance provides you with a balance of education in accountancy and finance related topics with supporting subjects such as statistics, marketing and commercial law.   This provides excellent preparation for you to develop your mastery of the language of business.   In order to attain this qualification you must study twelve modules in three Stages totaling 360 credits.   Students may choose any combination of modules within or between Stages providing that the pre-requisites for that particular module are met.  As such, it is possible to do as little as one and as much as four (the maximum allowable) modules in any one year.

Exemptions can be offered for modules based on the submissions to HWU of the tertiary-level qualifications held and an assessment by that body.   However, the total number of exemptions granted is limited to a maximum EIGHT module sets.

“All of the subjects were useful for my job and I’ve had the opportunity to put everything I’ve learned into practice”  

– Ivan Thomas,  BA Accountancy and Finance

Accreditation and Future Progression

The HWU BA in Accountancy and Finance is accredited internationally through the Royal Charter of Heriot-Watt University.   The Royal Charter is the official recognition granted to universities in the UK.   To maintain this award, the systems of HWU are assessed and approved periodically by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (www.qaa.ac.uk) the national regulator of standards and quality in higher education in the UK. 

We have submitted an application to the University Council of Jamaica seeking the local (Jamaican) accreditation of the HWU programmes.  It is expected that this will be received in 2010.    

Graduates of the HWU BA in Accountancy and Finance progress to either a career in finance and accounting, or focus on general management after completing a post-graduate degree such as the Edinburgh Business School MBA available at B&B.   Some choose to obtain a professional qualification in accounting (eg: ACCA, CPA) and establish a financial management consultancy firm.  Graduates may also decide to use the skills learnt to establish a successful business.  

What You Will Cover

Management; Finance; Accounting; Economics; Quantitative Techniques; Finance Theory and Markets; Financial and Management Accounting; Human Resource Management or Marketing; Management Accounting Decisions; Project Management; Corporate Finance; Securities Markets; Issues in Financial Accounting   

Interim/exit awards

Students do not have to wait to complete the entire programme before they can be recognized for their accomplishments.   Completion of Stage I entitles persons to receive a Certificate in Accountancy and Finance.   Completion of Stage I and II entitles persons to receive a Diploma in Accountancy and Finance.

Entry Requirements
The normal entry requirements are either                                                                                 

a) Two  CAPE/A-level subjects at grades D or above 

or                                                             

b) A Diploma, Associate Degree or professional qualification from a recognised institution   

You may obtain up to six exemptions depending on the type of qualifications you possess.   Mature applicants who do not have the minimum qualifications but who have appropriate work experience or other non-standard qualifications may also be accepted on merit.  These persons would not receive any exemptions.

Key Programme Dates
There are two class periods for the programme each year - January to May and July to November.   The respective registration deadlines are November 30 and May 30.  Examinations are held in June and December.

Classes are held from Monday – Friday during the day (day programme) and evening (evening programme) 

Duration                                                                                                                                       The total time taken may vary from one year to seven years.   As mentioned, students must complete twelve modules but may choose any combination of modules providing that the pre-requisites for that particular module are met.  As such, it is possible to do as little as one and as much as four (the maximum allowable) modules in any one year.   This affects the time and cost of completing the degree.  The number of exemptions granted also affects the time and cost spent.