The MA (Hons) Business and Finance programme at Heriot-Watt University explores the interface between business and finance and looks closely at the implications of financial decision-making on business performance and management. The Business and Finance programme is a specialist joint degree with equal emphasis given to the subject areas of business and finance. This hands-on degree is suited to those who wish to gain a firm grounding in business and management, coupled with an insight into the finance and financial operations of businesses and organisations. Throughout this four-year degree, you’ll develop an understanding of organisations, the external environment in which they operate and their management. You’ll understand the effect of the external environment on the strategy, behaviour, management and sustainability of organisations, and learn the processes, procedures and practices of effective management of organisations. On the financial side, you’ll gain an appreciation of some of the contexts in which finance can be seen as operating. You’ll understand the major tools and theories of finance, their relevance, and their application to theoretical and practical problems. You’ll be able to collect, analyse and interpret financial data, including accounting statements, using spreadsheet and statistical packages. Beyond the subject-specific knowledge and skills, you’ll be given the opportunity to learn and practice transferrable skills such as presentation, communication, analytical and ICT skills. Each course will equip you with highly employable expertise and skills across business and finance. Throughout this four-year degree, you’ll have the opportunity to choose optional courses – from employment law, resourcing and talent management, financial derivatives, and introduction to commercial law – to customise your learning and develop your specific business and finance interests. Your dissertation will allow you to engage in an independent in-depth critical examination of a particular business management or accounting and finance topic, which is of interest to you.