SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management (SCQF level 8) provides current insight and skills in the main aspects of accounting and business.
It covers areas such as financial and management accounting, marketing, economics, and research skills.
This qualification is available through a growing number of colleges and universities around the world. Typically, an SQA Advanced Diploma takes two years to complete.
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Why deliver this qualification
SQA Advanced Diplomas have been developed by SQA in partnership with colleges, universities, and industry — so employers recognise that they provide sound evidence of ability.
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management is based on employer needs — established through a robust consultation and validation process. The qualification therefore provides the skills required by industry and business.
Achievement is certificated and nationally recognised.
The qualification can be delivered on a part-time or open-learning basis.
The unit-based structure supports flexible delivery. A unit is typically 40 hours of timetabled learning.
The SQA Advanced Diploma provides progression routes to further study (see Progression).
Who does this qualification suit
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management is suitable for a wide range of candidates including:
- school leavers
- adult returners to education
- individuals in employment who wish to enhance their career prospects
- those who wish to pursue a career in financial or general business management
Entry requirements
As with all SQA qualifications, entry is decided by the centre. As a guide, the learning provider will look for:
- school-leaving qualifications equivalent to RQF/CQFW level 3/SCQF level 6 — meaning that the student has the ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
- a centre-devised test which shows the student's ability to study at SQA Advanced Diploma level
- relevant work experience
Progression
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management can provide advanced entry to degree-level study. For further information, please refer to the SQA university agreements.
Offer this qualification
Centres with devolved authority for approval should use their own internal approval process.
Centres without devolved authority require to come forward for approval and should contact SQA's Business Development Team for guidance.
Assessors and verifiers must be able to meet SQA's general requirements for technical/occupational competence as outlined in the Systems and Qualification Approval Guide.
How to assess
Each unit specification gives detailed information on the evidence requirements and approaches to assessment for the unit.
Ongoing course assessment will apply.
Assessment support packs are available for this qualification.
Qualification structure
This Group Award has entered into its lapsing period.
The lapsing date for this qualification is 31 July 2018.
The finishing date for this qualification is 31 July 2022.
Centres should note that when a Group Award is entered into its lapsing period, the following will apply:
- The Group Award Arrangement document will remain until the qualification reaches its finish date at which point it will be removed from SQA website and archived.
- No new centres may be approved to offer the Group Award.
- Centres should only enter candidates whom they expect to complete the Group Award during the defined lapsing period
SQA Advanced Diploma: Financial and Business Management
Group award code: GP3H 48 (240 SCQF credit points).
The SQA Advanced Diploma in Financial and Business Management at SCQF level 8 consists of 22 mandatory units.
Course tutor guide (including course framework)
For further information on the structure and units for this qualification, please refer to the course tutor guide.
- Course tutor guide (1.77 MB)
Unit specifications
Support materials
ASPs (assessment support packs) are available from SQA's secure site:
| Code | Title |
|---|---|
| HP04 47/ASP001 | Recording Financial Information |
| HP04 47/ASP002 | Recording Financial Information |
| HP05 48/AEX001 | Management Accounting for Decision Making |
| HP08 48/AEX001 | Financial Reporting and Analysis |
| HP5H 47/AEX001 | Cost Accounting |
| HP6M 47/AEX001 | Personal Development Planning |
| HP6N 47/AEX002 | Marketing: An Introduction |
| HP6N 47/ASP003 | Marketing: An Introduction |
| HP6R 48/AEX001 | Business Culture and Strategy |
| HP6T 47/AEX001 | Economic Issues: An Introduction |
| HP6T 47/AEX002 | Economic Issues: An Introduction |
| HP6V 48/AEX001 | Statistics for Business Supplementary Files |
| HP6V 48/AEX002 | Statistics for Business Supplementary Files |
| HP71 47/AEX002 | Managing People and Organisations |
| HP71 47/ASP003 | Managing People and Organisations |
| HP75 47/ASP004 | Communication: Business Communication |
| HP78 47/ASP001 | IT in Business: Spreadsheets |
| HP78 47/ASP001 | IT in Business: Spreadsheets Supplementary File |
| HP78 47/ASP001 | IT in Business: Spreadsheets Solution |
| HR0Y 47/ASP001 | Research Skills |
| HR10 47/AEX001 | Using Financial Accounting Software |
| HR10 47/AEX002 | Using Financial Accounting Software |
| HR11 47/AEX001 | Management Accounting Using Information Technology Supplementary Files |
| HR12 47/AEX001 | Preparing Financial Statements |
| HR1H 48/ASP001 | Management Accounting for Planning and Control |
| HR1M 48/AEX001 | Accounting for Specialised Transactions |
| HT1T 47/AEX001 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 1 |
| HT1T 47/AEX003 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 1 |
| HT1T 47/ASP004 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 1 |
| HT1V 48/AEX002 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 2 |
| HT1V 48/ASP003 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 2 |
| HT1V 48/ASP003 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 2 Solution: Sunchaser Holidays |
| HT1V 48/ASP004 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 2 |
| HT1X 48/AEX001 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 3 |
| HT1X 48/AEX002 | Financial and Business Management: Graded Unit 3 |
| J11S 48/ASP001 | Business Taxation |