MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia · Putrajaya, Malaysia
QS World University Ranking: N/A
Quick Overview
Apply Now📘 Program Overview
The MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance programme at Heriot-Watt University Malaysia is a specialist degree designed for those seeking entry into the accounting profession, financial services, or financial management, with close links to industry, commerce, and relevant professional bodies.
Delivered on campus with a strong industry focus, the programme develops accounting and finance foundations alongside contemporary professional practice, and includes learning that supports analytical, technical, and professional skills valued by employers.
🎯 Course & Curriculum
Course structure
- Develop core understanding of the economy and how it links to financial decision-making through The Economy
- Build practical fundamentals of finance via Fundamentals of Finance
- Learn core accounting concepts through Principles of Accounting
- Study management concepts in a global business context through Management in a Global Context
- Strengthen financial analysis capability through Financial Markets Theory
- Develop quantitative capability through Statistical Techniques
- Progress in management accounting knowledge through Management Accounting in Organisations
- Advance accounting competence through Financial Accounting
- Enhance professional and ethical awareness through Integrity and Anti-Corruption (MPU3342)
- Support social responsibility and personal development through Self-Empowerment and Social Responsibility I and Self-Empowerment and Social Responsibility II
- Develop leadership and contemporary thinking through Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations and/or Philosophy and Current Issues
- Complete Malaysian university language and MPU components where selected, including National Language A (MPU 3212) and Malay Language Communication 2 (MPU 3143)
Curriculum
| Semester | No. of modules | Module / subject category | credit hours | Semester total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Semester 1 | Mandatory September and Mandatory January courses | The Economy | ||
| Fundamentals of Finance | ||||
| Principles of Accounting | ||||
| Management in a Global Context | ||||
| Financial Markets Theory | ||||
| Statistical Techniques | ||||
| Management Accounting in Organisations | ||||
| Financial Accounting | ||||
| Self-Empowerment and Social Responsibility I | ||||
| National Language A (MPU 3212) | ||||
| Integrity and Anti-Corruption (MPU3342) | ||||
| Malay Language Communication 2 (MPU 3143) | ||||
| Self-Empowerment and Social Responsibility II | ||||
| Semester 2 | January Intake mandatory May courses | Statistical Techniques | ||
| Management Accounting in Organisations | ||||
| Fundamentals of Finance | ||||
| Principles of Accounting | ||||
| The Economy | ||||
| Financial Accounting | ||||
| Financial Markets Theory | ||||
| Management in a Global Context | ||||
| Appreciation of Ethics and Civilisations | ||||
| Malay Language Communication 2 (MPU 3143) | ||||
| Philosophy and Current Issues | ||||
| National Language A (MPU 3212) |
Career outcomes
- You build a strong foundation in financial reporting, analysis, and governance, preparing you for roles across public practice, corporate sectors, and financial services.
- You can pursue specialist and leadership pathways with clear progression into professional advancement and greater global mobility.
- Your studies align to career roles such as Financial Accountant and Management Accountant, supporting your entry into in-demand accounting functions.
- You can develop the capability to work toward roles including Auditor and Tax Accountant/Consultant, strengthening your fit for audit and tax-focused environments.
- You gain knowledge that supports Financial Analyst career paths by developing understanding of financial markets and analytical techniques.
Employability rate
Graduates of the MA Accounting and Business Finance typically face an employability rate around 80% and an unemployment rate around 20% as hiring demand depends on both accounting experience and local internship/industry fit in Malaysia.
Together, these figures point to a steady outlook where career stability is strongest when you actively build practical accounting and finance exposure during your study.
✅ Entry Requirements
Academic qualification
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| School-leaving or foundation-level qualification (foreign qualifications accepted) | Heriot-Watt University Malaysia lists standard entry requirements for international applicants, including Foundation in Business or Science (Grade C average), A-Level (CCC), STPM (GPA 2.33 plus Grade C+ in any 2 subjects), IB Diploma (27 points for 6 subjects), WACE/SACE (ATAR 65), and other named overseas qualifications. |
| Mathematics requirement | In addition to the qualification-specific entry requirements, applicants must have Grade C in Mathematics at SPM/IGCSE level or equivalent; this requirement can be waived if applicants have obtained at least grade pass in Mathematics at a higher level. |
Module matching by study area
| Study area | Match possible? | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Accounting, business, finance, and economics | Heriot-Watt University Malaysia uses international entry requirements based on the listed foreign qualifications; if you meet the programme’s mathematics and English requirements, your academic background is generally aligned for entry into the MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance. |
Language requirements
The MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance programme is taught and assessed in English, so international applicants must provide evidence of English language ability as part of the admissions process. If your first language is not English, you will need the minimum IELTS requirement (or an accepted equivalent) to be considered for entry.
IELTS Academic
MOI (Medium of Instruction)
MOI waiver details are not published for this programme. See the English test requirements above.
💶 Fees & Funding
| Item | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tuition | MYR 51007.2 / total program | Official tuition fee shown for MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance: International RM 51,007.20. |
Proof of financial resources
International students applying for a student pass must be able to show that they can cover study-related expenses. Prepare your financial evidence as part of your visa/student pass process and ensure it meets what the relevant immigration/visa guidance requires.
- Financial documents required for student pass processing (as specified by Education Malaysia Global Services and the visa guidance you follow)
Important dates
Application window
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | September - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application portal opens | December 15, 2025 | March 01, 2026 |
| Application deadline (final submit) | December 31, 2025 | August 03, 2026 |
| Application deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Application deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Recommended apply-by | N/A | N/A |
| Semester begins | January 05, 2026 | September 07, 2026 |
Pre-application & reviews
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | September - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| VPD request - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| VPD result expected | N/A | N/A |
| APS - recommended | N/A | N/A |
| Start eligibility check | N/A | N/A |
Document submission deadlines
| Milestone | January - Winter intake | September - Summer intake |
|---|---|---|
| Application submission deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Document submission deadline (Non-EU students) | N/A | N/A |
| Language certificate deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Official transcripts deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Certified translations deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Postal / hard-copy documents deadline | N/A | N/A |
| Missing documents (if requested) | N/A | N/A |
📝 How to Apply
Apply online during the published intake window
Heriot-Watt University Malaysia accepts applications online for its programmes, including the MA (Hons) Accounting and Business Finance. Create an account on the university application system and complete the form during the relevant intake period. If you are applying from abroad, ensure your documents and English language evidence are ready to upload with your application.
Upload supporting documents and submit the application fee
Submit your supporting documents through your application account, including proof of English language proficiency and original or certified copies of your academic transcripts. The university notes that the application fee must be paid for each application form you submit, and the university cannot process the application without this fee. Double-check that your uploads match the requirements before final submission.
Prepare for visa processing after application
After you have applied, follow the student visa/student pass process steps required for international applicants studying in Malaysia. The university application page includes information on the visa application fee and explains that it is related to processing by the relevant immigration pathway. Keep track of your required deadlines for submitting documents for admissions and visa processing.