SQA: The Best After O/Ls Qualification You Can Get
The Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA) is an independent body that regulates Scottish schools. This qualification which was introduced in 1997, has been designed to bridge the gap between A/L students and university undergraduates by enabling students to pursue a degree foundation soon after O/Ls. It is considered to be one of the best qualifications you can get if you want to lay a solid foundation for your career path. It is an extremely useful qualification that will help you get into university, get a job soon after O/Ls, and advance your career trajectory efficiently.
And the best part? You can start working for an SQA from an age as young as 16! What exactly is SQA? SQA is an organization that sits at the heart of Scotland's world-renowned education system with over 25 years of experience in developing qualifications and qualification systems, including those for post-ordinary level learners. This qualification gives you a universally accepted foundation for your degree and is offered in Kandy by the Imperial College of Business Studies to give you an alternative option to pursue an HND-level qualification after O/Ls.
Who can do this course?
SQA Level 6 Qualification - International Foundation Certificate in Business
Simple. The course is designed for those who have completed their O/Ls, and if you want to get your qualification before you finish your school studies, this is the best way of doing it.
However, It is not exclusive to after o/l students. Anyone who is considering a change in career trajectory, a shift in career paths, or even considering quitting A/Ls can sign up for an SQA qualification.
If you're looking for the best after O/Ls qualification that you can get, then look no further than SQA Level 6 qualification. This course will help you to develop your skills in business administration, finance and marketing which is perfect for anyone who wants a career in business.
It's ideal for students who want to enter the workforce straight after school or college and are looking for an entry-level position within their chosen field of study. It's also useful if you already have an idea of what type of job or career path you would like to pursue but aren't sure where exactly it should begin!
What are the subjects offered and what kind of jobs could I get after this course? In this course, we will be covering all the important topics to get your certificate. It’s a short, 8-month course and it won’t take long to complete. During the 8 months, you will be exposed to extremely valid and updated course material that will help you succeed long-term in a modern business setting.
Your future in business depends on how well you have developed your skills. Furthermore, the skills developed through this course can be applicable and relevant for multiple fields, not just business. At SQA Level 6, we teach you to study skills for business, business maths, and communication skills for business and introduce things like marketing and consumer behaviour. You'll also learn international relations to aid in building the future of your business.
After the completion of this course, you can apply for jobs in any sector that requires O/Ls qualification including banking and finance; retail; hospitality management; manufacturing industry etc. It all depends on your interests and skill set.
The SQA Level 6 Qualification will bridge the gap between the years spent doing A/Ls before a degree.
This can be particularly useful if you don't have much time to study and want to start your undergraduate course straight after an O/L qualification.
It's also possible to take part in this qualification alongside your undergraduate course, meaning you could complete the foundation programme parallel to your first 8 months and save precious time alongside it. Can I start my degree before or after completing SQA? You can start your degree before or after completing SQA. If you want to start your degree during the year in which you pass your SQA exams, then this is fine. You may also choose to take both qualifications at different times if they are relevant to each other (e.g., one qualification may be required for entry into a particular course).
How long will it take to complete? The SQA Level 6 Qualification takes 8 months to complete, upon which you will receive the International Foundation Certificate in Business.
You can start your degree in parallel or after the foundation. Upon completion of the SQA, you can transfer to another country for your degree or proceed to sign up for an Honours Degree in International Business and Finance with us at ICBS - Kandy!
Why should you pick ICBS, Kandy? ICBS, Kandy is the best place to study SQA because of the quality of the teachers and the facilities. It offers courses that are up-to-date with modern technology. The curriculum is also very clear, so you can easily understand it.
Our institution has a very good reputation among students who want to pursue a business-related course or any other professional course in Kandy as well as Sri Lanka. Furthermore, as soon as you finish this qualification, multiple options are available to pursue within our institution itself for an Honours Degree in International Business, CIMA, ACCA and many more!
You can learn and earn, well before turning 18!
If you recently sat for your Ordinary Level (O/L) exams, it is important to know that there are alternative ways to start your career path rather than the three years spent doing Advanced Levels (A/Ls.) However, this does not mean that you should discard doing A/Ls either. The SQA qualification can be pursued soon after O/Ls, and even during or after completing A/Ls.
The Only Specialized Diploma in Kandy by ICBS
For the first time in Kandy, the Imperial College of Business Studies is offering an International Specialized Diploma in Business Management from the Scottish Qualification Authority (SQA Level 8). Being the first diploma of its kind that offers the opportunity to specialize in a core subject, this opportunity is open to any student who has completed their G.C.E. Ordinary Levels (O/Ls) The SQA Level 8 Qualification is a locally and internationally recognized qualification that is equivalent to a Higher National Diploma (HND). It is equivalent to the first year at university and has been designed to provide a highly relevant program of study that provides you with the opportunity to transfer into a degree programme, bypassing its first year of study. It is widely recognized by employers and higher education institutes across the world and moulds potential employees that are equipped with a modern skillset that meets the needs of employers in a multitude of countries such as the United States, United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, the Middle East and Europe.
The first Sri Lankan Diploma that you can specialize in!
If you are searching for a business-related HND in Kandy, the SQA Level 8 programme is the best option for you to consider; given its unique structure that allows you to major in a core subject, similar to a degree programme.
The diploma is 14 months, broken down into two semesters which are 7 months each. Once you finish the first 7 months you will receive your Foundation Certificate in International Business. Afterwards, you can select your area of specialization from the following core areas of study:
Project Management
Marketing
Human Resource Management
International Business
With SQA Specialized Diplomas, you will get the opportunity to specialize in one of four key business areas!
Be assured when we say that through our International Specialized Diploma in Business Management, you will receive an HND equivalent that far surpasses the qualifications provided by any other HND in Kandy.
1.Project Management
Project management is a systematic approach to initiating, planning, executing, controlling and closing the work of a team to achieve specific goals and meet specific success criteria at the end of the project.
The project manager's role is one of many responsibilities within an organization with responsibility for its overall success or failure.
Project management is a critical skill for anyone who works in business. It's about ensuring that everyone works towards the same goal and that the project runs smoothly. You need to know how to keep yourself organized and get your work done, but you also need the ability to communicate with your peers, subordinates and superiors so they can help you out when necessary.
2.Marketing
Marketing is the process of planning and executing the conception, pricing, promotion and distribution of ideas, goods and services to create exchanges that will satisfy individual and organizational goals.
Marketing can be defined as the management of relationships with customers at all stages of a product or service's life cycle—from initial research through customer satisfaction. It involves four steps: deciding what to sell (or how to do it), identifying who buys it; developing promotional strategies; creating sales promotions; persuading consumers to buy your product/service. Marketing is an area of high demand in the current world. Through this major, you can set a firm foundation to branch out to high-demand areas such as digital marketing, growth hacking and analytical marketing.
3.Human Resource Management (HRM) The Human Resource Management (HRM) program is the study of the process of managing the workforce of an organization. HRM is concerned with all aspects of human resources, including recruitment, selection and placement; training; compensation; performance management and development, employee relations and more. If you are an individual with people skills and aspires to be one, this will be the correct career path for you.
4.International Business International business is the study of international trade and business management, including the export and import of goods and services, production, distribution, and consumption in a global economy. It teaches you how to manage supply chains across borders by understanding key factors such as currency exchange rates. It also teaches you how to deal with legal issues and risks that may arise in cross-border transactions.
Through this major, you can also gain a comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of an international company: marketing; human resources (HR); finance; legal issues faced by companies operating internationally; taxes & customs regulations affecting businesses operating abroad, international marketing, international financial management and international business strategies.
Topping every HND in Kandy, our programme is extremely unique!
Compared to a Higher National Diploma (HND), The SQA Level 8 is equivalent to completing the first year at university.
Seven months into the course, you can understand what your strengths and weaknesses are when it comes to the various aspects of business studies. Even if you do not have an idea of where you want to go, after our foundational seven-month period, you will be equipped with the necessary skills and awareness to recognize your areas of strength; which will help you select the most suitable career path moving forward.
As an ICBS student, you will have access to the world-class facilities and resources that our school offers. You will be able to learn new skills in a fun and friendly environment. Our students will benefit from an intensive coursework program that includes lectures, tutorials and practical courses. This will provide them with the knowledge required to succeed in the workplace.
Upon completion of your diploma, you can either enter a 2nd-year degree in Sri Lanka, transfer to the 2nd year foreign university or top up your qualification with an additional qualification from another country based on your choice as long as it meets our requirements for equivalence with comparable qualifications accredited overseas.
It has been designed to provide a highly relevant program of study that meets the needs of employers. It is widely recognized by employers and higher education institutes across the world.
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Exclusive Scholarship Offer: BA (Hons) International Business and
Finance at ICBS Kandy
Do you want to be part of the future? Do you want to be a leader who shapes business
practices and makes a positive impact on the world around you? Then this is your chance!Â
The Imperial College of Business Studies is offering 20 scholarships for exceptional
undergraduates wishing to enroll in our Bachelor's Programme for International Business
and Finance!
Value :Â Rs. 1.5 Million
Eligibility :Â 2022 A/L Students
Scholarship Validity : 3 Years
No. of Scholarships : 20 (10 in Kandy)
The scholarships are worth 1.5 million rupees each, which can cover a large portion of your
tuition fees, examination fees and other expenses. This scholarship is offered considering
the socioeconomic current crisis in our country due to the COVID-19 pandemic and
subsequent economic meltdown. The scholarship is offered together with the University of
West Scotland (UWS), Glasgow, United Kingdom, which will be commencing its
International Business & Finance Degree programme in Kandy and Colombo for those
students facing their Advanced Level examinations in 2022.
The Scholarship is offered for our BSc. (Hons) in International Business and Finance
Degree Programme.
The scholarship is offered for our exclusive 1 Degree 12 Qualification BSc. (Hons) in
International Business and Finance Degree Programme. The scholarship is available to the
following students:
First-Year Students - Those who wish to enroll at the Imperial College of Business
Studies, Kandy for the upcoming academic year. (2022 A/L Batch)
Applicants must be approved and enrolled on one of our degree programmes before
applying for a scholarship. Students will be required to submit their application form by the
deadline stated on our website and the school prospectus.
Important:Â The current scholarship programme is available for students who will be
facing their Advanced Level examinations in 2022. However, make sure to check our
website often as we will update it as soon as scholarships for other criteria open up.
Do not worry about statistical knowledge - the scholarship will be purely based on
your personality!
The scholarship will be awarded after evaluating your personality, leadership skills,
problem-solving ability and creative management skills. It is not an IQ-based test, you don't
need to be an expert in business knowledge or have a degree in any subject related to
economics and finance.
Our judges have been carefully selected by us so that they can evaluate you based on
criteria such as:
Dynamic ThinkingÂ
Leadership
Â
Problem Solving Ability
Â
Creative Management Skills (This challenge is only for those who possess good creative thinking skills.)
Â
Personality Assessment
Â
Applying for the Scholarship - Its a Five-Step Challenge
Before you apply for the scholarship, please check that you're able to travel to ICBS Kandy
as the degree programme will be held entirely in person. If you want to apply for the
scholarship, we encourage you to get in touch with us to learn more about the degree
program and what the schedule would entail. You can also find out all the details about our
1 degree 12 qualification program by following this link [insert link]. If you have any further questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to reach out to us and
we'll be more than happy to help!
Eligibility to Apply
You need to be a 2022 AL student
Do not miss out on this golden opportunity!
APPLY NOW
The Imperial College of Business Studies - Kandy and the University of West Scotland have
partnered up to provide a unique opportunity for Sri Lankan youth who are burdened by
the financial limits imposed upon them by the country's economic situation. This will help
alleviate some of the pressure that students are facing during this time of crisis, especially
from an educational standpoint. A good education is key to success in today's challenging
world. Here at ICBS Kandy, we know how important getting a good education is to you and
your future. That's why we're committed to providing the best resources and opportunities
you need to get ahead.
We are looking for dynamic students who can show significant potential for a career in
International Business & Finance. We offer scholarships to those who wish to pursue
studies in this field and have the desire to succeed. It is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, so
do not miss out on it!
If you meet the criteria for the scholarship, then you should definitely apply for this unique
scholarship in Kandy. If not, we hope that this guide has helped you understand how to go
about doing so. Good luck!
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An MBA: Why should you seek one?
A Master of Business Administration (MBA) is one of the most sought-after professional degrees worldwide. It provides insight into business management, which helps in decision-making and problem-solving. Being an intensive program that forges the strategic and analytical skills needed to succeed in the business world, an MBA Degree will help you find your career path as a top executive and will provide you with a strong competitive edge in the job market.
With ever-increasing global competition, the need for leaders with international business management skills is more urgent than ever. MBA attributes such as critical thinking and strategic analysis, how to manage in a multicultural environment, and how to build good relationships and cooperate across borders are all highly relevant in today's world and you need to seek out every single advantage that you can get! A well-rounded MBA qualification, right here in Kandy!
If you decide to sign up with our UGC-recognized MBA programme right here in Kandy, you will be equipped with all the essential tools and knowledge to develop a strong foundation in the international business arena. You will gain an understanding of how commercial organizations operate across multiple cultures, different value systems and legal frameworks while gaining strong skills and values that help you succeed as a top executive.
Our comprehensive MBA programme provides you with the opportunity to work on real global business issues as well as gain insight into international business opportunities and make informed decisions within your area of specialization.
MBA Degree Specifications
The Master of Business Administration in International Business (MBA-IB) at ICBS Kandy is an 18-month graduate program that will prepare you for careers in business and related fields. It is a unique combination of theory, practice, consultancy and research, all geared towards providing highly skilled leaders and managers with the required skills to excel at managing organizations. Here's a quick guide on the basic specifications of our MBA degree in Kandy
Diploma - Master in Business Administration in International Business (MBA-IB) Number of Credits - 180 Course Duration - 18 Months (part-time) Awarding Body - University of West Scotland (UWS)
Partner Locations - Kandy, Colombo
Course Fee - Rs. Additional Information - Website : https://www.uws.ac.uk
*suggest including course fee and installation details for more engagement.
Eligibility for the course:
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university, established by Royal Charter in 1897 and funded by the British government to provide education, research and enterprise to current and future generations.
UWS is ranked as one of the best universities in Europe to obtain a bachelor's degree by many publications, including Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
1. General Postgraduate Entry
Candidates satisfying ANY one of the following requirements are eligible to study for this MBA:
A Bachelor’s degree from a recognized University
A fully completed professional qualification
Part qualification of any professional qualification, equivalent to an Advanced Diploma accompanied by 2 to 3 years of work experience OR
5 years of work experience of which, a minimum of 3 years to be demonstrated at a supervisory level.
Any other qualification is subject to verification and approval by the University.
2. CIMA Graduates
CIMA passed finalists (Exam Qualified)
As a CIMA Exam Qualified student, you are awarded 60 credit exemptions from the 180-credit MBA programme.
An international qualification with better migration opportunities
Our MBA programme aims to prepare students to be leaders, managers and entrepreneurs with the right skills and competencies for a competitive global market. It will help you to gain a deeper knowledge and understanding of your chosen field, equip you with the skills required for a successful career in this profession, and ultimately help you gain significant financial and professional benefits to succeed locally or to facilitate your dreams of migration. Designed to equip you with versatile and globally attested knowledge, this MBA in Kandy has been approved and recognized by leading universities as well as the governments in Australia, Canada, New Zealand and Tanzania which will ease your migration process and application for a visa. Upon migration, you may choose from a wide range of specializations to build your career path effortlessly through this MBA.
Learn under the expertise of a top-notch faculty
At our Kandy branch, the MBA is taught by experienced and qualified professionals who are the very best in their fields. You will be placed in a group of peers from a number of fields and experience levels so that you have a chance to interact with them and obtain an immersive experience. We have an inspiring team of lecturers to assist you and guide you through the various modules. Also, there are industry experts who will be able to assist you in solving real-life business problems and requirements, and then provide you with a practical solution.
The curriculum is designed to help you develop a wide range of skills, from critical thinking and problem solving, to leadership traits, decision-making abilities and professional skills like negotiation and teamwork.
Sri Lanka's first ever Active Learning Suite (ALS) The Active Learning Suite at the Imperial College of Business Studies, Kandy is designed to encourage interaction between the students and faculty. The ALS is a unique facility for on-campus training, business learning and technology labs. It is designed to be an optimal learning environment where students can feel comfortable and immersed in their learning process. This space is equipped with state-of-the-art technology that enables students to work in the virtual world, thus minimizing distractions. Facilities in this complex are completely different from other educational institutions in Sri Lanka as our facilities are tailor-made for digital learning.
An international qualification, from the comfort of your home town
If you are looking for a Business School that is within your reach, then look no further. The MBA at the Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) Kandy offers a world-class education with a top ranking full time program.
By enrolling at ICBS, you can essentially complete an internationally recognized MBA qualification that was previously accessible only through migration to an international university and spending thousands of dollars each year on course fees, transportation, food and lodging. Our Kandy based degree will do all that and so much more!
For more information contact us via:
The Imperial College of Business Studies – Kandy, is here to provide you with the best business degree programme that Sri Lanka has to offer. Seems unthinkable? Well, read on to find out exactly why our 1 Degree 12 Qualifications programme is any business undergraduate's dream.
More information about 1 Degree – 12 Qualifications?
1 Degree – 12 Qualifications is a unique and futuristic programme at the Imperial College of Business Studies (ICBS) Kandy; that allows you to gain 12 different academic and professional qualifications within the scope of just 1 degree. We believe that this degree is essentially a global passport, which means that holding this Honours Degree allows you to work and expand your career any country of your choosing. You can gain 11 professional qualifications alongside your Bachelor’s in International Business & Finance with a Honours, offered by the University of the West Scotland (UWS).
With 5 direct memberships and 6 majority exemptions, you can complete:
CIMA
ACCA
AAT
CIM
CPA
ICAEW
AIA
IPA
IFA
CIPFA
CMI alongside your Honours Degree.
Quality. Quantity. Value.
ICBS Kandy has opened doors to a range of business management programs at the undergraduate level, leading to careers as business consultants, accountants, economists, managers and entrepreneurs. Through our 1 Degree 12 Qualifications programme, we are focused on delivering a high-quality BA (Hons) in International Business & Finance degree while minimizing the hassle of seeking professional qualifications separately.
This bachelor's degree is multifaceted, which makes it highly attractive among employers. It also means that you will have an edge over other graduates be it from Kandy, Sri Lanka or overseas, who have studied only one or two disciplines but do not have sufficient academic or professional qualifications under their belt, when they start looking for employment after graduation.
The internationally recognized and highly economical qualifications earned from this Kandy-based program enable you to gain global recognition in your field. This will subsequently aid in seeking employment or applying for graduate programs in numerous locations such as the United States, Canada, Australia, Europe, the UK, the Middle East, Japan, Asia, and New Zealand.
The Hons Degree is exclusively offered by the Imperial College of Business Studies in partnership with the University of the West Scotland. (UWS)
A little bit about the University of the West Scotland?
The University of the West of Scotland (UWS) is a public university, established by Royal Charter in 1897 and funded by the British government to provide education, research and enterprise to current and future generations.
UWS is ranked as one of the best universities in Europe to obtain a bachelor's degree by many publications, including Times Higher Education World University Rankings, QS World University Rankings and Academic Ranking of World Universities (ARWU)
Simply the best bachelor's degree in Kandy.
The structure of the degree is based on the CIMA and ACCA syllabuses and is a result of over 30 months of research conducted by education professionals. This means that you are eligible to receive 12 professional qualifications because of the degree content engineered in accordance with the CIMA and ACCA syllabuses as mentioned above along with a bachelor's Hons degree itself!
This degree program is taught by a highly qualified, experienced faculty from ICBS Kandy who have a passion for accountancy, management, entrepreneurship, and real-life learning. You will have access to expert tutors who are experts in their field and will provide support throughout your studies so that you don't feel isolated or overwhelmed by any subject matter, even though they are all very different!
The 12 Qualifications
Honours degree is highly incentivized to save money and time for our undergraduates. You can invest only for the degree and gain access to all other qualifications offered without any additional payment, a process that would require a huge financial investment if each qualification is sought out separately.
1. Honours Degree in International Business & Finance (BA)
This is a highly recognized degree in International Business & Finance which you can cover at ICBS within the span of three years. Graduates from ICBS Kandy would not only be industry ready but would also have a strong grounding in both financial and non-financial topics.
Average Cost : LKR 15 Lakhs Minimum Time Span : 3 Years
2.Chartered Institution of Management Accountants (CIMA)
CIMA is The world's leading and largest professional body of management accountants that is recognized in 180+ countries. It has 16 exams and usually takes around 2 to 3 years to complete. Through the Honours Degree, 13 exams will be released out of 16 exams required to obtain this qualification. The course content for the final three papers is also covered through the Honours Degree. If done separately,
Average Cost : LKR 9.5 Lakhs Minimum Time Span : 2-3 Years
Through the Honours Degree the cost to qualify CIMA will be 2.5 Lakhs and the duration/ by the time you complete the degree you will possess your CIMA qualification (3 years).
3. Association of Chartered Certified Accountants (ACCA)
Recognized in 181 countries, ACCA is the world's leading accountancy qualification. It has 13 exams, and 9 exams will be released through Honours degree, you will the final 4 papers to qualify. If done separately,
Average Cost : LKR 10 Lakhs Minimum Time Span : 2-3 Years
Through the Honours Degree the cost to qualify ACCA will be 2.5 Lakhs and the duration will be additional 6 months upon completing your degree.
4. Chartered Institute of Marketing (CIM)
CIM is the leading professional body for Marketers and is recognized in 130+ countries. Out of 9 exams, 6 exams will be released through the Honours Degree. If done separately,
Average Cost : LKR 7.5 Lakhs Minimum Time Span : 2 Years
Through the Honours Degree the cost to qualify CIM will be 2.5 Lakhs and the duration will be additional 6 months upon completion of your degree.
5.Certified Practicing Accountants (CPA) - Australia
CPA Qualification is an ideal qualification for those who wish to pursue their careers in business and is recognised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in Australia (ICAA). You will receive the direct associate membership through the Honours Degree.
6. Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW)
Recognized in over 147+ countries, ICAEW is a highly sought professional qualification. Out of 15 exams 8 exams will be released through the Honours Degree.
7. Association of Accounting Technicians (AAT) - The United Kingdom
Recognized in more than 100 countries, you will get direct entry into associate membership to AAT in the United Kingdom.
Apart from these professional qualifications, the 1 Degree 12 Qualifications degree programme at ICBS Kandy also offers direct associate membership to the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) - UK, Institute of Public Accountants (IPA) - Australia, Institute of Financial Accountants (IFA) - UK, and exemptions for the Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy (CIPFA) and The Association of International Accountants (AIA) last but least The Institute of Analytics (IOA) paving you the path in granting exposure to Data and Analytics
A Futuristic Global Degree, Right Here in Kandy!
The 12 qualifications you can gain from this program will open up more doors for you and your future. This bachelor's degree has been designed to provide you with futuristic qualifications that enable you to travel in the world of business/management/finance and international relations, as well as give you a good foundation in all fields of study.
If you are looking for an opportunity that is challenging, but not too difficult, then we invite you to explore 1 Degree – 12 Qualifications at Imperial College of Business Studies – Kandy.