APPROVED SCQF Level 8 224 credits

SQA Advanced Diploma in Business

Awarded by Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA)

SCQF Level
8
Credit Points
224
Duration
2 years (4 semesters)
Language
English

Overview

The SQA Advanced Diploma in Business is a comprehensive higher education qualification awarded by Qualifications Scotland (formerly SQA), delivered entirely in English across 4 semesters over 2 years. The programme carries 224 SCQF credit points and combines rigorous academic theory with practical business skills.

Studying at International College, Siam University means you gain a globally recognised Scottish qualification while being embedded in one of Thailand's leading universities. On completion, you can progress directly into the Siam University BBA (2+2 articulation model) or transfer to selected partner universities worldwide.

Understanding the Qualification Level

QualificationSCQF LevelCredit PointsApproximate EquivalenceOffered Here
SQA Advanced Diploma 8224 First two years of a bachelor's degree (entry to Year 3) Offered
Siam University International College offers the SQA Advanced Diploma (SCQF Level 8) only. The Advanced Certificate is not offered here. All students enrol from Semester 1 and complete the full 4-semester programme. Students may withdraw from the programme at any time.

SCQF Level Descriptors

The programme spans two years with progression from SCQF Level 7 in Year 1 to Level 8 in Year 2:

SCQF Descriptor Level 7 (Year 1) Level 8 (Year 2)
Knowledge and Understanding Basic knowledge of business concepts and functions Advanced and integrated knowledge across business disciplines
Practice: Applied Knowledge Use of tools and techniques in familiar contexts Application in complex and unfamiliar business situations
Generic Cognitive Skills Interpret and evaluate information Critical analysis and synthesis of complex data
Communication, ICT and Numeracy Use standard communication and IT tools Advanced communication and data analysis skills
Autonomy, Accountability, and Working with Others Work under guidance with some autonomy Exercise autonomy and initiative in professional contexts

Programme Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the SQA Advanced Diploma in Business, graduates will be able to:

PLO 1Business Knowledge and Application

Apply fundamental concepts, principles, and analytical tools from accounting, economics, marketing, management, entrepreneurship, and international business to solve business problems.

PLO 2Communication and Digital Competence

Communicate effectively in professional business contexts using appropriate oral, written, digital, and information technology skills.

PLO 3Critical Thinking and Problem Solving

Analyse business situations, evaluate alternatives, and make evidence-based decisions in dynamic local and global business environments.

PLO 4Leadership, Teamwork, and Professional Ethics

Demonstrate leadership, teamwork, ethical behaviour, and professional responsibility when working in diverse organisational settings.

PLO 5Become an entrepreneur and Lifelong Learning

Identify entrepreneurial opportunities, adapt to emerging business trends and technologies, and engage in continuous personal and professional development.

What You Will Study

To achieve the award, students must successfully complete 29 QS Credits (22 Course units).

CategoryQS creditsCourse units
Total2922

Semester 1 — Foundation Business Skills

Unit CodeUnit NameLevelCredits
J5FKBusiness Fundamentals with Emerging Technologies72
J9CRAccounting for Business: An Introduction72
HP6NMarketing: An Introduction71
J4DKManaging People and Organisations72
HP75Communication: Business Communication71

Semester total: 8 credits.

Semester 2 — Applied Business Operations

Unit CodeUnit NameLevelCredits
J461Economic Issues: An Introduction71
J5AWBusiness Law: An Introduction71
HP78IT in Business: Spreadsheets71
HP73Creating a Culture of Customer Care71
J5TABusiness: Graded Unit 171
J2FDHuman Resource Management: Introduction71
HP6MPersonal Development Planning71

Semester total: 7 credits.

Year 1 total: 15 credits.

Semester 3 — Strategy, Analysis, and Options

Compulsory unitUnit NameLevelCredits
J5FLManaging Business Culture and Strategy82
J5AXEconomics: Micro and Macro Theory and Application81
J45YStatistics for Business71
HP76International Marketing: An Introduction71
HP79Presentation Skills81

Semester total: 6 credits.

Semester 4 — Integration and Graded Project Work

Compulsory unitUnit NameLevelCredits
J5FMProject Management: Strategy, Decision Making and Risk82
J491Continuous Workforce Development72
J5B0Preparing Financial Forecasts81
J5TBBusiness: Graded Unit 282
HP6XBusiness Contractual Relationships71

Semester total: 8 credits.

Year 2 total: 14 credits.

7 SCQF Level 7   8 SCQF Level 8   5 SCQF Level 5

The definitive unit combination is the one registered and approved for your cohort. The College may adjust the semester placement or availability of an optional unit while preserving the award requirements. Students will receive written notice of any approved change.

Entry Requirements

Entry is based on qualifications comparable to SCQF Level 5 or 6, or an equivalent qualification recognised by Siam University. English proficiency (typically IELTS 5.5 or equivalent) is required for non-native speakers.

Fees

Semester 1 THB 50,000.00
Semester 2 THB 50,000.00
Semester 3 THB 50,000.00
Semester 4 THB 50,000.00

Where It Leads

Successful graduates of the SQA Advanced Diploma in Business (SCQF Level 8) have four clear pathways:

  1. Top up at Siam University BBA — enter Year 3 of the International Bachelor of Business Administration directly on the same campus. This creates a clear 2+2 articulation model: 2 years Advanced Diploma + 2 years BBA = full Bachelor of Business Administration.
  2. Transfer to a partner university for advanced entry to Year 3 of a bachelor's degree.
  3. Become an entrepreneur — launch your own business with the skills and qualifications to compete in the global marketplace.
  4. Enter the world of work — the SQA Advanced Diploma is recognised by employers as a higher education qualification at SCQF Level 8.
Feeds into
Siam University BBA (2+2 articulation) or advanced entry to Year 3 at selected partner universities worldwide
Final decisions on advanced entry, credit transfer, and recognition rest with the receiving university or professional body and vary by institution and country.
Enquire about this programme

Our team will respond within 2 working days.

Send an Enquiry

+66 2 867 8088 ext. 5500 / 5217

qualifications.scotland@siam.edu


Quick facts
Qualifications Scotland approved centre
Awarded by Qualifications Scotland
SCQF aligned
UK ENIC / WES / ACEI evaluated
Assessed in English