A high percentage of our MBA course members have secured total or partial funding for their MBA studies. The following suggestions should be considered when pursuing sponsorship:

• Establish whether your organisation has a Learning and Development policy which outlines the criteria and process for undertaking external courses
• Find out whether the MBA is considered to be part of, or an alternative to, the organisation’s management development programme
• Has your organisation previously sponsored colleagues to the Portsmouth MBA?
• Highlight your desire to complete an MBA during your appraisal and ensure it is added to your personal development plan.
• Support your request with a business case demonstrating the tangible benefits to the organisation
• Ensure that, in addition to your line manager, you talk to other decision makers so that they are fully aware of all aspects of your business case

Your business case could outline benefits such as:

• Work based assignments will directly benefit the department and/or organisation.
• Completion will enhance personal confidence and development of business knowledge and competencies
• Identify how these can be directly applied to your current and future role
• Acquiring skills in analytical and strategic thinking will contribute toward organisational goals
• The knowledge acquired will make you a more versatile manager

You need to carefully consider any contractual obligations which are required for corporate funding of your studies. They will expect return on their investment in your education during the three years, but may also require you to sign a clause within your contract for repayment of fees in the case of a decision for you to leave their employment. Details of the percentage payable and the time frame need to be discussed and agreed.

If you are unable to secure funding you could apply for a scholarship from the Business School if you meet the eligibility criteria.

We would be happy to discuss any issues with you concerning appropriate sponsorship or other financial aspects of your application.

Sponsoring Organisations

BUPA, Estee Lauder Cosmetics, Nokia UK, Zurich Insurance and Ministry of Defence - these are just a few of the many private and public sector organizations that have sponsored their employees to take the Portsmouth MBA.

Some of their comments include:

"Since completing the [Portsmouth] MBA, I have been responsible for Printware sponsoring a further three employees embarking on the course. The MBA is a great way for managers and other key personnel to gain an understanding and experience of functional and strategic business areas outside of their normal role - without leaving the company!"
Vanessa MacWhirter, Managing Director, Printware Direct Ltd

"We will continue to encourage and support our most talented managers to embark upon the varied business courses which the University of Portsmouth has to offer. The experience, maturity and confidence which our best managers gain is extremely significant, making us more responsive to rapid change in a dynamic environment."
Dr Gareth Morgan, UK Technical and Supply Director, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals

"It hasn't taken long for our Portsmouth MBA students to bring value back to the workplace. They are inspiring their senior management colleagues to new ideas and fresh perspectives. At a time of great change, they are showing renewed personal confidence and ambition."
Martin Johnson, Service Manager, Adult and Community Services Directorate, Isle of Wight Council

"Studying on the MBA programme has materially assisted the development of our family business, providing an insight and a framework to decision making which I doubt I would have replicated without going on the course."
Mark Phillimore, Managing Director, Workhorse Communications

The following are just some of the UK private sector organisations who have sponsored their employees to take the Portsmouth MBA during the past five years