How do I persuade my employer to support me?

We would hope that your employer would be supportive of you wanting to undertake an MBA programme. However, if they are reluctant, you might find these points useful to point out.

• You will undertake six assignments that allow transfer of knowledge from course to organisational context.
• It is excellent value for money when compared to commercial training courses
• Opportunity to share knowledge with work colleagues
• Enhanced contribution to strategic organisational challenges
• Opportunity to practice succession planning, allowing another member of staff to stand-in for you when you are absent
• Greater self confidence

The MBA Course Manager is also happy to meet with you and your manager to discuss the programme and its benefits face to face.

What commitment is required in addition to attendance time?

Reading recommended by tutors and further personal research is a necessary supplement to classroom learning. This will assist completion of the course work assignments and preparation for examinations.

The high quality standards of an AMBA accredited MBA provides 500 hours of academic contact. In order to make the most of the programme, we would expect you to spend a further 25 hours a week of self-learning. Self-learning might entail reading around the subject, preparing for classes, working on assignments, preparing for exams and thinking and applying knowledge in the workplace.in the first two years. The final part, with the exception of any Master Classes and the monthly Dissertation Workshops, there is no attendance but you will undertake your team consultancy and research project.

What support is available?

In the first instance, the Course Manager acts as your personal tutor who is able to deal with any day to day issues you may have with the course. If you have issues with particular units, you are able to call on the Unit Co-ordinators for help.

Outside of the MBA programme, the University also has other services available to you. If you feel you could benefit from help regarding your written work, you can contact our Academic Skills Unit (ASK) for one to one tuition. If Maths is not your strong point, you may want to visit the Maths Café to get some help on specific problems.

The Faculty Librarian is a useful source of information for any business student, and is able to locate obscure articles and books if you need them.  The Library Induction sessions for MBA students are available, providing a great opportunity to get used to the library facilities.

Where do MBA course members come from?

The MBA class is made up of senior managers from all over the world. We have a total of 14 nationalities on the course, including: India, Pakistan, China, Vietnam, Sudan, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, Ghana, France, Iceland, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Mauritius and Taiwan.

You have the opportunity to network with these students at residentials, Master Classes, guest lectures and other events held throughout the year. This programme gives you the opportunity to learn about management in other countries and cultures. The Hot Topics and other events provide another opportunity for networking.

When should I apply?

We suggest that you should apply as early in the year as possible, especially if you do not have a first degree or equivalent professional qualifications. We do accept late registrations so, should you obtain corporate sponsorship by mid-August, we would welcome your application.

As a self funding applicant you would need to apply, and receive an offer as early as possible to be considered for a scholarship.

What paperwork do I have to submit with the application?

You must include the following:

• Completed application form (either paper based or on-line via the website)
• Two references (one academic, one from an employer)
• Personal statement giving details of why you wish to apply and study for an MBA
• An up to date CV/Resume that gives details of all your managerial/professional work experience to date
• Copies of any certificates for your qualifications (you will be required to show originals when you register)
• If English is not your first language, your IELTS (or equivalent) documentation
• For further information see our web pages

Once your application has been received, it will be acknowledged and passed to a recruitment team.  A member of the team will contact you regarding the next stage of your application.

Can I have any pre-reading for my course?

Yes. When you accept the offer of a place on the course we will send you details of some relevant textbooks. Additionally you are encouraged to read business and management sections in quality newspapers, especially the Financial Times and other journals, e.g. The Economist. We aim to provide you with a reading list with your induction pack, which will be sent to you in early September.

I took my Bachelors degree at University of Portsmouth; do I get an Alumni discount?

Graduates of a full time undergraduate degree at the University of Portsmouth should be eligible for the 20% alumni discount on the fees unless you are being offered a scholarship.

What is included in my fees?

The fees for your programme cover the full cost of the course itself, along with a two day residential in the UK (including a single room) and a week long residential in Maastricht, The Netherlands (including a single room, return travel by coach and a single entry Schengen visa, if required).

There may be other opportunutues to attend conferences/make organisational visits, for which you may need to make a contribution (for example by covering your travel), but these visits will not usually be compulsory and we aim to give you as much notice as possible.

Will I be able to work part-time whilst I study on the full-time MBA (full time)?

The number of hours you are allowed to work will be limited by your student visa (usually you are able to work 20 hours per week, during term time). However, when making the decision regarding working whilst studying, you must take into account the time that you will be in classes and how long you will need to complete reading and assessments. The Course Management Team would suggest that you should be spending 25 hours on personal study, on top of the 12 hours of lectures each week.

Will you help me find a job after graduation?

The university has a careers service and in addition an internal recruitment agency, Purple Door which organises employer fairs, and networking events, and advertises graduate jobs located around the UK on a weekly basis.

Where will I live in Portsmouth?

Once you have your unconditional offer and have paid your deposit, you will be sent a pack of information by the Accommodation Department at the University. This will give you information on how to apply for places in Halls (as long as you apply before 1st September), as well as details of ‘Find a Home’ days. The Accommodation Department also publishes a daily list of rooms available, from approved landlords, for rent in the vicinity of the University.

What learning support does the University provide?

Firstly, the lecturers will ensure that you are thoroughly prepared for the assessments and are aware of what is required of you. You will be given guidance on study techniques in the Induction Week. The Academic Skills Unit are also available to give advice on writing at Masters level, on a one to one basis.

If Mathematics is not your strong point, you may wish to take advantage of the Maths Café - a daily drop in facility, where any student of the University can receive help on any mathematical and statistical problem they encounter in their studies. They operate in friendly, informal locations which encourage students to visit them. Handouts on key topics are available to take away.

Can I talk to a current course member or recent alumnus?

We would be happy to put you in contact with either a current course member or recent alumnus, please send an email to pbs.postgradadmissions@port.ac.uk and we will send your contact details to a suitable person. Alternatively, you may like to join our group on Facebook. This will provide you with the opportunity to network with others who may be thinking of applying for the programme, as well as speaking directly to current MBA International students and an Alumnus.

What does AMBA Accreditation mean?

AMBA (the Association of MBAs) is a highly respected independent international authority on MBA that sets standards for MBA courses. Being AMBA accredited demonstrates that a course is of the very highest quality.

For more information about AMBA go to www.mbaworld.com