No matter what your background or business experience, studying for an MBA can be a demanding experience. In order to ensure that our course members get the most out of every aspect of the programme we offer an extensive support and assistance package. We facilitate a voluntary 'Buddy' system whereby a more experienced course member can help newer ones with aspects of their studies.

Learning support

The elements of this package include:

• A personal tutor assigned to each course member

• Access to a specialist Academic Skills Unit, which offers assistance on a wide range of issues, from essay writing to time management and referencing conventions

• An online resource and library orientation session to help you make the most of the business information and research databases

• Ongoing support from the Business School's librarian and library staff

• Structured EAP facility

• Drop in Maths Café open to everyone

As an MBA course member, you will have 24-hour Internet access to leading business information databases, bringing you financial and market research data as well as full-text articles from over 8000 different business research journals, business magazines and news sources.

The University Library, with over 385,000 volumes, is just a few minutes walk from the Business School. It is open in term-time from 0800-2400, seven days a week.

Support for international course members

We encourage MBA International course members to join our induction and orientation programme held immediately before the start of term. This programme provides advice on living and studying in Portsmouth and gives you the opportunity to meet staff from the many University support services, including counselling and student housing support.

Students from non-EU countries are guaranteed a room in University accommodation, provided they apply by the deadline set each year. International Student Advisors are available to help overseas course members adjust to life in the UK. For international students we have a dedicated team of advisors to support you as you settle into life in Portsmouth and at the University.

If English is not your first language, there are free courses specially designed for international students available to help familiarise you with the use of English for academic purposes.