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Overview
This top-up MBA course provides an accelerated route to the MBA award for international students, building on your postgraduate or managerial experience.
An MBA award is an internationally recognised postgraduate qualification in business management, leadership, and strategic thinking, indicating that the holder has developed specialized skills to operate across various business functions and possesses the expertise needed for senior management and leadership roles.
This qualification is typically a 60-credit follow-on from a Postgraduate Diploma. To complete the programme, you’ll submit a work-based project/dissertation, graduating with a full Master’s in Business Administration.
Course highlights
- Accelerated route to a full MBA qualification
- Flexible entry criteria, including recognition of prior learning
- Choice of study mode to suit you, with on-campus or distance learning options
- Graduate prepared for diverse career opportunities with transferable skills valued by employer
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsEntry requirements
Eligibility
This course accepts international students only.
September 2026 / January 2027 start
- Applicants should normally hold a Postgraduate Diploma or an equivalent Level 7 qualification. This includes a Senior Leader Degree Apprenticeship PgDip with End Point Assessment, a PGDip in a relevant business discipline, the Graduate Diploma in Law (GDL/PGDL), or the Qualification in Career Development (QCD).
- Professional Level 7 diplomas offered by recognised bodies, including the CMI Level 7 Diploma achieved within the last five years and a minimum of three years managerial experience, or comparable qualifications in areas such as management, marketing, or human resources, will also be considered.
- Candidates who hold full chartered membership of an appropriate professional body, such as CMI, CIPD, or CIMA, or who have completed a PgCert alongside at least five years of management experience, are also eligible to apply.
Full entry requirements and qualifications
Full entry requirements and qualifications (Distance Learning)
Applicants with non-standard qualifications will be invited to attend an interview.
If you're applying as an international student with a non-UK degree, you’ll need to show you meet the UK entry requirements listed above.
To find out if your non-UK degree or other qualification is accepted, please visit our page for your country and view the UK equivalent of your qualification.
- English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 (or equivalent) with no component score below 6.0.
You do not need an IELTS or equivalent certification if:
- you have a UK degree
- you have a degree from a majority English speaking country (not taught by Distance Learning)
- you are a national of a majority English speaking country
Degrees taught solely in English from non-majority English speaking countries will be considered on a case by case basis. Find out more about our English language requirements.
If you do not meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Course costs and funding
Tuition Fees (September 2026 / January 2027 start)
Please note, we'll confirm 2026 and 2027 fees soon.
This course is open to international students only.
University of Portsmouth graduates may receive a 20% alumni tuition fee discount.
Fees are subject to annual increase. Read our tuition fees terms and conditions.
You'll be able to pay your fees in instalments. Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Funding your studies
Explore how to fund your studies, including available scholarships and bursaries.
International student scholarships are available across the University.
Loans, scholarships and bursaries
Browse funding such as the Government Postgraduate Loan, our scholarships for new and returning students, and subject specific loans.
Funding for international students
Learn more about sponsorships, scholarships and loans for students applying from outside of the UK.
Fees and funding for Master's courses
Explore Master's funding options, including loans, scholarships, bursaries and more.
Additional costs
These course-related costs aren't included in the tuition fees, so you'll need to budget for them when you plan your spending. Additional costs could include:
- Accommodation: Accommodation options and costs can be found on our accommodation pages.
- Recommended reading: You can borrow key texts from the library and if you choose to purchase these texts they may cost up to £60 each.
- General costs: Such as photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing. We suggest budgeting £75 per year.
- Final project transport or accommodation: where necessary, which related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
Read more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Modules
The course consists of a single module, the Independent Study Project, in which teaching and learning are delivered through induction, masterclasses and supervision.
Full-time
On Campus
This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth investigation into a contemporary business or management issue.
Building on prior postgraduate study and/or professional experience, you'll develop and apply advanced analytical, critical thinking, and research skills to address a clearly defined problem or area of interest.
The module is centred on a structured process of secondary research, enabling you to engage critically with academic literature, industry reports, and other relevant data sources.
Through an intensive induction, masterclasses and 1:1 supervision, you'll be guided to formulate a focused research question, undertake a systematic review of existing knowledge, and synthesise findings to generate meaningful insights and practical recommendations.
Through supported supervision, you'll develop competencies in research design, data evaluation, and academic writing, while also strengthening your ability to apply theoretical perspectives to real-world organisational contexts. The emphasis on independent study encourages self-direction, reflective practice, and the integration of prior learning.
Distance Learning
This module provides you with the opportunity to undertake an independent, in-depth investigation into a contemporary business or management issue.
Building on prior postgraduate study and/or professional experience, you'll develop and apply advanced analytical, critical thinking, and research skills to address a clearly defined problem or area of interest.
The module is centred on a structured process of secondary research, enabling you to engage critically with academic literature, industry reports, and other relevant data sources.
Through an intensive induction, masterclasses and 1:1 supervision, you'll be guided to formulate a focused research question, undertake a systematic review of existing knowledge, and synthesise findings to generate meaningful insights and practical recommendations.
Through supported supervision, you'll develop competencies in research design, data evaluation, and academic writing, while also strengthening your ability to apply theoretical perspectives to real-world organisational contexts. The emphasis on independent study encourages self-direction, reflective practice, and the integration of prior learning.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
How you'll spend your time
We recognise that you'll probably be juggling more demands when you do your Master's degree, as you may be working or you may have family responsibilities.
We'll give you as much indication here as we can of how much time you'll need to spend in on-campus or in online lectures and seminars and how many hours you can expect to spend in self-directed study, but please note that these indications are always subject to change.
Course structure
The course consists of a single module, the Independent Study Project, in which teaching and learning are delivered through induction, masterclasses and supervision.
This top-up course degree will take:
- 7 months full-time, starting either in September or January
You can expect:
- to attend induction events on campus during the first week of term if you choose to study on campus
- to complete self directed study in your own time
- to attend meetings with your supervisor across the duration of your course. These can be either in person or online.
University staff
You'll be supported by our supervisory team.
Teaching
Master's study is deeper and more specialised than an undergraduate degree. This means you'll focus on something that really matters to you and your career as you work closely with academics committed to the subject.
You'll spend more time in independent study and research than you did for your undergraduate degree.
Non-credit-bearing masterclasses on research methods will be delivered during the induction week to strengthen your research skills. If you are based on campus you will also be able to enrol in the relevant in-sessional English modules to further develop your academic English proficiency
Assessment
You'll be assessed through:
- A research proposal (2,000 word count)
- Dissertation project (10,000 word count)
Career development
A UK MBA qualification is recognised as a prestigious qualification, and facilitating a path to leadership positions. Holding a recognised MBA award will help you appeal to employers and evidence your experience.
During your degree, you’ll network with lecturers and fellow students which will support your career development.
MBA graduates are qualified for a wide range of job roles across various industries, thanks to their diverse skill set and business acumen. The specific job roles you do will depend on your experience and specialisms.
Career planning
During your course you'll have expert career support from our Careers and Employability Centre, your tutors and our Business and Law Career-Ready Programme. This support will continue for 5 years after you graduate.
Career support
You'll benefit from:
- Networking events
- Regular emails from the Career Ready Programme sharing job opportunities, application tips and events
- Applied projects with companies such as IBM, Boeing and Hampshire County Council
- Workshops to enhance your employability skills
- Recruitment events including the Student and Graduate Opportunities Fair
- 1-to-1 appointments
- CV and cover letter advice
- Interview preparation and practice
- Support starting your own business
Supporting you
Master's study is more focused on independent learning than undergraduate study, but you'll get lots of support via video and phone from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. If you choose to study on-campus, you'll also get face-to-face support. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Personal Tutor
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
Learning Support Tutors
You'll have help from a team of faculty learning support tutors. They can help you improve and develop your academic skills and support you in any area of your study.
They can help with:
- Improving your academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations)
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
Student Success Advisors
These are the team that are your first point of call to help with any pastoral concerns and to link you in with all areas of university life; from help with your mental wellbeing to improving your attendance.
Lab Support
All our labs and practical spaces are staffed by qualified laboratory support staff. They’ll support you in scheduled lab sessions and can give you one-to-one help when you do practical research projects.
Maths Cafe
The Maths Cafe offers advice and assistance with mathematical skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your mathematics skills at a workshop or use our online resources.
Support with English
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student success advisers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
The Maths Cafe offers free advice and help with maths skills in a friendly, informal environment. You can come to our daily drop-in sessions, develop your maths skills at a workshop, or use our online resources.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- reflective writing skills
- critical thinking skills
- delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- understanding and using assignment feedback
- managing your time and workload
- revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, our Disability Advice team will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in your subject.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
You can access information on the personal, emotional and mental health support available to you from your college. They can help you understand the support available locally, as well as other support that might be available to you to help you engage with your studies and improve your wellbeing.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need, your partner college should be your first point of contact for arranging reasonable adjustments.
However, our University specialist team is also available to offer advice and guidance if needed. We can help you:
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Explore reasonable adjustments in collaboration with your partner college
-
Liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
-
Connect with external services where appropriate
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Provide advice and support on accessing the Disabled Student Allowance (DSA)
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
International students
Feel at home in our international community and our diverse city. You'll be joining over 5,000 international students from more than 150 countries who are studying with us.
Learn more about international student life and how we can help you with visas, applications, arrival and settling in.
Apply
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no deadline for applications to this course. We accept applications right up until the course start date, as long as there are places available. If you wait until the month your course starts to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, remember that you'll need to leave plenty of time to get your visa organised.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students and current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Extra information for international students
Unlike undergraduate applications, which go through UCAS, applications for this Master's course are made directly to us.
There's no fixed deadline for applications to this course for UK applicants. We accept applications right up until the start dates, as long as there are places available. If you wait until your start month to apply, you may find that the course is full.
If you're applying as an international student, please note that application deadlines may differ. You’ll need to allow enough time for your application to be processed and for visa arrangements. Check out our application deadlines for International Students.
You can find more advice about applying in our Master's application checklist. International students, as well as current students and recent graduates of the University of Portsmouth, also have some different application options, which are detailed below.
Ready to apply?
Start this course in September 2026
Apply now (Full-Time, 7 months)
Apply now (Full-Time, Distance Learning, 7 months)
Start this course in January 2027
I'm a current Portsmouth student, or a recent Portsmouth graduate
If you're currently in your final year of study at Portsmouth, or you graduated since July 2025, you're eligible to make a fast track application. You'll have:
- a shorter application form to complete
- access to the 20% Alumni fee discount
- a guaranteed conditional offer, for most Master's courses
After you apply
Once we receive your application, we may ask you for further information. We will then either make you an offer or suggest alternatives if your application is unsuccessful.
You'll usually get a decision within 10 working days, so you shouldn't have to wait too long. Some courses have an interview stage – we'll let you know if you need to prepare for one.
Learn more about how we assess your application.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.