University is more than an academic qualification. It’s an experience. Ask students, graduates and faculty members of the University of Portsmouth’s Faculty of Business and Law, and many will agree.
At Portsmouth, you learn by putting new knowledge and skills into practice within and beyond the classroom. All degree courses include year-long work placements and overseas study opportunities. Many courses include business consultancy projects as well, where you work in teams with a business to tackle a real business problem. Together with a diverse cohort of peers, you’ll plan and execute complex assignments. Along the way, you discover each other’s strengths, enhance each other’s ideas and build strong bonds.
The “Managing Product Portfolios” module gave Ratul Chatterjee, a Business and Management student, the opportunity to understand how business strategies work for one company who have multiple products. “This was especially helpful when I was on my year-long work placement as I was working in the pharmaceutical industry in a company that manufactures many drugs and have different portfolios,” he says. “I was able to apply knowledge that I’ve learnt in university to understand those drug portfolios that are managed by the company.”
The faculty also has facilities that enable students and staff to be as hands-on as possible. These include the Bloomberg Suite, the Technology Enhanced Active Learning (TEAL) room, and the Business Simulation Suite. TEAL rooms, for example, encourage interactive learning in small groups and are supported by technology that makes studying constructive and enjoyable.
Such experiential and active learning prepares you to address complex business problems with critical knowledge, confidence, integrity and social responsibility. It helps you grow in confidence and gain valuable experience that employers are looking for as well. By knowing the ins and outs of your future profession, you’re set to join Portsmouth alumni who have achieved extraordinary career success. This group includes John Flint, former CEO of HSBC; Nick Austin, chair and co-founder of the UK’s biggest Toy Company, Vivid Toy Group; and Rachel Lowe, the creator of the popular “Destination” board game.
Gold-rated teaching in courses designed to make you more employable
In September, the university was awarded the highest overall rating of Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF 2023). The TEF assesses and rates universities and colleges for excellence above a set of minimum requirements for quality and standards. The Gold rating is a clear and independent indication of quality — with Portsmouth standing out as one of only 27 Gold rated universities in England and one of five Gold rated universities in the South East. It’s a fitting award for the university’s faculty members who are passionate about their subject and love to take a new generation on a journey of discovery.
If you’re looking at a career in business or accounting, these are the best people to learn from. Coming from around the globe, these experts bring a wealth of insight and experience to programmes such as the BA (Hons) Business and Management and BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance.
The first stands out for the faculty’s high-quality research in this area, focusing on enterprise, sustainability, ethical issues and global business. This informs teaching, and together with professional skills development, options to specialise, and the growing of knowledge in core business areas, such as marketing, finance and operations, turns students into well-rounded, career-ready graduates. Students on the BA (Hons) Business and Management can be awarded a CMI Level 5 Certificate in Management and Leadership upon successful completion of their degree programme. Upon joining their degree course, students become members of the CMI and are able to access a range of benefits, resources and events to support their professional development.
The accredited BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance offers students exemptions from ACCA, CIMA, ICAEW and, depending on option choices, CIPFA professional examinations. In this programme, you learn to use industry standard software and have the opportunity to undertake additional CV enhancing certifications, such as the Bloomberg certificate and the MSO Excel certificate. You can work with the local community in the accounting clinic as well.
Support for every student to succeed
The faculty ensures all students have opportunities to gain work experience before graduating — with guidance available every step of the way. “I’ve been using the placement office to help me find a placement for after my second year. They have been so helpful! I’ve been able to see them as often as I’ve needed and I’ve felt very supported,” shares Cristina Rudic, a Business and Management student.
A personal tutor provides students with academic and personal support throughout their time at the University of Portsmouth as well. Those requiring more tailored advice and guidance can turn to specialised tutors, such as academic skills tutors, who are familiar with the specific requirements of assignments and work closely with faculty academics.
There’s no shortage of support from your peers and friends too. With a full schedule of activities taking place on campus that brings students from all over the world together, it’s easy to make friends here. “One of my favourite memories from the first year was the cultural festival in the Student Union, where different students from different cultures were showcasing their culture through food, clothing and dancing,” shares Zulfat Adenji, a BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance student.
When Adenji graduates, he’ll hold a degree from a university that was awarded the highest overall rating of Gold in the 2023 Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF), one of the top 10 young universities in the UK (Times Higher Education World University Rankings) and in the top 35 for student satisfaction (The Guardian University Guide 2024). He’s set to go on to influence the future of their profession — like all Faculty of Business and Law graduates do.
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