University of Portsmouth — Validated Programmes

Your British Degree,
Without Borders.

The Institute of Contemporary Studies partners with the University of Portsmouth to deliver fully online, CMI-inclusive MBA and BA (Hons) programmes — designed for working professionals who refuse to put their careers on pause.

£4,000
Total MBA fee
9
MBA pathways
9 mo
Max duration
Top 6%
AACSB school
University of Portsmouth Degree
CMI Endorsed Pathway Included
Study From Your Home Country
Weekend Classes Only
AACSB Accredited Business School
Why Choose This Pathway

Outstanding Value.
Genuine Recognition.

The same prestigious British degree at a fraction of the traditional cost — purpose-built for working professionals who want to advance without stepping away from their careers.

Exceptional Value for Money

International students typically pay £16,000–£18,000 per year to study in the UK. This validated pathway delivers the identical University of Portsmouth degree for just £4,000 total — including the CMI pathway diploma.

Authentic UK Degree Award

Your degree is awarded directly by the University of Portsmouth and carries the same academic standing as degrees from on-campus, online, or distance-learning students anywhere in the world.

Flexible Weekend Learning

All classes run over weekends through ICS's dedicated learning portal — keeping your full working week free. MBA programmes complete in as little as 9 months while you remain employed.

Nine Specialisations

Choose an MBA pathway that aligns with your industry — from Health & Social Care to Business Psychology, Supply Chain to Education Leadership. Few universities offer this breadth within a single portfolio.

End-to-End ICS Support

ICS guides you through every stage — from the initial application and CMI qualification, through university progression, assessments, and right up to graduation. You never navigate the process alone.

UK Graduation Ceremony

Eligible graduates may attend the official University of Portsmouth graduation ceremony in the United Kingdom — a landmark achievement to mark the end of your journey.

Accreditation & Recognition

World-Class Academic Standing

The University of Portsmouth's credentials ensure your qualification is recognised by employers and institutions worldwide.

AACSB
Business School
Top 6% Worldwide
CMI
Pathway Included
Level 5 & 7 Diplomas
QS
#635
Global Ranking
QS World Rankings 2026
UoP
Validated
Programme Framework
UK Public University
ICS
Delivery
Teaching Partner
Institute of Contemporary Studies

June 2026 Intake — Places Are Limited

Applications are open now. Early applicants gain priority consideration. Begin your CMI pathway at the earliest opportunity.

June 2026 Intake — Open Now

Available Programmes

All programmes are delivered online through ICS, inclusive of CMI (Endorsed) Pathway Diploma, and awarded by the University of Portsmouth.

£4,000

MBA Top-Up

General Management — Postgraduate Masters

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Project Management

Specialisation: Project & Programme Management

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Human Resource Management

Specialisation: People & Organisational Strategy

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain

Specialisation: Operations & Supply Chain Management

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Tourism & Hospitality Management

Specialisation: Tourism, Hospitality & Events

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Education Management & Leadership

Specialisation: Educational Leadership & Administration

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Health & Social Care Management

Specialisation: Health Services Leadership & Management

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Business & Organisational Psychology

Specialisation: Workplace Psychology & Behavioural Strategy

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£4,000

MBA in Occupational Health & Safety

Specialisation: Health, Safety & Risk Management

Online 9 Months Max CMI Included
£5,000

BA (Hons) Top-Up

Undergraduate Honours Degree — Top-Up Route

Online 12 Months CMI Level 5

⚠ Places are strictly limited. ICS strongly recommends applying early.

University of Portsmouth — Validated

Programme Details

Everything you need to know about structure, entry requirements, fees, and how the ICS–Portsmouth pathway works.

About This Programme

The Institute of Contemporary Studies (ICS) delivers University of Portsmouth validated MBA and BA (Hons) Top-Up programmes under a formal academic partnership. Upon successful completion, the University of Portsmouth awards the degree directly — the same qualification, with the same academic standing, as students studying on campus in the United Kingdom.

This pathway has been specifically designed for ambitious professionals and career changers who need a flexible, affordable, and internationally recognised British qualification without the prohibitive cost of relocating to the UK or interrupting their employment.

The Progression Pathway

All students follow a two-stage progression route before entering the University of Portsmouth degree programme:

Stage 1

CMI Endorsed Diploma

MBA: Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma
BA Hons: Level 5 Extended Diploma

Stage 2

University Progression

Entry to the University of Portsmouth validated degree programme

Stage 3

Degree Completion

Final assessments and dissertation / major project

Award

UoP Degree Awarded

Degree certificate issued directly by the University of Portsmouth

Why Is the CMI Pathway Included?

The CMI (Chartered Management Institute) Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma or Level 5 Extended Diploma forms part of the entry and progression requirements for this validated route. It is not an add-on — it is the academic bridge that qualifies you for the University of Portsmouth degree. The total fee stated (£4,000 for MBA, £5,000 for BA Hons) is inclusive of this diploma. There are no hidden extras.

All Available Programmes

Programme Level Mode Duration Total Fee
MBA Top-UpMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Project ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Human Resource ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Logistics & Supply Chain ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Tourism & Hospitality ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Education Management & LeadershipMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Health & Social Care ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Business & Organisational PsychologyMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
MBA in Occupational Health & Safety ManagementMaster's (Level 7)OnlineMax 9 months£4,000
BA (Hons) Top-UpBachelor's (Level 6)OnlineApprox 12 months£5,000

All fees are inclusive of the CMI (Endorsed) Pathway Diploma. No additional tuition charges apply.

Value Comparison

See how the ICS–Portsmouth validated pathway compares to traditional study routes:

Traditional UK Study
£16,000+
per academic year
+ Accommodation costs
+ Living expenses
+ Visa fees
+ Travel costs
+ Lost employment income
ICS Portsmouth Pathway
£4,000
total (MBA) — nothing more
✓ CMI Pathway Diploma included
✓ No relocation costs
✓ No visa required
✓ Weekend study — keep your job
✓ Same UoP degree certificate
UK Home Students
£9,250
minimum per academic year
+ Living expenses
+ Accommodation
+ Full-time commitment
+ Career interruption
 

Entry Requirements

  • A recognised Bachelor's degree (or equivalent professional qualification) for MBA programmes
  • A recognised HND, Foundation Degree, or equivalent for BA (Hons) Top-Up
  • A minimum of 1–2 years of relevant professional work experience (preferred)
  • English language proficiency — IELTS 6.0 or equivalent, or prior study in English medium
  • Successful completion of the relevant CMI endorsed pathway diploma (facilitated by ICS)

What Is Included in the Fee

  • Full CMI (Endorsed) Level 7 Postgraduate Diploma or Level 5 Extended Diploma
  • University of Portsmouth validated degree programme tuition
  • Access to the ICS dedicated online learning portal
  • All learning materials, recorded lectures, and resources
  • Weekend live sessions and tutor support
  • Assessment and assignment guidance from ICS academic staff
  • End-to-end admissions and progression support from ICS
  • University of Portsmouth degree certificate upon successful completion

What Is Not Included

  • Access to University of Portsmouth campus facilities or student union
  • University of Portsmouth student portal — ICS portal is used instead
  • Graduation ceremony travel costs (optional — students may attend at their own cost)
  • Repeat assessment fees (if applicable)

Delivery and Learning

Teaching is delivered by ICS academic staff through the ICS dedicated learning portal. Classes run primarily over weekends, making this route practical for full-time working professionals. All sessions are recorded and available to revisit. Students are supported through assessments, assignments, and regular tutor interaction throughout the programme.

The Degree Certificate

Upon successful completion, the University of Portsmouth issues the degree certificate directly to the student. The certificate confirms the award as a University of Portsmouth Honours or Master's Degree and makes no distinction about study mode — it carries the same prestige, the same academic recognition, and the same global standing as any other University of Portsmouth degree.

The Partnership

About ICS & the University of Portsmouth

Two institutions working together to make a prestigious British degree accessible to ambitious learners worldwide.

Teaching Institute

Institute of Contemporary Studies

The Institute of Contemporary Studies (ICS) is the Teaching Institute responsible for the delivery of these University of Portsmouth validated programmes. This website, the application process, the learning portal, and all student support services are owned and operated by ICS.

ICS has developed comprehensive end-to-end infrastructure to guide students from initial enquiry through CMI pathway qualifications, university progression, assessments, and graduation. Our academic and support teams are dedicated exclusively to the success of our students.

All teaching, learning resources, assessments, and student support are provided through the ICS dedicated learning portal — not through University of Portsmouth systems.

  • Dedicated online learning portal for all study materials and sessions
  • Weekend class delivery — designed for working professionals
  • Comprehensive end-to-end admissions and progression support
  • CMI Level 5 and Level 7 pathway coordination and delivery
  • Academic tutoring and assignment guidance throughout the programme
  • Proven track record of student progression to degree completion
Awarding University

University of Portsmouth

The University of Portsmouth is a well-established UK public university, ranked approximately #635 globally in the QS World University Rankings 2026. Its Business School holds AACSB accreditation — a distinction achieved by fewer than 6% of business schools worldwide.

As the awarding body under this partnership, the University of Portsmouth issues the degree certificate directly to each student upon successful completion. The award is made under the University's validated programme framework and carries the same academic standing as degrees awarded through any other delivery route.

  • QS World Ranked University — approximately #635 globally (2026)
  • AACSB Accredited Business School — top 6% worldwide
  • CMI accredited MBA programme portfolio
  • Degree certificate issued directly by the University
  • Award recognised globally as a UK Honours or Master's Degree
  • Optional official UK graduation ceremony for successful graduates

Important Note on Programme Delivery

Students on this pathway will access the ICS dedicated learning portal — not the University of Portsmouth's own student systems. All teaching, materials, assessments, and student support are provided through ICS. The University of Portsmouth's role is that of the academic awarding body: it validates the programme, sets the academic standards, and issues the degree upon successful completion. This is a standard arrangement for validated partner programmes and does not affect the standing or recognition of the final award.

How the Partnership Works

Roles and Responsibilities

Understanding who does what ensures there are no surprises in your study journey.

Responsibility ICS (Teaching Institute) University of Portsmouth
Teaching & Lectures✓ Delivered by ICS staff—
Learning Portal✓ ICS dedicated platform—
Student Support✓ Full support team—
Admissions✓ ICS processes applications—
CMI Pathway✓ Facilitated by ICS—
Programme Validation—✓ Validated by UoP
Academic StandardsAdheres to UoP standards✓ Set by UoP
Degree Award—✓ Issued directly by UoP
Degree Certificate—✓ University of Portsmouth
Graduation CeremonySupports application process✓ Held in UK by UoP
Frequently Asked Questions

Got Questions? We Have Answers.

Everything prospective students ask about the ICS–Portsmouth programme pathway, fees, delivery, and the degree itself.

June 2026 Intake

Online Admission Application

Institute of Contemporary Studies — University of Portsmouth Validated Programmes

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