Aerial Photography of Portsmouth Naval Base (July 2019)

Business and Supply Chain Management BSc (Hons)

Gain global logistics and supply chain skills that keep the world moving in one of the UK’s biggest supply chain hubs with great placement opportunities.

University of Portsmouth Connected Degree - 3 year course with 4th year placement

Key information

UCAS code:

J9N1, J9N5

Accreditation:

This course is Accredited

Typical offer:

112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent

See full entry requirements
Study mode and duration
Start date

Showing content for section Overview

Overview

Supply chain management contributes to every aspect of business, not to mention everyday life.

Recent events like Covid and Brexit have shown how important supply chains are. Ensuring the right products are in the right place at the right time — and at the right cost — is vital to life as we know it. So is ensuring those supply chains are sustainable safe for the environment.

On this degree you'll investigate risk and strategic management, logistics management, and learn how to procure goods and manage supply lines.

You'll use professional industry software, systems and tools to help you explore the ethics and sustainability of global supply chains. 

With a focus on global procurement and the sourcing and purchasing of goods, you’ll graduate with more than just an understanding of logistics and the movement of goods. You’ll build your specialist knowledge and understanding of business in general so that you graduate with a set of management and specific skills that are in demand in the workplace.

You can boost your employability and apply you degree knowledge with a paid industry placement year before or after your third year. As Portsmouth is a vital supply chain hub there are great local opportunities to do a placement year with companies like IBM and Boeing, as well as other roles across the UK. 

"Demand for supply chain talent is at an all-time high, as more and more companies have recognised how important supply chain management is to their success."

DHL

Course highlights

  • Stand out in the employment market with your knowledge of procurement and a valued skill set
  • Get hands on experience of using SAP software and reporting in our SAP suite.
  • Choose from specialist module options including business analytics and data modelling — skills that are in-demand in the industry
  • Gain core management skills such as risk management and leadership alongside your specialist supply chain skills
  • Benefit from the support of our dedicated Placement Team to help you secure a paid placement year 
  • Improve your global employability by spending a year abroad at a partner university in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America
  • Learn from academics who have supply chain industry experience and research expertise in data driven supply chains
  • Opt to do a foundation year to get uni-ready ahead of this course, then take up a guaranteed place on this full Bachelor's degree when you successfully finish your foundation year

I first chose BA (Hons) Business and Management, but I really enjoyed the Business Operations module, so I switched to Supply Chain Management from my second year. The modules are all really fun and interesting and the staff are all great and know their subjects really well.

Georgia Meredrew, BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management Graduate, Procurement Agent, Boeing

Accreditation

AACSB Logo

No. 3

influential business school in the world

Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021

Top 30

for student satisfaction

(Times Higher Education, 2024)

We have partnered with the Chartered Management Institute (CMI) so that you can gain a value added professional qualification alongside your degree. Students on our BA (Hons) Business and Supply Chain 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 University of Portsmouth has earned business accreditation from the AACSB in recognition of the outstanding quality of its business and management education. Less than six percent of the world's schools offering business degree programs hold AACSB business accreditation.

Business and management studies at the University of Portsmouth is ranked 2nd of the modern universities by research power

Research Excellence Framework (REF), 2021

Read more about our business and management research

Contact information

Admissions

+44 (0) 23 9284 5566

Contact Admissions

Clearing is open

This course is available through Clearing.

How to apply for accommodation

We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.

Find out more

Clearing FAQs

To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.

The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.

You can apply through Clearing if:

  • You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
  • Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university 
  • You don't hold any offers
  • You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
  • You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024 

Find out more on UCAS

After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio. 

If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice. 

If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk

Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk

See our accommodation page for more information. 

No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.

If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.

Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide

If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.

See more on visa advice.

If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.

Entry requirements

Entry requirements (September 2025 start)

Typical offers for BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management

  • A levels - BBB-BBC
  • UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
  • T-levels - Merit
  • BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
  • International Baccalaureate - 29

You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.0 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't 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.

Worried about your grades?

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management with a Foundation Year to bring you up to speed. When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management.

Find out more about our foundation years

 

Typical offers for BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year

  • UCAS points - 32 points to include a minimum of 2 A levels, or equivalent. Other qualifications such as Vocational A levels (AVCE), BTECs and Access courses will also be considered (calculate your UCAS points)

You may need to have studied specific subjects – find full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.

English language requirements

  • English language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 5.5 with no component score below 5.5.

See alternative English language qualifications.

We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.

If you don't 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.

Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

Ideal skills and qualities for this course

Supply chains are evolving constantly to adapt to business challenges. Communication and negotiation skills, adaptability, and creativity are becoming increasingly important. We're looking for enthusiastic people who can demonstrate good communication and presentation skills.

You don't need to be particularly good at maths for this degree, but we are looking for analytical and enquiring minds who enjoy solving problems.

Joining this course in the 2nd year

This course is open to both international and UK students. If you're an international student who doesn't quite meet our entry requirements you can join this degree course in the 2nd year after completing the undergraduate pathway to Business and Management at International College Portsmouth.

Facilities

SAP Next Generation Lab

Gain practical skills with cloud-based software such as SAP and S&P Capital IQ, in our dedicated lab.

BAL-0519-Business Talk
Explore the lab

Business Simulation Suite

Experience the boardroom in our replica business suite.

Business Simulation Suite
Discover our Business Simulation Suite

Careers and opportunities

Logistics and supply chain management today is emerging as a highly desirable sector for employment providing an exciting high-tech career. This is due to the deployment of cutting-edge technologies in many of the key areas.

Harald Hamley , Teaching fellow, University of Portsmouth

Supply chain management is needed everywhere and there's a great shortage of supply chain skills in the UK. You could work in retail, healthcare, manufacturing, shipping and freight, charities or the public sector - the choice is yours.

Pay is good; the average salary for all UK procurement and supply chain professionals is £49,743 (CIPS Salary Guide 2022) and there are many varied routes for career progression, including working overseas.

Roles you can go on to with this degree include:

  • supply chain management
  • purchasing and procurement
  • procurement management
  • logistics analysis
  • distribution management
  • supply coordination

Previous graduates have gone on to work for companies such as:

  • Marks and Spencer
  • Apple
  • Amazon
  • DHL
  • UPS
  • Automotive (RR)
  • Procter and Gamble (P&G)

Alternatively you could go on to specialist postgraduate study, or set up your own business with the help and support of the University.

"Roles in logistics and supply chain management can provide challenging and satisfying careers which typically combine the responsibility for 'day-to-day' operations with long term projects implementing major business changes."

Prospects October 2021

Work placement year

You can boost your employability by taking an optional paid placement after your second or third year.

Previous students have had placements in organisations such as:

  • Intel
  • Sony
  • Johnson and Johnson
  • Land Rover
  • Aldi
  • Nissan

Many of our students are offered a graduate job by their placement employer.

The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.

You could also set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement during this year.

Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)

Entrepreneurs in Residence Programme (EiR)

We have over 20 experienced business entrepreneurs on our free EiR programme who can help you develop your business idea.

"I have a business idea, but I was not too sure about it. After this meeting, I felt so encouraged and positive about it! I felt so motivated to pursue my business venture. He gave me real life advice and helped me how to approach my ideas."

Rabab El Habchi Mahir meeting EiR Mark Smith

Prague cityscape

Study abroad year

Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.

 

"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."

 

Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019

Modules

What you'll study

Foundation year

If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.

  • You'll study on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
  • When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management
  • Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move on to your degree ready for success
  • Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university

Find out more about our foundation years

The module introduces candidates to the interesting challenges that ICT presents today and covers many anchor points that may serve as a bridge to their interests and lifestyles.

It also means you understand the value of scholarships, allowing you to move on to postgraduate programs at the University of Portsmouth.

You'll get the foundational knowledge and skills to get your ready to advance onto the first year of a degree at the University of Portsmouth. You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business.

These include approximation and substitution, estimation and percentages, applications of percentages in financial contexts, ratio and proportion, rules of indices, basic algebra, graphs, and quadratic equations.

Topics covered include the history and fundamental importance of economics, the demand and supply model, elasticity and its applications, different market structures such as perfect competition, monopoly, monopolistic competition, and oligopoly. Additionally, you'll explore the circular flow model involving households, firms, the financial sector, governments, and the foreign sector. The module also covers concepts like the business cycle, unemployment, economic growth, inflation, and international trade.

You'll gain an appreciation for the knowledge and skills required to effectively manage and operate a business. Topics covered include core concepts in business studies, understanding the business environment, different forms of business structures, business strategy and planning, enterprise, innovation, and entrepreneurship. You'll also delve into basic financial statements, key financial ratios, costs, budgeting, an introduction to marketing concepts, and creating marketing plans.

Topics covered include an overview of accounting and financial reporting, basic numerical techniques for accounting, introduction to trading accounts and profit and loss accounts (income statements), understanding the cost of sales, balance sheets, and current assets and liabilities.

You'll recognise the legal aspects and requirements of companies, recall and define the basic principles of contract formation, and become familiar with the content of commercial and consumer contracts, including the use of exclusion clauses. The module will also enable you to define the law regarding the rights of individual employees.

Core modules

You’ll explore topics ranging from financial principles and reporting standards through to budgeting, costing and analytical problem-solving. You'll gain an understanding of accounting’s indispensable role in informing strategy and operations for organisations, and finish this module with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills to guide organisations towards financial control.

By exploring key concepts, principles and decision frameworks, you'll understand the vital role of operations management across all aspects of business — including process design, capacity planning, supply chain optimisation, lean methodology, quality control, and project execution. When you finish this module you'll have the expertise to optimise workflows, resources, technologies and partnerships, and be ready to drive operational excellence, performance improvement, and sustainability within business

Material introduced in the lectures will be supported by additional resources delivered via Moodle. A weekly seminar offers opportunities for problem-based learning, designed to reinforce the principal themes introduced in lectures and expand upon the use of economic theory to evaluate a range of relevant and contemporary issues. The assessment for the module consists of a portfolio of eight online quizzes and a 1500-word written coursework assignment.

Through lectures, seminars, and hands-on computer labs, you'll analyse data and interpret results with tools such as Excel. 

By the end of this module you'll be able to demonstrate descriptive, predictive and prescriptive analytics and communicate insights to various audiences. 

This practical experience equips you with valuable analytics and communication abilities that are sought-after in the world of business.

Discover marketing's vital role in organisational strategy and decision-making. You'll explore concepts like environmental analysis, segmentation and positioning, and learn how to identify opportunities and issues in a company's situation. With assessments that focus on applying models to real companies, you'll get hands-on practice conducting audits, developing plans and advising on marketing activity

Core modules

The module equips students with knowledge and skills of tools used in the design and management of logistics systems and integrated supply chain. The module covers various aspects of logistics management in business practices that include the facility location and allocation, inventory management, warehouse management and transportation. This course will also develop an understanding and knowledge on how business processes in logistics management are executed with support of ERP systems.

You’ll analyse how organisational purpose connects with strategy, governance and outcomes, and explore ways to consider stakeholder needs alongside profit. Evaluating concepts like corporate social responsibility and circular economics, you’ll recommend how leaders can account for community and environmental issues. By using real modern cases, you'll assess business models and strengthen critical faculties to balance complex imperatives. By the end of this module you’ll be ready to champion organisational development in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner.

You'll analyse real case studies and interpret information with supply chain risk frameworks to evaluate prevention strategies. Working individually and in groups, you'll define risk categories and explore core principles for building resilience. By compiling data on recent risk events, you'll be in a position to comment critically on supply chain practices. You'll enhance your communication, teamwork and critical thinking skills — preparing you to lead efforts in responsible, transparent procurement.

It will develop (a) the students' ability to understand complex concepts as well as (b) their ability to approach workplace problems in an objective and analytical way. Delivery will be via lectures, seminars and workshops incorporating:- Simulated negotiation exercises Analysis Group and individual problem solving Case studies Discussion Organized activities Independent study All the identified skills in the Learning Outcomes will be developed through activities and will be utilised in tackling the module assessments.

You'll analyse case studies to build practical skills for decision making, planning and control in global networks. Working in a diverse team, you'll review key principles from sourcing to delivery while developing skills like communication, autonomy and adaptability. You'll apply a range of techniques to critically evaluate purchasing issues and present effective solutions. You'll finish this module ready interpret the information, tools and frameworks that support ethical, resilient supply chains.

Optional modules

The module will seek to outline a range of business modelling techniques that allow for improved operational designs under conditions that usually require the allocation of scarce resources using case studies.

Explore emerging technologies from artificial intelligence to cryptocurrencies — and analyse models and strategies for online sales, marketing and operations. You'll discover the intricate development processes, innovative models, and cutting-edge applications reshaping modern business landscapes. By engaging in critical discussions on business-to-business and business-to-consumer e-commerce, you'll prepare to navigate the social, legal, and ethical dimensions shaping digital transactions. You'll finish this module with an entrepreneurial spirit as you embark on hands-on projects by crafting dynamic websites that are tailored to real-world clients.

It also seeks to provide a detailed understanding of the main theories/models underlying the management of working capital. Furthermore, students taking this course will enhance their awareness and appreciation of more complex management accounting issues, and their ability to understand and explain the core themes underpinning financial analysis.

You'll explore the major factors, issues and forces that shape trade and operations across borders. Using current affairs coverage, you'll participate in discussions to demonstrate your appreciation for the socioeconomic, cultural and institutional contexts that impact the international marketplace. By the end of this module you'll have a crucial perspective on how global businesses navigate complex realities while sustaining success, so that you're ready to enter today's international firms.

Core modules

You'll explore configuration considerations, relationship dynamics and ethical imperatives to discover how aligned flows of information, goods and finances enable organisational success. By evaluating real chains that span multiple geographies, you'll assess decision trade-offs to boost productivity, agility and sustainability. You'll finish this module ready to lead enterprises to new heights and lead on value creation.

The Module makes use of case examples to review applicable theory and frameworks to illustrate the combined roles of Continuous Improvement (CI), Organisational Learning (OL), Change Management, and the importance of a Creative Environment (CE) as a springboard for innovation. This module will develop your knowledge and understanding in the application of ideas, methodologies, processes, and techniques for improving and sustaining organisational performance. The module emphasises the operationalising of business and functional strategy and focuses on how to facilitate and sustain successful change. The module evaluates the cultural, behavioural and human elements, and considers the role people have in leading and being part of successful and sustainable improvement.

Optional modules

It requires critical engagement with appropriate literature, sound choice of research methods and carrying the planned approach into practice to produce a piece of independent research.

Students will be supported through a mix of large group sessions, workshops and individual appointments to support them to develop a research idea and to realise it as a piece of written work. Individual appointments will be arranged between supervisor and student.

Examples of past projects are: developing options for a bank for use of their banking halls for community financial education; creating a strategy for a facilities management firm to improve their marketing; helping a social enterprise to find ways to grow their user base with new service offerings. You'll develop skills in teamwork, project management, design thinking and consultancy, and learn to practically apply business concepts from across your degree studies. After an introduction to the organisation, your client will provide ongoing direction and guidance, and you'll be giving them regular progress updates. For most of the time, you'll be part of an independent, diverse team, managing priorities to achieve the project aims. You'll be supported throughout the module by your seminar tutor. Much of your learning will be off-campus, meeting key stakeholders and conducting tasks such as customer surveys and interviews. We encourage an experimental and entrepreneurial approach, and you'll learn key skills in the seminars and online lectures. The coursework is a mix of 60% group work and 40% individual assessment.

You’ll critically evaluate traditional and contemporary leadership models, analysing debates around topics like management versus leadership. By blending theory and practice, you'll use leadership activities to strengthen your awareness of your own abilities and identify your development areas. You’ll compare approaches and learn how to apply ideas contextually with real-world cases. And with assessments that build your personal leadership plans, you’ll leave well-equipped to motivate, empower others and handle modern challenges.

Build on your prior knowledge by exploring how macro and micro cultural forces shape workplace behaviour, competence needs and communication approaches. You'll use both creativity and critical thinking to actively apply perspectives from sociology and psychology to real-world case studies. From this, you'll learn to identify nuances across diverse settings and to make effective workplace recommendations. By the end of this module you’ll have essential skills in cross-cultural analysis that are crucial for thriving in our increasingly interconnected world of business.

In this module, students will be encouraged to think like strategy practitioners in today's real life international environment. Consequently, they will develop the skills and competencies needed to be a good strategist, including the ability to diagnose strategic issues, analyse the industry a company is competing in as well as a firm's capabilities, and synthesizing ideas into creative strategy insights, strategic issue selling, and reflecting upon their practice as strategists. That reflection will involve critically examining the wider strategy-as-practice literature in terms of the insights it provides for the development of strategy. Students will also develop an appreciation of the global and international context within which strategists operate and the ethical nature of strategic decision making.

It aims to stimulate critical engagement with competing theories in traditional and contemporary areas of leadership, whilst exploring practical applications of leadership theories. Moreover, it will facilitate the development of a personal leader/leadership profile and development plan. Not only will this module develop subject specific knowledge and understanding, it will also enhance important graduate skills including: communication, critical analysis, decision making, independent research, reflective learning, and self-awareness.

Use flexible project management tools that meet industry standards, and learn to differentiate between transformative initiatives and business-as-usual processes. By evaluating real-world cases, you’ll analyse the contextual factors and stakeholder dynamics that position certain projects as strategic investments. With an outcome-oriented mindset, you’ll appreciate how disciplined planning, communication and risk mitigation leads teams to mobilise resources for impactful delivery. This module equips you with a versatile project management toolkit and a strategic perspective that is highly valued across sectors.

It explores the responsibilities and boundaries of businesses in a range of contemporary environmental and social issues and in the context of differing ethical frameworks. In this module we will also investigate how areas ranging from business ethics, law, politics, economics, strategy and management affect our understanding and practice related to responsible and sustainable business. Topics addressed in this module include, but will not be restricted to: foundation in business ethics, stakeholder theory, definitions and conceptions and practical applications of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and sustainability.

By appraising issues at business and corporate levels, you'll develop expertise in applying strategic frameworks to identify options. You'll examine theory, weigh evidence and propose strategies as you develop practical skills for issue resolution and driving strategic change. By the end of this module you'll be ready to evaluate propositions critically, and to recommend implementations to real-world challenges.

You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.

You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.

When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.

You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.

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.

Teaching

The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:

  • lectures
  • seminars
  • business suite sessions
  • one-on-one tutorials

We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. In addition to our dedicated teaching team, you'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.

Assessment

Assessment depends on the modules that you take, but assessment methods are likely to include:

  • essays
  • presentations
  • projects
  • exams
  • reflective work
  • computer-based assignments

Teaching staff profiles

These are some of the expert staff who’ll teach you on this degree course.

Banu Lokman Portrait

Professor Banu Lokman

Professor of Operational Research

Associate Head (Research and Innovation)

Banu.Lokman@port.ac.uk

Operations and Systems Management

Faculty of Business and Law

PhD Supervisor

Read more

How you'll spend your time

One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.

We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies.  As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.

A typical week

We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.

Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:

  • timetabled teaching activities (lectures, seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 15 hours a week
  • independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 20 hours a week

You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.

Term dates

The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.

See term dates

Supporting you

The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:

Types of support

Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to postgraduate study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your course.

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.

In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. 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, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) 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 a librarian who specialises in your subject area.

The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.

Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.

You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.

If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.

They'll help you to

  • discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
  • liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
  • access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
  • liaise with external services

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.

Course costs and funding

Tuition fees (September 2025 start)

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)

You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,250 per year (may be subject to annual increase)

This course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

Funding your studies

Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.

Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.

Additional course costs

Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.

You’ll study up to 6 modules a year. You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module.

You can borrow most of these from the Library. If you buy these, they may cost up to £60 each.

We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, DVDs and CDs, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.

If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.

If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:

  • UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
  • EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
  • International students – £2,875  a year (subject to annual increase)

Apply

September 2025 start

To start BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – J9N1
  • our institution code – P80

Apply now through UCAS

 

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

To start BSc (Hons) Business and Supply Chain Management with Foundation Year in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:

  • the UCAS course code – J9N5
  • our institution code – P80

 Apply now through UCAS

If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form:

Please note this foundation course isn't currently open to EU or International students.

 

You can also sign up to an Open Day to:

  • Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
  • Speak with lecturers and chat with our students 
  • Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join

If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.

Applying from outside the UK

As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things. 

You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.

Find out what additional information you need in our international students section

If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

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.