Student services in online MBA programmes

Posted on: 27 May 2025
by Ruth Brooks

Starting any new postgraduate higher education programme can be daunting, and distance learning is no different. In fact, you may be wondering how it differs from a traditional, on-campus, in-person course, and whether you’ll still be able to access the same level of help and support during your studies.

Alongside rankings, accreditation, modules and course content, and price, the type of support on offer may well be something you are researching in order to find the perfect course. LinkedIn suggest this is well worth your time, stating that: ‘the rapidly evolving education sector requires a thorough evaluation of an institution’s technology and support system, particularly for MBA courses. The quality and support significantly impacts student development and achievement.’

What student support services are typically offered on online MBA courses?

While you may have opted for online learning for your Master of Business Administration degree, you certainly won’t feel alone in terms of support, help, and guidance. From start to finish – taking you through application, enrolment, study and assessment, and graduation – experts will be on hand to help support you through the online student experience.

Here’s a run-down of the most common support services available and what they can offer you:

Academic support. Your online academic tutor will be able to support you with a variety of aspects related to your learning and studies via an online forum. As they are highly knowledgeable in your subject, they can help answer content-related, coursework-related, and subject-specific questions, as well as be a point of contact between module leaders and course leaders. International students can also access English language support, if required.
Pastoral support. One of the best things about online learning is that in the event of a change in your personal circumstances – for example, you need to suspend your studies, opt for a different start date, or work at a different pace, perhaps due to work or other commitments – their flexible nature makes it very easy to do so. Get in touch with your university, business school, or training provider and they’ll be happy to help in whatever way they can.
Career and professional development support. Boosting your employability – and giving you the best possible chance of realising your potential and achieving your career ambitions – is a key component of the online MBA experience. You’ll be able to access a range of resources developed by the careers service to prepare you for the global business world and your chosen career.
Library and resource support. Online access to digital libraries, journals, e-resources, and research databases can support research and coursework assignments.
Technical and IT support. Balancing academic and professional development with the demands of remote learning can throw up technological issues. Expert support and advice is available to help with troubleshooting or getting the most from your virtual learning environment, online resources, and digital tools.
Disability and accessibility support. Learners with disabilities are generally eligible for reasonable adjustments in line with their individual needs to enable equal access to educational opportunities, experiences, and resources.
Wellness and counselling support. Mental health resources, stress management programmes, counselling services, and wellness initiatives can support your overall health and wellbeing as a current student.
Financial support. Providers who offer a pay-per-module approach make it easier for you to plan and manage your money. Student finance may be available to help towards the cost of your online course. For online MBA programmes in the UK, you may also be eligible for the Postgraduate Loan, and disabled students may quality for Disabled Students’ Allowance.
Alumni support. As well as alumni discounts, ongoing support and opportunities can open up a world of help, support, mentoring, and guidance upon completion of your online course. Access to networks, events, and resources are a key feature of many MBA programmes.

Whether you’ve opted for a full-time MBA, part-time MBA, or fully flexible MBA, the level of support is the same across the board, giving you peace of mind that you – and your online education and learning – will be in safe hands.

How do I access student services as an online MBA student?

High-quality support is generally available via phone, live chat, or email – though specific operating hours and availability may depend on the service you require and your individual university or institution. You can also access further information and help via web resources and FAQs.

Student career services: helping you achieve your career goals

Access to specialist careers support is vital – whether you’re an online MBA student or not. Tailored programmes, services, and resources can all help you get ahead in the employability game, and leveraging the help and support available can have a profound impact on achieving your professional objectives.

Depending on your programme and provider, career development support as an online MBA student may well include:

webinars, workshops, and initiatives that focus on enhancing key soft skills – from networking to CV creation to presenting
dedicated careers modules that develop your leadership potential
access to online events and seminars with guest speakers from industry and career experts
personalised online career coaching and interview preparation
digital resources to support career planning and job applications
opportunities to build your professional network.

Ready to start your online MBA journey on an AACSB-accredited programme?

Take the next step towards a fulfilling future career – and take full advantage of the wide-ranging student support services on offer – with Sheffield Hallam’s range of online MBA programmes.

Join the business leaders of tomorrow and build on your existing competencies and experience to become adept at decision-making, problem-solving, and strategic thinking at the highest levels of management. Each of our 100%-online MBA programmes equips you with the fundamentals of business administration, leadership, and management, exploring areas such as marketing, business finance, global operations and supply management, entrepreneurship, people development, international business innovation and much more.

Depending on your interests and requirements, you can choose between our standalone MBA or one of our specialist pathways: