Business Law LLB (Hons)
- Level(s) of Study: Undergraduate
- Typical Offer: 112 - 120 UCAS tariff points
- UCAS Code(s): M221
- Start Date(s): September 2024
- Duration: Three years
- Study Mode(s): Full-time
- Campus: City Campus
Introduction:
This LLB Business Law degree has specialist Business Law modules designed to give you sound legal and commercial awareness.
This degree allows you to study specialist Business Law modules and also incorporates a good deal of flexibility and choice. In Year Two you can choose between two different pathways which enable you to either take year-long specialist modules or combine half-year modules with the chance to study abroad, take a work placement, clinical legal education or further Business modules. In the final year you will choose five modules that reflect your interests from a wide range of options as well as one of our employability-focussed Law modules as your core module.
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All of our degrees are compliant with the requirements of the SRA and the BSB for the purposes of professional qualification as a solicitor or barrister in England and Wales. -
You can gain a Certificate in Professional Practice by undertaking mini-placements during vacations. -
Work on a business/law project with our Employer Challenge. -
You will have the opportunity to study abroad.
Why choose this course?
- You will gain specialist expertise in Business Law.
- You will have the opportunity to take part in our International Summer School Scheme.
- You will have the opportunity to undertake a business practice placement or clinical legal education.
- You will benefit from our renowned expertise in mooting. You will take certain modules which incorporate mooting skills and can also can get involved in international and national mooting competitions for which we have a winning track record.
- You can join our thriving LEX Student Law Society and get involved with a range of sporting, social, and networking activities.
- You will learn in outstanding facilities, including a suite of authentic mock courtrooms and mooting rooms.
- Upon graduation you can choose to apply for one of our courses preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
- NTU is 3rd for number of UG students studying Law (Latest HESA data 2021/22)
- 91% of law students were positive that the teaching staff are good at explaining things (NSS 2023)
All of our courses are designed to provide our students with a number of work-based learning opportunities.
Employer Challenge
The Employer Challenge is an initiative designed to offer our students a 'work-like experience' during their Law degree. During your second year module Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice, you will work on a legal or business related challenge set for you by a professional employer. It is a chance for you to make a real difference to their business by working on a current or hypothetical issue facing them. After meeting with your employer and receiving your challenge, you will work to research the issue and develop your recommended solution. You, or your team, will get to present your results to your challenger a few weeks later and see what they think. There will be team and individual challenges, but you are assessed individually based on a reflective report, written by you after feedback from your challenger.
What you’ll study
This course will develop your legal skills and your awareness of the commercial and legal environment in which today’s business organisations operate. On Pathway One you’ll study legal modules with a business focus over the course of the year.
On Pathway Two you’ll spend the first half of the year studying core legal modules and then in the second half of the year you can choose either studying abroad, undertaking a business practice placement, or develop your commercial awareness further with business modules designed by Nottingham Trent University’s renowned Business School.
In your final year you can tailor your degree with a number of Business Law option modules and / or Business option modules designed by the Business School.
Core Modules
Law in Action
The Law in Action module compliments and builds upon the Law School’s induction programme, to encourage students’ engagement, attendance and appreciation of the place of law in a wider context right from the start of their degree.
Law of Contract and Problem Solving
Develop your understanding of the law of contract. You will study the underlying theories and classifications of contracts and learn how to apply your knowledge to solve legal problems. You will also be introduced to the skill of mooting
Law of Torts and Legal Reasoning
The law of torts concerns civil wrongs, and in this module you will learn to interpret case law, determine relevant legal principles, and assess the merits of legal reasoning.
International, European and Comparative Law and Group Presentation Skills
Gain an international and comparative perspective on the establishment, development and operation of international and European Union law, while developing team working and presentation skills.
Public Law and Research Skills
Examine and research constitutional law concepts to develop an understanding of the relationship between the individual and the state. Exploring the protection of liberties and fundamental rights of the individual within the UK.
Legal, Professional and Business Environment
Gain a foundational knowledge and understanding of the legal system in England and Wales from a business law perspective. Develop transferable intellectual, employability and professional skills.
Core modules (full year)
Criminal Law with Mooting
Expand your knowledge of criminal law and develop mooting skills that will enhance your employability. You will learn how to argue within a ground of appeal, how to research and write skeleton arguments, and how to use legal language effectively.
Land Law and Professional Advice
Apply rules to solve legal problems in relation to land ownership. You will study the distinction between real and personal property and begin to draft professional advice in a property law context.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and examine decided cases in detail. Learn how to apply your legal knowledge to the classification of property, creation and dispositions of property interests and management of trust property.
Commercial Law and Negotiation
Enhance your understanding of commercial law within a practical and business context. You will also be introduced to the skill of negotiation and the strategies and tactics involved.
And:
Applied Legal Knowledge (Access to Justice) - Civil Practice
Learn how to put theory into practice by revisiting areas of core law modules of contract and tort from a practical and professional skills-based perspective, with input from the School's teaching law firm NLS Legal and Support Through Court, which incorporates the Employer Challenge. Places for this module are limited and subject to selection. Students apply by CV and covering letter.
Or:
Applied Legal Knowledge - Civil Practice (including the Employer Challenge)
Enhance your fundamental understanding of the law by revisiting areas of core law modules of contract and tort from a new practical and professional skills-based perspective and one optional module from the following list:
Optional modules
Business Employment Law and the Client
Study the principles of employment law, the business context in which they operate and the perspective of the client. You will learn to apply your knowledge to solve employment law problems.
Human Rights
Develop your understanding of human rights in an international context, exploring topics including the right to life, the right to a fair trial, freedom of religion, and freedom of expression.
Family Law
Explore the principal themes of English family law: marriage, divorce, civil partnership, cohabitation, domestic violence and parental responsibility. Apply legal knowledge to hypothetical and real situations in order to enhance employability.
There is a competitive selection process for this pathway.
Core modules (half year)
Criminal Law with Mooting
Expand your knowledge of criminal law and develop mooting skills that will enhance your employability. You will learn how to argue within a ground of appeal, how to research and write skeleton arguments, and how to use legal language effectively.
Land Law and Professional Advice
Apply rules to solve legal problems in relation to land ownership. You will study the distinction between real and personal property and begin to draft professional advice in a property law context.
Law of Trusts and Advanced Legal Reasoning
Acquire high-level knowledge of the law of trusts and examine decided cases in detail. Learn how to apply your legal knowledge to the classification of property, creation and dispositions of property interests and management of trust property.
Optional module (half year)
Choose one option from the following:
- International Study
Spend half of the academic year studying abroad at one of our partner universities. You will study law from an international perspective and experience life in another country. If you choose to take international study you will need to also take the compulsory Employer Challenge during the first half of the academic year, prior to your departure overseas. - Professional Work Placement
Gain practical work experience, spending between one and three days a week in a professional work environment for a total of ten weeks.
Or
You can choose three business modules from the following options and you will also need to complete the Employer Challenge before the end of the academic year.
Business Modules
Digital Entrepreneurship
Uses both a critical and practical perspective to examine the process of developing a digital business, with Internet technologies, smart and mobile phones, and their applications.
International Business and Communication
Provides an overview of the means of conducting business in the global context, examining the political and economic factors underpinning business in practice, with an emphasis on what makes international business operations different from domestic business operations.
Exploring Strategy and Innovation
Gain an understanding of business development and strategy with particular reference to processes of strategic management, innovation, and business development in the global context.
Financial Markets, Institutions and Services
Develop your ability to understand the financial accounts of firms and the economic functions provided by the financial system by using economics to analyse their activity.
Core Modules
Choose one of the following:
Law in Practice
This module has been designed to enable you to use legal and law-related work, paid or voluntary, for academic credit towards your degree. You will undertake at least 35 hours’ work either in one of our pro bono projects or with a law firm, advice agency, or other voluntary organisation in the UK or abroad.
Path to Professional Practice
Develop key transferable skills in preparation for professional practice. You will hone your legal writing, drafting, negotiation and client-interviewing skills through a series of case scenarios and related case materials.
Applied Legal Knowledge (NLS Legal) - Criminal and Business Practice
Learn how to put theory into practice by revisiting areas of core law modules from a practical and professional skills-based perspective, accompanied by workshops in the School’s Legal Advice Centre.
Optional modules
Choose five modules (including up to 2 business modules) from the following options:
Company Law
Acquire high-level knowledge of company law. You will solve legal problems and study a number of topics, including limited and unlimited liability, shareholder rights, and the dissolution of companies.
Commercial Law**
Enhance your understanding of commercial law within a practical and business context
Employment Law*
Learn to apply your legal knowledge to solve employment law problems. You will study both collective employment law and individual employment law.
Independent Business Law Research Project
Plan, research and write your own project on business law. You will be allocated a project supervisor who will provide expertise in your chosen area and guide you throughout the process.
Intellectual Property Law
An introduction to intellectual property law, its rationales, economic function and international influences. You will gain an awareness of design law and study the law of copyright and patents.
International Competition Law
Explore the differing approaches to international competition law and the key institutions and initiatives. You will develop your knowledge of the role of economic theory and consider future developments.
International Trade Law
Provides the professional skills required in a modern commercial environment. You will learn about the international sale and carriage of goods, and about the application of principles to solve international trade disputes.
Mooting
Develop a range of advocacy techniques through the medium of mooting. This module covers a range of topics including written pleadings, courtroom etiquette, and the skills of oral advocacy.
Sports Law
Acquire knowledge of the law pertaining to the regulation of sporting activity and an appreciation of the impact of globalisation on sports law.
Plus a choice of up to two modules offered by Nottingham Business School:
Comparative and International Management
The influence of culture on management and managing has become increasingly relevant in a world characterised by global activity. This module addresses the problems that arise from these matters, and the solutions that are needed.
Corporate Governance and Risk Management
Focusing on current recommendations in the field of corporate governance in the UK, this module highlights the importance of control and risk management when implementing strong governance measures, and evaluates the dilemmas faced by those entrusted with these responsibilities.
Investment and Portfolio Management
Examines the appropriate theory and allows you to put it into practice by constructing and running a portfolio of equities.
* Students cannot choose this module if they have already chosen to study Business Employment Law and the Client in Year Two.
** Students cannot choose this module if they have already chosen to study Commercial Law and Negotiation in Pathway One in Year Two.
Further information on what you'll study
Please be aware that all optional/elective modules are subject to availability, and NTU reserves the right to amend, change or withdraw modules at its discretion.
Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves
How you’re taught
Each module is delivered through a series of lectures and linked seminars that provide you with the opportunity to enhance your understanding through further reading and debate. You will also make use of eLearning activities and will focus on project work and the application of your legal knowledge as the course progresses.
All our LLB courses operate within a common framework. This not only ensures consistently high standards but also means that should your circumstances change then we are normally able to facilitate a change in your programme and study mode. You should discuss any request to change course with your personal tutor.
Lecture Capture
Lecture recordings are ordinarily made available in respect of all lectures, enabling students to recap material and undertake revision.
How will I be assessed?
Your knowledge and understanding will be assessed by a diverse range of methods that reflect the skills required. You will take part in:
- oral presentations
- mooting exercises
- case analysis
- research projects
- group projects
- problem-solving assignments
- both seen and unseen examinations.
Learn a new language
Alongside your study you also have the opportunity to learn a new language. The University Language Programme (ULP) is available to all students and gives you the option of learning a totally new language or improving the skills you already have.
Learning a new language can:
- enhance your communication skills
- enrich your experience when travelling abroad
- boost your career prospects.
Find out more about the University Language Programme.
Access to Resources
Nottingham Law School is delighted to announce that it will continue to provide access to the Oxford University Press (OUP) online resource - Law Trove.
Law Trove provides online access to a range of online resources, including over 200 textbooks published by OUP, and covers core and optional subject areas. Students on all courses will be provided with unlimited access to the resources within Law Trove in order to further enhance your experience during your time with us.
Contact hours
- Year 1 Lectures/Seminars/Workshop 22%, Independent Study 78%
- Year 2 Lectures/Seminars/Workshop 22%, Independent Study 78%
- Year 3 Lectures/Seminars/Workshop 24%, Independent Study 76%
How you’re assessed
- Year 1 Written Coursework 43%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 40%, Practical Exercises17%
- Year 2 Written Coursework 35%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 50%, Practical Exercises 15%
- Year 3 Written Coursework 76%, Written Take and Do Assessment Exercises 17%, Practical Exercises 7%
Careers and employability
Your career development
A Law degree is highly valued and provides a solid foundation for a variety of careers.
Upon completion of your degree you can choose to apply for one of our courses preparing you for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam. It also enables you to progress on to the LLM Barristers Training Course (BTC) or PGDip BTC for intending barristers.
We do encourage you to submit your application for these courses as early as possible to avoid disappointment. These courses can reach maximum capacity prior to the course start date.
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam
The Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) is a common assessment that those wishing to qualify as a solicitor must pass. Find out more about the SQE and what it means for you.
A Law degree doesn't just have to lead to a career as a solicitor or barrister however. On this LLB course you will gain a host of transferable skills including commercial awareness and an appreciation of the law that many employers will value, both in the UK and overseas. In the last few years our graduates have gone on to positions including:
- solicitor
- barrister
- in-house counsel
- trade mark attorney
- trade union consultant
- freedom of information adviser
- human resources officer
- investment banker
- auditor.
Excellent placement opportunities
Your work experience associated with this course will be a valuable addition to your CV in today's competitive employment market. You'll gain vital real-life skills that will make you stand out from the crowd.
On this degree, selected students undertaking pathway two in Year Two will have the opportunity to gain practical experience on a half-year work placement or get involved with clinical legal education.
All other students will either gain work experience through the Year Two modules Introduction to Applied Legal Knowledge (Access to Justice) or by undertaking the Employer Challenge.
We encourage all students to obtain relevant work experience during the vacations. This is because if you undertake at least ten weeks' relevant work experience this will be recognised by our Certificate in Professional Practice. Your qualification will demonstrate that you have developed:
- practical skills
- work-based competencies.
You will be responsible for organising your own placements with the support of the University. You will receive an introduction to the certificate and advice on securing placements in the first year.
You can work towards the University’s Developing with NTU Award, which has been designed to provide formal recognition of everything you do as an NTU student, and in your wider life, in support of your whole person development. You can also choose from these specialised employability awards: Digital Award, Global Award, Enterprise Award, Sustainability Award.
Campus and facilities
Nottingham Law School is based in the Chaucer building on the City Campus. It is a vibrant place to study with fantastic facilities and accommodation just a few minutes' walk from everything Nottingham has to offer. Not only will you study in outstanding lecture theatres and seminar rooms, but the Law School has also invested in:
- a mock courtroom
- family courtroom
- four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment
- NLS Legal.
NLS Legal is our onsite teaching law firm which has been granted Alternative Business Structure status by the Solicitors Regulation Authority, enabling students to practise pro bono under the supervision of a qualified solicitor.
You'll also have access to a great combination of facilities on the City Campus, including:
- the 24-hour Boots Library, with learning resources specific to your course
- IT open areas in the Newton and Chaucer buildings
- Nottingham Trent Student Union, including sports facilities, a shop, cafes and music venues
- a range of student accommodation.
We've recently invested a massive £90 million into our buildings and facilities, providing you with inspiring places to learn, relax with friends and share ideas.
As a student you will also have access to our virtual learning environment (NOW), which allows you to access your university timetable, NTU email, module documents and the NTU online library from your own laptop, anywhere at any time.
Entry requirements
- Standard offer: 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
- Contextual offer: 112 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
Contextual offers
A lower offer may be made based on a range of factors, including your background (such as where you live and the school or college you attended), your experiences and individual circumstances (you may have been in care, for example). This is called a contextual offer and we get data from UCAS to make these decisions. NTU offers a student experience like no other and this approach helps us to find students who have the potential to succeed here but who may have faced barriers that make it more difficult to access university. Find out how we assess your application.
Other qualifications and experience
We may also consider credits achieved at other universities and your work/life experience through an assessment of prior learning. This may be for year one entry, or beyond the beginning of a course where applicable, for example, into year 2. Our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy outlines the process and options available for this route.
Meeting our entry requirements
Hundreds of qualifications in the UK have UCAS tariff points attached to specific grades, including A levels, BTECs, T Levels and many more. You can use your grades and points from up to four different qualifications to meet our criteria. Enter your predicted or achieved grades into our tariff calculator to find out how many points your qualifications are worth.
Getting in touch
If you need more help or information, get in touch through our enquiry form
- 120 UCAS Tariff points from up to four qualifications (two of which must be A-level equivalent)
International qualifications
We accept qualifications from all over the world – check yours here:
English language entry requirements
You can meet our language requirements by successfully completing our pre-sessional English course for an agreed length of time, or by submitting the required grade in one of our accepted English language tests, such as IELTS:
Undergraduate preparation courses (Foundation)
If you don’t yet meet our entry requirements, we offer Foundation courses through our partner Nottingham Trent International College (NTIC), based on our City Campus:
Advanced standing (starting your undergraduate degree in year 2 or 3)
You may be able to start your undergraduate course in year 2 or 3 based on what you have studied before. This decision would be made in accordance with our Recognition of Prior Learning and Credit Transfer Policy.
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Fees and funding
Preparing for the financial side of student life is important, but there’s no need to feel anxious and confused about it. We hope that our fees and funding pages will answer all your questions.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for International Study during their Year 2 study (Half Year Pathway). Students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel, visa and living costs whilst on placement.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
Scholarships
We offer scholarships of up to 50% of your tuition fee. You can apply for your scholarship when you have an offer to study at NTU.
Living costs
Get advice on the cost of living as an international student in Nottingham and how to budget:
Paying fees
Find out about advanced payments, instalment plan options and how to make payments securely to the University:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
Additional Costs
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, and include loads of great benefits, such as the use of our library, support from our expert Employability team, and free use of the IT equipment across our campuses.
Library books
Most study modules will recommend one or more core text books, which most students choose to purchase. Book costs vary and further information is available in the University’s bookshop. Our libraries provide a good supply of essential text books, journals and materials (many of which you can access online) – meaning you may not need to purchase as many books as you might think! There may also be a supply of second-hand books available for purchase from previous year students.
Placements
If you're undertaking a placement year, you'll need to budget for accommodation and any travel costs you may incur whilst on placement. Many of our placement students do earn a salary whilst on placement which can help to cover these living costs.
Students may choose to apply for International Study during their Year 2 study (Half Year Pathway). Students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel, visa and living costs whilst on placement.
NLS Summer School
There may be the opportunity to take part in optional NLS Summer School, which do incur additional costs.
Print and copy costs
The University allocates an annual printing and copying allowance of £20 depending on the course you are studying. For more details about costs for additional print and copying required over and above the annual allowance please see the Printing, photocopying and scanning information on the Library website.
How to apply
We've created application guidance pages to help you with the applying process. If you find yourself struggling at all, try these pages and hopefully you'll find the answers you're looking for.
Your personal statement is a really important part of your application. It’s your chance to convince us why we should offer you a place! For hints and tips on what to write, take a look at our page on how to write a good personal statement.
Keeping up-to-date
After you’ve applied, we’ll be sending you important emails throughout the application process so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
You can apply for this course through UCAS. If you are not applying to any other UK universities, you can apply directly to us on our NTU applicant portal.
Application advice
Apply early so that you have enough time to prepare – processing times for Student visas can vary, for example. After you've applied, we'll be sending you important emails throughout the application process – so check your emails regularly, including your junk mail folder.
Writing your personal statement
Be honest, thorough, and persuasive – we can only make a decision about your application based on what you tell us:
Would you like some advice on your study plans?
Our international teams are highly experienced in answering queries from students all over the world. We also have members of staff based in Vietnam, China, India and Nigeria and work with a worldwide network of education counsellors.
- Complete this simple form to keep in touch with the International Office.
The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.