Business Law LLB (Hons) Undergraduate Course | Nottingham Trent University
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Business Law LLB (Hons)

Start date

  • 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
Information for 2024

Introduction:

Ready to make a real impact? Dive into the world of law and be the change-maker businesses need. With our Business Law course, you'll develop sharp legal and commercial skills that set you apart. Customise your journey with different pathways in your second year to stay ahead in a dynamic business world; stand out by gaining hands-on experience through a work placement or broaden your horizons with a year abroad.

At Nottingham Trent University (NTU), learning means doing. You'll be immersed in a real-world environment, utilising our courtrooms and engaging in opportunities that provide hands-on experience. Studying law at NTU places you in the heart of Nottingham City Centre, offering numerous opportunities to work with our strong partnerships, established through us being one of the largest law schools in the UK.

Our students can become the change makers of tomorrow; they advocate for families without legal assistance, help small businesses achieve big changes, and lead the way in transforming policies.

We are the only UK Law School with its own on-campus teaching law firm - NLS Legal

Our award-winning on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Providing a practical learning environment, you can get involved in the running of the firm, from conducting client interviews to representing them at tribunals. All NLS students can benefit from this, and our other opportunities to gain real-world experience ensuring our graduates are more than qualified at the end of their courses.

  • Experience practical teaching like no other; NLS is the only UK Law School with it's own on-campus law firm - NLS Legal.
  • Benefit from our reputation; celebrating our 60th anniversary, we're one of the UK's largest and most established law schools.
  • Become more than qualified; work/work-like experience and practical skills are integrated directly into your course.
  • Gain a truly global perspective; you will have the opportunity to study abroad.

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.

Year One

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.

Studying for Success in the Digital Age

This fully online, flexible module builds upon the Law in Action module; you will learn how to utilise online legal databases, explore approaches to legal problem solving, and be introduced to contemporary technological and sustainable considerations of law.

Year Two – Pathway One

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.

Year Two – Pathway Two

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.

Final year

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.

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.

At NLS, embedding work experience and practical skills development into the curriculum is a priority focus as we know it helps produce well rounded graduates with increased employability skills. Here are just some of the ways you'll be able to get involved:

NLS Legal

Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.

Support Through Court

Through NLS Legal, you can gain legal work experience through our partner organisation, Support Through Court, a national charity that provides practical and emotional support to people going through court without representation (litigants in person).

NLS hosts Support Through Court Nottingham and Support Through Court National Online services, providing NLS students with hundreds of on-campus work experience opportunities every year.

Employer challenge

The Employer Challenge is an initiative designed to offer our students 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 challenge.

Additional opportunities

Find out more about your NLS experience, including the opportunities to engage in competitions and extra-curricular activities.

Don’t just take our word for it, hear from our students themselves

Student Profiles

Ben Parsons

A big attraction to the field of insolvency was that it is an industry that develops your knowledge of law, accounting, finance and business management. Being someone who wanted to work within law in a more corporate and commercially inclined setting appealed to me.

Misty Nicholson

We definitely need more diversity in construction

Jack Ferdinando

NTU is a very professional environment with top tier facilities that has won numerous awards in recent years.

Emmanuel Arimoro

This course equips me with the skills I need to work in many different industries.

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.

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.

Assessment methods

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

The proportion of these assessments each year are as followed:

  • 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%

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%

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.

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.

Research informed teaching

By daring to think differently our research is tackling real-world issues. The subjects you will study with us are informed by our research so you can be sure your knowledge will be cutting-edge in your field. In the last Research Excellence Framework (REF 2021) - the UK's system for assessing the quality and impact of research in universities - we’re proud that 100% of NTU's Law submission was assessed to be world-leading or internationally excellent.

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.

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

Chaucer

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
  • A family courtroom
  • Four mooting rooms to enhance your mooting and advocacy experience in an authentic environment

NLS Legal

Our on-campus teaching law firm, NLS Legal, is the only of its kind amongst all UK universities. Students from all years can work with NLS Legal and are involved in all aspects of the running of our law firm, from dealing with new enquiries and helping monitor risk and compliance, to conducting client interviews, undertaking relevant research, drafting letters of advice and even representing clients at tribunal.

Fantastic facilities

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.

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.

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 or Professional Practice Placement options during their Year 2 study (Pathway 2).  If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel 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.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494, by email: financial.support@ntu.ac.uk or through our Ask NTU form.

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.

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 or Professional Practice Placement options during their Year 2 study (Pathway 2).  If successful, students will be expected to pay for accommodation, travel 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.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Student Financial Support Service by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 2494, by email: financial.support@ntu.ac.uk or through our Ask NTU form.

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.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Admissions team by Tel :44 (0)115 848 4200 or through our Ask NTU form.

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.

The University's commitment to delivering the educational services advertised.

Getting in touch

For more advice and guidance, you can contact our Admissions team by Tel: +44 (0)115 848 4200, or through our Ask NTU form.

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