Oxford Brookes University

What you'll study

This degree integrates foundational legal subjects with applied business modules to give you a balanced understanding of law in commercial contexts. In the early stages you will study core legal topics such as contract law, tort, criminal law, public and constitutional law and an introduction to legal method and reasoning. Business-focused modules introduce you to accounting and finance for business, management and organisational behaviour, principles of marketing and introductory economics.

As you progress, modules typically move towards commercial and corporate themes: company law, commercial law, employment law, business regulation, corporate governance and aspects of intellectual property and competition law. You will also be able to take optional modules to deepen business knowledge (for example entrepreneurship, international business or applied finance) or to specialise in legal areas of interest (such as family law, human rights or property).

The programme emphasises employability through practical skills training: legal research and writing, advocacy and mooting, negotiation and client interviewing, alongside business skills such as financial analysis, project management and operations. Assessment is a mix of essays, case reports, exams, group projects and presentations. Many students have the opportunity to undertake a work placement or a professional experience year to gain real-world experience in law firms, corporate legal departments, consultancies or public-sector organisations.

Typical structure

• Year 1: Core legal foundations and introductory business modules, skills development.
• Year 2: Intermediate legal modules (e.g. criminal, tort, contract) and intermediate business topics; options begin to appear.
• Year 3: Advanced and optional modules, research project or dissertation; opportunities for placements, internships or industry consultancy projects.

Entry requirements

Entry is based on a combination of academic qualifications and the personal statement. Applicants are normally expected to have a recognised secondary school qualification such as A-levels, BTEC (or equivalent) with strong subject-related performance; international qualifications are considered alongside UK equivalents. Successful applicants typically demonstrate strong written communication, analytical ability and an interest in both law and business.

Applicants applying with vocational or access qualifications, or those who are mature learners, are welcomed and assessed on their whole application. International applicants must meet English language requirements and provide evidence of their language proficiency through an accepted qualification. Selection is usually made on the basis of the application; interviews are not generally required but may be requested for some candidates.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme enter a broad range of careers that draw on both legal knowledge and commercial skills. Common career paths include training contracts with law firms, paralegal roles, in-house legal or compliance positions within businesses, and roles in management, consultancy, banking and finance. The degree also provides a solid foundation for postgraduate legal qualifications (for those seeking to qualify as solicitors or barristers) and for MBA or specialised business master’s programmes.

Employers value the degree’s combination of rigorous legal reasoning and practical business awareness. Graduates often progress into graduate schemes in professional services, regulatory agencies, local and central government, and NGOs, or they may launch entrepreneurial ventures drawing on the business modules.

Why study at Oxford Brookes University

Oxford Brookes provides a campus environment with strong links to the legal and business communities in Oxford and beyond. The law teaching team combines academic expertise with practitioners who bring current commercial perspectives into the classroom. Students benefit from practical learning opportunities including mooting, advocacy training, pro bono work and industry-linked projects.

The university supports employability through a careers service offering employer events, CV and interview coaching, and connections to local and national employers. Oxford’s professional network and proximity to legal chambers, corporate headquarters and research-intensive industries provide internship and placement opportunities that complement the course. The programme’s blend of legal qualification-focused content and applied business training is designed to develop adaptable graduates ready for both legal and commercial roles.