BA (Hons) Business and Management (Law)

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Law) at the University of Gloucestershire is designed to cultivate well-rounded business professionals with a strong understanding of the legal framework in which businesses operate. This program is particularly valuable in today's complex and regulated business environment. It provides students with a comprehensive grounding in core business and management principles, alongside a specialized focus on key areas of law relevant to business. The course aims to equip graduates with the essential skills and knowledge to make a real difference in the dynamic world of business, enabling them to identify and navigate potential legal issues. The University of Gloucestershire's Business and Management degrees are accredited by the Chartered Management Institute (CMI), meaning that upon successful completion of the program, students also achieve a Level 5 Diploma in Leadership and Management. This additional qualification demonstrates to potential employers that graduates are "career ready" for various roles, from working in a multinational corporation to starting their own business.

Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Law) program is structured to build knowledge progressively. The first year provides a solid foundation in the fundamentals of business and management, introducing students to various legal areas relevant to business. These foundational legal topics typically include Contract Law, tortious liabilities, intellectual property rights, and business formation. As students progress into their second and third years, they delve into more specialized legal modules. These might include Commercial Law, covering aspects like the sale of goods and consumer protection; Company Law, examining the legal formation of companies and the rights and obligations of directors and shareholders; and Employment Law, focusing on the legal aspects of the employer-employee relationship. Beyond the specific law modules, the program integrates legal considerations across the business curriculum, ensuring that students understand the legal implications of business decisions. Learning on the course is active and engaging, moving beyond traditional lectures to include tutorials, seminars, group exercises, and real-life case challenges. Students can expect to participate in live projects and business pitches, applying their knowledge in practical scenarios.

Research Focus: While the BA (Hons) Business and Management (Law) is an undergraduate program primarily focused on providing a strong foundation for professional careers, the University of Gloucestershire does foster a research-informed teaching environment. This means that the curriculum is often shaped by the current research and professional experience of the lecturers. Furthermore, at the postgraduate level, the university offers programs such as the MRes Law, Accounting and Finance and the LLM International Business Law and Management, which have a significant research component. These postgraduate programs provide opportunities for in-depth investigation into the intersection of law, accounting, finance, and international business, with a focus on contemporary issues. For undergraduate students, the emphasis is on developing critical thinking and analytical skills, which are fundamental to any research endeavor. Some modules within the undergraduate program, such as a 'Live Management Enquiry Project' or a 'Capstone Business Project', may involve students undertaking a short-term, live internship or a business-led project with an industry partner. This provides a practical application of research skills and allows students to engage with real-world business challenges.

Industry Engagement: A key strength of the University of Gloucestershire's Business and Management programs, including the Law specialization, is the strong emphasis on industry engagement. The university actively seeks to provide students with real-world business experiences and to connect them with industry professionals. This is achieved in various ways. The curriculum is designed to be industry-led, ensuring that the content is relevant to the current needs and practices of businesses. Students benefit from guest lectures delivered by inspiring industry speakers, who share their insights and experiences. The University of Gloucestershire also has a strong network of industry partners, which provides valuable opportunities for placements. For example, the university mentions that students on their business courses have worked for renowned companies such as Warner Media, IBM, and British Airways. The university's "UoG Connections Promise" highlights its commitment to helping students build a network of contacts. Furthermore, the University of Gloucestershire's Business School is home to a student-led Law Consultancy Clinic and the 'ThreeSixty student consultancy', offering students the chance to gain practical legal and business consultancy experience by working with real clients, including individuals, community groups, and businesses. The university's on-campus Growth Hub and Business Engagement team facilitate other experiential opportunities, and the university works closely with the GFirst LEP on local economic initiatives.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Business and Management (Law) program at the University of Gloucestershire incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the increasingly interconnected nature of the business world. The curriculum includes modules such as 'The Global Business Environment' and 'Leadership and Management in Global Contexts'. These modules are designed to equip students with an understanding of the international dimensions of business and the challenges and opportunities of operating in a globalized economy. For instance, the postgraduate LLM in International Business Law and Management directly addresses international business and commercial law, including International Public and Private Law, International Commercial Law, and International Trade Law. While the undergraduate program focuses on a UK legal context for the "Law" stream, the broader Business and Management elements often draw on international examples and case studies to illustrate key concepts. The university also welcomes international students, which contributes to a diverse and globally aware learning environment. The aim is to produce "internationally minded graduates" who possess the transferable skills needed for employment in an international business context. Some of the postgraduate programs specifically aim to help students develop a "global mindset" and an understanding of how cultural differences affect international business.