Why study at Buckinghamshire New University?

BNU is a student focused and employer led university which means that you are at BNU's heart. They are proud of their high lecturer to student ratio, which means that they see you as a person and for who you are.

BNU is all about making sure you are ready for the workplace. Their Business Law degree is accredited by professional bodies, Solicitors Regulatory Authority and Bar Council.  This means that the degree is recognised as a Qualifying Law Degree (QLD) and means you can enter the next stage of qualifying upon leaving university, whether that is securing a training contract to become a solicitor or securing vocational training and pupillage to become a barrister.

There are plenty of opportunities to put your knowledge to the test as they regularly have chances to learn outside of the lecture theatre. You can visit magistrates’ courts to participate in bail applications, take trips to Parliament and law courts to experience first-hand how they operate on a day to day basis, and meet guest speakers from across the legal industry, including judges, magistrates and law firms, to learn more about how you can apply your knowledge in the workplace.

What will you study?

During your time studying business law you’ll cover diverse subject areas including, professional skills, business organisations and public law. Studying such varied topics will help you understand how law interacts with society and government, alongside developing key skills, such as understanding complex information, attention to detail and analytical thinking which will ensure you are well placed to enter the employment market.

In your first year BNU is focused on providing you with all of the building blocks you need to create a solid foundation and understanding of the concepts, theories and models of law. You will study topics, such as, criminal law, EU constitutional and procedural law and the law of contract.

During your second year, you will begin to specialise in specific areas of law that interest you. You will learn to apply, analyse and evaluate the principles and theories you have learned and be able to reference and apply them to contemporary situations. You will be able to study subjects including EU internal market law, tort law, public law and employment law.

In your final year, you will focus on preparing yourself for your future and career after graduation. Topics, ranging from intellectual property law, commercial law, cybercrime and equity and trusts will be explored. You will also undertake a dissertation or research project to illustrate how you have developed a depth of understanding through a combination of critical analysis and evaluation.

How will you be taught and assessed?

At Buckinghamshire New University they like to foster an interactive and student-focused teaching style where they blend lectures, seminars, one-to-one workshops, tutorial sessions, independent study and guest speakers to enhance the learning experience.

BNU's lecturers work hard to ensure that you learn the latest industry standard practices and knowledge. To support in the delivery of this we also welcome industry experts and professionals to deliver guest lectures who share their experience of the latest legal rulings and cases.

Throughout your three years on this course you will carry out the following assessment activities:

• written coursework
• oral group and individual presentations
• client advice written reports
• role play advice (applying for jobs, presenting a bail a case, preparing for a legal advice exhibition, mediation and negotiations)
• written examinations.

What are your career prospects?

BNU will help you to develop crucial skills, encouraging you to become resourceful, employable and good workplace trailblazers. They also help you find employment after graduation. Have a look at our Careers and Employability pages to find out more.

Careers in the law industry are very competitive and our law academic team work alongside the BNU Careers Service to support you in finding voluntary opportunities within and outside of legal environments whilst you are studying with us. This is a useful way to apply the knowledge and skills you are learning in the workplace and gain key connections and experience in the industry.

Not only will you be graduating with a coveted qualification, the additional benefit of having studied a degree recognised by professional bodies, the SRA and Bar Council means that you start one step closer to becoming a fully qualified solicitor or barrister.

The skills and knowledge you acquire throughout this degree will also equip you well for the law-related areas of accountancy, financial regulation and insurance.

Alternatively, you may wish to follow a path into business, government and the public and charity sectors. This may include working for the intelligence services, politics and the police.