The details
Location: Online Mode of study: Part-time Qualification: LLB (Hons) Indicative duration: 4 years
Start date: Awarding body: University of Essex Delivered by: Kaplan Open Learning For queries: Call +44 (0) 1206 489 358

If you’re looking for a law degree that’s different to anything else out there – we’re one of the only 100% online providers offering an LLB (Hons) Law with Business, with no requirement to travel to assessment centres or complete timed examinations.

This course is suitable for individuals who are keen to pursue a legal career with a commercial focus or for those who want to understand the law to support their business aspirations. Our programme will prepare you in part for the new Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE), or to progress onto a Bar Practice Course if you wish to become a barrister. Your specialism in business will make you an asset to national and international corporations.

You’ll gain a thorough grounding in the essentials of both law and business, including:

  • civil and criminal aspects of the English Legal System
  • the functions and importance of operations management
  • legally enforceable contracts and the factors that render them unenforceable
  • how a market economy functions and the role of government within it
  • the establishment and management of trusts and complex property transactions

Your final project can focus on any topic within the scope of your studies and will include independent research and a detailed and succinct analysis of your chosen area of law. Alternatively, you can select from a range of advanced modules in specialist topics.

Why we’re great

  • Our programme is employability focused and will equip you with the skills required for careers in the legal sector as well as related fields.
  • Experienced academics and legal practitioners will deliver your modules. They will help you to develop legal knowledge and skills that are required for legal practice.
  • Gain a recognised qualification from the University of Essex, one of the top 40 universities in the UK (Complete University Guide 2023).

The LLB (Hons) Law with Business is made up of the following modules and, upon completion, is equal to a total of 360 credits.

Optional modules: choose one at Level 4; choose one at Level 5; choose modules equal to 60 credits at Level 6.

This module is designed to give you an introduction to the English legal system, including case analysis and statutory interpretation. You'll gain a thorough understanding of the role of lawyers in society and the duties upon their conduct. You'll also develop interpretive and critical reading skills, as well as essential skills in legal writing, presentation and interviewing.  

Gain a thorough introduction to the role of substantive criminal law, including the classification of offences and modes of participation. You'll gain an understanding of the principles of criminal liability and elements of major offences, including homicide, theft and offences against the person. You'll also explore topics such as defences, sentencing and inchoate offences.  

Learn all about constitutional law, administrative law and human rights law. In this thought-provoking module, you'll examine key constitutional principles such as separation of powers, the rule of law and constitutional conventions. You'll also cover the legal framework that underpins the UK judiciary, executive and parliament, and explore the Human Rights Act and European Convention on Human Rights.   

How do businesses work within an international economy? In this insightful module, you'll learn about the internal and external environment of organisations and explore how it impacts people, technology and resources. This module will also provide you with a grounding in approaches to organisation management.  

Distinguish between the role of leader and manager, and understand how to establish effective teams to increase motivation in the workplace. This valuable module will also develop your understanding of effective communication channels leaders employ, as well as the overall communication process. 

This valuable module examines the modern marketing environment and the four main decision-making areas to consider in business. You’ll then progress into interesting psychological aspects, such as buyer behaviour and consumer influence, while developing an understanding of the role of marketing in society as a whole.  

Explore the complexities of human resource management in this insightful module. You’ll gain a critical understanding of HR theories and practices in a global context, as well as a deeper awareness of ideologies within a wider social, political and economic setting. You’ll also consider the strategic influences of stakeholders on business performance. 

What role does finance play within an organisation? Find out in this valuable module. You'll cover topics such as budgeting, cost management and capital investment analysis, while developing your ability to analyse and evaluate performance. That way, you can make decisions based on financial information. 

Discover the principles of contract law and application, on both an academic and practice basis. You'll explore key topics, including consideration, promissory estoppel, termination and remedies. You'll be equipped to critically evaluate the relationship between key contract law rules and to apply these to solve legal problems.  

Who's liable for causing psychiatric harm or economic loss? Explore key torts and principles including topics such as defamation, duty of care, negligence, trespass to the person and vicarious liability. You'll also cover defences and remedies for aggrieved parties.  

Ready to discover the key features of land law? On this valuable module, you’ll learn to distinguish between land and property, and cover topics such as co-ownership of homes, mortgage law, landlord and tenant law, the law of easements and restrictive covenants.  

What role does operations management play in the success of an organisation? Find out in this exciting module. You'll learn how to maximise scarce resources to produce goods and services in an efficient and cost-effective way, while developing the skills required to recommend changes and improvements to strategic operations and supply chain.  

This fascinating module provides insight into organisational culture and contemporary models of leadership. You’ll examine effective leadership attributes and approaches to managing change across people, processes and culture – so that by the end, you’ll be able to successfully evaluate the leader’s role in change management.  

This comprehensive module introduces selling as an element of the marketing process, alongside marketing and sales planning strategies. You'll also explore a wide range of topics, including consumer buyer behaviour, key account management strategies, sales management responsibilities and selling techniques from personal to relationship and multi-channel.  

Finance is key to keeping a business on-track and how you decide how to use your budget is crucial. With a strong focus on accounting matters in financial decision-making, this helpful module allows you to successfully analyse management control – as well as the conflicting implications of challenging budgeting decisions. 

Gain a solid grounding of business planning with this valuable module. From business strategy to risk management and financial basis, you’ll cover a range of topics – allowing you to assess risk and its impact on a business. You'll also be able to apply your understanding to key business functions, including finance, marketing and human resource management. 

Explore the theories and concepts utilised for effective project management and the use of contemporary project management software. In this valuable module, you’ll gain insight from case studies and delve into project management knowledge areas and process groups while using specialist project management software. 

In this fascinating module, you’ll deepen your understanding of the theory of communication and its innate impact on marketing messages, its ability to convey ideas and influence different marketing channels. You’ll also identify the key elements of communications strategy and review the impact and importance of new technologies. 

What is consumer behaviour and how does it impact marketing strategy? In this valuable module, you'll analyse the concepts of consumer research, market segmentation and motivation – while focusing on individual personality, perceptions, attitudes and learning. Identify the influence of groups on consumer behaviour and evaluate the consumer decision-making process. 

Have you considered the role of the European Union in business? Delve into the nature of EU law, and the roles and functions of its institutions, with this in-depth module. You’ll also gain insight on how EU law interacts with key decision-making procedures within organisations – while exploring the considerations that need to be taken with regards to different legal documentation. 

Explore the principles of the establishment and management of trusts and complex property transactions. This defining module provides an ideal starting point to undertake independent research, giving you the opportunity to identify key legal issues and apply solutions to solve the problem.  

Focus on the creation, alteration and revocation of wills and the administration of estates in this insightful module. You’ll learn to critically engage with relevant legal concepts, values, principles and rules of English Law by exploring the relationship between them, and appreciate the uncertainty, ambiguity and limits of knowledge. 

Hone your strategic management skills with this exciting module. You’ll benefit from an engaging introduction to the key theories, approaches and concepts which form business strategy. Not only that, you’ll learn to critically evaluate the limitations of emerging schools of thoughts and how to they best work in practice. 

This defining module will expand and reinforce the knowledge you’ve gained from your study. Under the guidance of your supervisor, you’ll complete a written dissertation on a topic of interest – allowing you to demonstrate your research, analytical and critical thinking skills. 

Develop your understanding of the role strategic human resource management plays in organisational effectiveness. In this insightful module, you’ll explore processes that include workforce planning; performance management; employment relations and reward; and learn how these processes contribute to the overall operational success of the business.  

Examine the development of international marketing strategy as a planned response to the global business environment. In this defining module, you’ll develop a solid understanding and appreciation of the underlying theories of international marketing, and critically assess the various steps taken by an organisation when looking to internationalise.  

Develop an understanding of business finance and its applications to the decision-making process in organisations. In this valuable module, you’ll work through the theoretical concepts and approaches to finance management within a domestic context – before critically analysing opportunities for expansion and divestment. 

Identify the key concepts of e-commerce and e-business marketing in this exciting module. You'll learn how to attract customers through digital media channels; develop a solid understanding of search engine marketing, campaign performance and metrics; and discover how each of these channels interacts with the overall customer journey.  

Dive into the key tenets of marketing research with this defining module. You’ll evaluate data collection methods and research technologies to understand the competitive modern business landscape. Not only that, you’ll formulate an independent research proposal combining a variety of approaches and critically examine ethical issues in business research.  

Ready to enhance your transferrable skills and employability within the service sector? This valuable module will help you understand the importance of the human dimension in service provision. You’ll also critically analyse the marketing activities of service sector organisations helping you gain crucial insight into how services-based organisations operate. 

Teaching methods 

Studying online gives you the freedom to study when and where it suits you – at home, during your lunch hour or anywhere else you have internet access.  

Our courses are delivered through a virtual learning environment (VLE) instead of a traditional campus. This means you’ll have access to your study materials 24/7, including:  

  • multimedia lecturecasts made up of written content, short videos, animation, audio recordings, infographics, short tests and mini-assignments 
  • discussion forums for you to chat about the course content with fellow students 
  • live seminars and Q&A sessions with your tutors 
  • a comprehensive eLibrary of textbooks and academic journals  
  • support from academic staff and your dedicated Student Support team 

 

Assessments 

You’ll be assessed through a series of assignments. This can be by engaging in discussion forums throughout your modules, completing reflective journal entries, delivering live presentations or by submitting longer written pieces. 

We’re committed to providing frequent and transparent feedback in the following ways: 

  • our assessment criteria are designed to be simple and transparent 
  • you’ll always be aware of your current provisional grade, right from the start of the programme 
  • you’ll be able to view your marks clearly in your gradebook whenever you log into the learning platform 
  • there’s a 7-day turnaround for marking and feedback of assessed work 
  • you’ll have regular contact with your Student Support team, with whom you can discuss any concerns as soon as they arise 

 

Online learning experience 

Your learning experience will be fully supported by high-quality learning materials and resources, delivered via our state-of-the-art virtual learning environment (VLE).  

On average, your learning experience will include the following: 

  • directed learning (40%) this includes participating in tutor-led discussions and seminars, completing interactive exercises on the VLE, and watching videos and lecturecasts. You’ll also be able to book appointments with your module tutor during their office hours, which can be found on the VLE 
  • self-directed learning (30%) – including undertaking wider reading and research in your area of study to develop your understanding of the subject area 
  • assessment (30%) time spent preparing ad completing assignments and activities that contribute towards your overall assessment. 

Typically, you’ll need to dedicate a minimum 15-20 hours of study per module, per week. 

 

Study duration 

Our LLB (Hons) Law with Business has an indicative study duration of 4 years, which is a guide to how long your course will take to complete. The actual duration may be longer or shorter depending on your speed of study, study options chosen and module availability.  

It’s possible to complete your studies faster than the indicative course duration by doubling up on modules at certain times; however, minimum study durations do apply.  

Our academic year is organised into modules, typically with a one or two-week break between modules and a structured three-week break for the Christmas period. Students will receive a course timetable during the application process.  

All our courses have regular start dates throughout the year.  

On successful completion of your degree, you’ll be invited to attend a graduation ceremony at the University of Essex’s Colchester campus. 

 

Academic staff 

A quality teaching experience is at the heart of everything we do.  

The dedicated tutors who teach our course modules are subject matter experts, experienced academics and leading industry thought leaders. They play a vital role in ensuring the latest theories and areas of study are covered in our courses, and are proud to provide a high level of academic support. 

You can find more information on our key academic staff and their experience here. 

 

Quality and assurance  

We’re proud to provide a first-class education to students anywhere in the world and adhere to the strictest quality standards 

The University of Essex Online is a recognised member of the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education (QAA) and registered with the Office for Students (OfS) 

All our degrees are delivered by Kaplan Open Learning, a world-leading education provider with over 15 years’ experience. 

 

If you’re interested in qualifying as a lawyer, you can read more about the career path here. Legal knowledge is also high useful in a wide range of industries – from management, finance and human resources to education, local and central government, and the voluntary sector. Meanwhile, your business skills will widen your career possibilities even further, allowing you to succeed in a range of commercial roles within any organisation.

Gaining an undergraduate qualification with the University of Essex Online also puts you in good stead for your career prospects. Results from our 2021 student survey showed:

  • 92% of students said their course helped develop their research skills
  • 89% of students say their studies fit with their future plans
  • Almost 60% said their studies had a positive effect on their career
  • 25% of students saw their salaries increase by up to 10%

We know that many people from non-traditional backgrounds would succeed on our courses! That’s why we offer two different entry routes, taking into account your prior work experience and relevant qualifications. You will also need to meet our English language requirements.

Additionally, you will need to pass your first assignment set within the first three weeks of the course in order to continue with your studies.

 

Academic entry route

In order to satisfy the academic entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law with Business, you must have the following qualifications as a minimum:

  • three A-levels or equivalent

 

Work experience entry route

In order to satisfy the work experience entry route requirements for our LLB (Hons) Law with Business, you must meet the following criteria:

  • GCSE Maths and English at grade C or above, or equivalent
  • three years’ relevant work experience

 

English language requirements

As our courses are delivered in English, a high proficiency with English is required. If English is not your first language, your English ability should be equivalent to an IELTS (Academic) score of 6.0. Don’t worry if you don’t hold an IELTS or equivalent qualification – we offer a free online English test to assess your proficiency.

You don’t need to prove your English ability if you are a national of, or have completed a qualification equivalent to a UK degree in, any of these countries.

Full tuition fee:

£18,500 UK / £19,425 International (2023-24) Δ 

  • Designated for undergraduate student loans in England. 
  • Simple monthly payment plan available, enabling you to spread the cost over the duration of your studies. 
  • Full payment discount of 5% if you pay upfront. 
  • Regional scholarship available for international students based overseas in eligible countries. 
  • 10% corporate discount available when three or more of your employees study with us.   

Please note, a maximum of two discounts or scholarships can be applied. The corporate discount can only be used in combination with our upfront payment discount, but not in conjunction with any other discount or scholarship. Find out more information about our discounts and scholarships here. 

Our course fees are fully inclusive – all teaching materials and required reading are included, and there are no hidden charges for assessments or resits.  

Δ All tuition fees shown are net of any applicable sales tax payable by you in your country of residence. Where we are required to add sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the tuition fees shown and confirmed during the payment process. 

Subject specialists, industry authorities and experienced academics: the tutors who teach modules on the LLB (Hons) Law with Business are experts in the field of law and business.

What our students say

testimonials

Adam Newman - LLB (Hons) Law with Business

It’s never too late to follow your passions.

I’m considered a mature student and the first thing I want to say is it’s never too late to follow your passions. I’ve always had a keen interest in law, mostly because when you think about it, there isn’t much in life that isn’t affected by law in one way or another.  As the owner of a company, I couldn’t afford to take time away to attend university. The University of Essex Online offered and delivered on flexible learning, the course structure is easy to follow and I can fit studying around work and family life. It’s a struggle at times, but nothing worthwhile is ever easy. 

Read more

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