Law

Higher Certificate in Legal and Business Studies

The philosophy of this programme is to provide students with an appropriate base of relevant study in the areas of law and business.

The aims of the programme are:

• To develop the students intellectual capacity and their practical skills in analysing legal and         commercial  problems
• To provide students with a sound theoretical framework and a comprehensive perspective of the legal         system and the business environment
• To provide a business insight to legal practice and a legal insight to business 
• To give the students an appreciation of how the different sources of law interrelate
• To give an appreciation of how the international legal system operates To prepare students for entry to professional courses

The objectives of the Higher Certificate in Business & Legal Studies are that on graduation students will have:

• A clear understanding of the fundamental principles of business and law
• Be able to identify, analyse and find solutions to legal and business problems 
• Be able to assist in the management and function of a legal practice
• Be able to assist in the management and function of a legal practice 
• Understand the sources and regulatory framework of EU law and its impact on domestic law and business 
• An ability to express legal issues in commercial terms and commercial issues in legal terms
• Be able to understand, analyse and interpret financial data, apply the law to financial problems and express    clearly the financial implications of legal issues

Structure and Content

The Higher Certificate programme is designed to be academically coherent and intellectually demanding. The educational programme will be presented with an applied focus using a range of teaching and learning methods. The programme therefore, is very attractive to students and offers them considerable potential for development. Modules are grouped into themes which reflect the different areas of study involved and this is done to provide cohesion within the degree structure.

Some modules are compulsory; others optional and depending on professional bodies’ requirements, students will choose the subjects that best match their career path.

Progression

Higher Certificate students who successfully complete their two years may be eligible for transfer to the final year of the BA in Business & Legal Studies (Level 7 award) degree programme. From there, those who complete their BA Degree in Legal Studies & Business may be eligible for transfer to the final year of the BA (Hons) Business Management (Law) (Level 8 award).

Career Opportunities

Because of the broad spectrum of subjects studied, career opportunities for legal studies and business graduates are numerous. The wide-ranging nature of knowledge and skills gained by such graduates makes them an attractive proposition for any prospective employer. Graduates have the opportunity to add value for both employers and themselves on a daily basis. Graduates can test theories, apply concepts and undertake practical project work. Many will pursue a professional legal qualification either as solicitors (Law Society) or barristers (Kings Inns). The BA enables students to sit the Law Society’s entrance examinations and students may also apply for entry to the Kings Inns Diploma course. Others may wish to professionally qualify outside the jurisdiction in England & Wales or indeed the US. Students wishing to pursue further qualifications can proceed to postgraduate programmes up to Masters Level or beyond.

Regardless of students career choices, a combination of both legal and business training is certain to provide prospective employers or institutions of further study, with a solid platform from which to recruit.

Teaching and Assessment

The Higher Certificate is taught mainly through lectures and tutorials, with students taking responsibility for a significant amount of study outside scheduled class times. Assessment takes a variety of forms, including essays and individual and group assignments and of course formal examinations. The majority of subjects are assessed through a combination of coursework and examination.

Programme Content