Keele's Law with Business degree combines core legal training with grounded business studies, suitable for students who want a career that bridges law and commercial practice. The programme is designed for those aiming for qualifying legal careers or for roles in business, compliance and corporate services where legal knowledge is an advantage.
This degree integrates the foundations of a qualifying law degree with key business disciplines. In the early years you study core legal subjects such as Legal Method and Skills, Contract Law, Tort, Criminal Law and Public/Constitutional Law alongside introductory business modules in Accounting, Economics, Management and Business Law. As you progress you take more specialised law modules (for example, Company Law, Employment Law, Commercial Remedies and Property Law) together with business-focused options such as Corporate Finance, Marketing, Strategy, and Organisational Behaviour.
The programme typically follows a modular structure across three years, with the option at many students' discretion to add a placement year or an international year to broaden workplace experience and global perspective. Assessment uses a mix of unseen examinations, coursework essays, client-focused reports, group projects and presentations. Final-year study frequently includes a research project or dissertation and options allowing you to tailor the degree towards commercial law, employment and HR, or business regulation.
Alongside taught modules you will have opportunities to develop practical legal skills through mooting, negotiation exercises, pro bono activities and clinics, as well as business-orientated activities such as consultancy projects and employer-led workshops. Teaching is delivered by academic staff with research and professional links, supported by guest lectures from practitioners and business leaders.
Applicants are normally expected to hold a secondary school qualification recognised by Keele University (for example A-levels, BTEC National Diploma, Scottish Highers or equivalent). Those who do not meet direct entry requirements may be considered after completing a recognised foundation year or an Access to Higher Education Diploma. Keele also accepts a range of international qualifications; candidates whose first language is not English will need to demonstrate proficiency through an accepted English language qualification.
Typical offers consider academic achievement alongside contextual factors, personal statements and references. Mature applicants and those with relevant work or vocational experience are encouraged to apply and will be assessed on an individual basis.
Graduates leave with a combination of legal knowledge and commercial understanding suited to a wide range of careers. If the programme is taken as a qualifying law degree (LLB), it provides the academic foundation for those seeking to progress to professional legal training for roles as solicitors, barristers or legal executives (subject to the professional training route chosen). The business elements open routes into corporate roles such as in-house legal teams, compliance and risk, corporate governance, human resources, management consultancy, finance and business development.
Other common destinations include graduate schemes in the public sector, policy and regulatory bodies, banking and financial services, and roles in start-ups or SMEs where combined legal and business awareness is valued. Placements, internships and Keele’s employer links help build the practical experience and networks that support graduate employability.
Keele offers a campus-based experience with small-group teaching that emphasises personalised support and close contact with academic staff. The university encourages interdisciplinary learning, making it well suited to a combined Law with Business degree where cross-disciplinary thinking is important. Keele’s Law teaching is informed by research and practical engagement, and students benefit from opportunities such as mooting, pro bono activity and industry-linked projects.
The campus environment, living accommodation and student services create a cohesive community, while careers support and employability initiatives help students prepare for professional routes. Keele’s flexible programme options — including placements and study abroad possibilities — allow you to shape your degree to match career ambitions in law and commerce.
Shortlist scholarships and plan your application — free guidance from our advisors.