Nottingham Trent University

What you'll study

This honours degree combines the core building blocks of legal study with business-oriented modules so you learn both the law and how it operates in commercial environments. Core topics typically include contract law, tort, criminal law, public law, property and equity, and foundations of business law such as company law, commercial law, insolvency and employment law. You will study modules on legal skills and professional conduct that cover legal research, legal writing, negotiation, advocacy and dispute resolution.

Business-focused subjects often include commercial practice, corporate governance, banking and finance law, competition and consumer protection, and aspects of intellectual property and international trade law. Optional modules allow you to broaden or specialise — examples include employment and HR law, tax law, regulation and compliance, and mergers and acquisitions.

The programme typically offers a combination of lectures, seminars and practical workshops. Assessment methods vary and include written exams, coursework essays, client-style problems, group projects, oral presentations and mooting. There is often the option to take a placement year or a shorter work placement to gain industry experience, and many students undertake a dissertation or major research project in a final-year module.

Entry requirements

Applicants are usually expected to hold a secondary school qualification (such as A-levels, BTEC or equivalent) or a recognised international qualification. Nottingham Trent University welcomes students from a range of academic and vocational backgrounds, including Access to Higher Education diplomas and mature applicants with relevant work experience. UK GCSE-level English and mathematics (or equivalent) are commonly required.

International applicants must meet the University's English language requirements. Applicants who do not hold traditional qualifications may be considered on the basis of relevant experience and supporting materials such as personal statements and references. Admissions decisions and specific entry grades are set by the University, so prospective students should consult NTU admissions for current published requirements and guidance.

Career prospects

Graduates from this programme pursue a wide range of careers across legal and commercial sectors. Typical destinations include:

• Solicitor training or legal apprenticeships (progressing to roles in private practice or high-street firms)
• In-house legal roles and compliance positions within corporations and financial services
• Regulatory, risk and compliance careers in banking, insurance and utilities
• Legal executive or paralegal roles and practice support positions
• Commercial roles such as contract management, procurement, human resources and consultancy
• Public sector and civil service posts, working on policy, regulation or local government law

The programme emphasises employability skills — written advocacy, negotiation, commercial awareness and professional ethics — and is supported by NTU careers services, law clinic opportunities and links with local firms, which help graduates move into training contracts, graduate schemes and business roles.

Why study at Nottingham Trent University

Nottingham Trent University offers law teaching designed to combine practical skills and academic rigour, supported by facilities such as legal clinics and mooting opportunities that give hands-on experience. The university has strong links with local and national legal employers and a dedicated careers and employability service that helps students find placements and work experience.

Studying in Nottingham places you in a major regional legal and commercial hub with access to chambers, solicitors’ firms, corporate employers and civic organisations. The programme’s emphasis on business law ensures you develop commercial awareness alongside legal competence, making graduates attractive to a broad range of employers beyond traditional legal practice.