Law with Business LLB (Hons)
Business knowledge is important to law firms, and commercial law is the largest legal sector in the UK. Study a Law with Business degree to combine both disciplines.
Key information
UCAS code:
M1NC
Typical offer:
112-120 UCAS points from 3 A levels, or equivalent
Showing content for section Overview
Overview
Develop the skills and knowledge of a law degree alongside a broad understanding of business. Explore how law relates to industry, and how industry operates within the law.
This course is ideal if you're considering a career in corporate law, one of the most highly paid sectors of law (Prospects 2021), and will equip you with the leadership skills you need to succeed as a business professional.
You’ll learn core aspects of the legal framework that impacts business and organisations, such as corporate commercial law and contract law, and use facilities including our replica courtroom to practise your skills in a realistic environment.
You’ll apply your learning in practical settings throughout the course — as well as growing your advocacy skills in the courtroom you’ll build your experience through initiatives such as our Community Lawyer module, where you’ll have the opportunity to put your learning into practice with live client work.
Our Law in Practice module offers you three months of qualifying work experience if you decide to take your Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) after you graduate.
If you choose to take an optional paid placement year before or after your third year, you’ll graduate with a year’s experience in industry too. Our Placement Club will support you throughout the application and placement placement.
The thing that attracted to me to Portsmouth initially was the course’s balance between academic study and practical application. You wouldn't just learn all the technical things you needed from a book and be done with them, you’d also be taught how to apply them to real life cases that you might encounter down the road.
Course highlights
- Complement your law studies with a strong foundation in key business areas such as managing people in organisations, leadership, ethics and governance and business strategy
- Apply your learning in community settings, gaining real-world business and legal practice skills
- Choose the Law in Practice module to gain 3 months of work experience that can count towards your qualifying work experience for the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
- Enrich your learning through our research expertise in areas such as data protection, international business law and legal education
- Graduate with practical experience by completing a paid placement year before your after your final year of study, with the support of our dedicated Placement Team
New Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE)
The route to qualifying as a solicitor has changed for new applicants.
If you accept an offer on this course after 21 September 2021 you'll need to take the new Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) after you graduate to qualify as a solicitor. The content and mode of assessment of many of our modules provide a good foundation for further specific SQE preparation.
If you completed or started this course, accepted an offer of a place, or paid a non-refundable deposit (international students only) before 21 September 2021 (inclusive) you can choose to take either the new SQE or the Legal Practice Course (LPC) after graduation.
94%
of graduates in work or further study 15 months after this course
(HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2021/22)
No. 3
influential business school in the world
Financial Times Teaching Power Rankings 2021
Top 30
for student satisfaction
(Times Higher Education, 2024)
Contact information
Contact AdmissionsClearing is open
This course is available through Clearing.
How to apply for accommodation
We have a variety of accommodation options, including studios, en-suites, catered, self-catered and private rental options. See how our housing team can help you find a place to call home.
Clearing FAQs
To work out your UCAS points, use our UCAS Calculator to work out how many UCAS points you have.
The tariff calculator will allow you to see what grades you need to get into your preferred course at Portsmouth.
You can apply through Clearing if:
- You don't meet the conditions of your offer for your firm (first) or insurance (second) choice courses
- Your exam results are better than you expected and you want to change your course or university
- You don't hold any offers
- You've accepted an offer but changed your mind about the course you want to do
- You're applying for the first time after 30 June 2024
After we make you an offer we'll send you a confirmation email. This email will let you know what you need to do next and it will tell you what you need to provide us. In some instances we may ask you to send us copies of certificates or you may need to send us a portfolio.
If you've previously applied through UCAS you'll need to use your UCAS Hub to accept our offer by adding us as your Clearing choice.
If you're having issues, please contact us on +44 (0)23 9284 8090 or admissions@port.ac.uk
Once you've accepted your Clearing course offer, we'll be in touch with details of available accommodation in the area. This will include our latest hall availability and support to find local rented accommodation via portsmouthstudentpad.co.uk
See our accommodation page for more information.
No, it's not too late and you should make your application for student finance as soon as possible. You don't have to wait for your results. You can make your application now and just amend it when you know where you're going to be.
If you've already applied for your student loan, you'll need to log into your account and update details about your new course/university. If you haven't applied for your student loan yet, don't panic. Apply today – it only takes 30 minutes.
Find out more in our Student finance for Clearing guide.
If you're an EU or international student and you need a visa to study here, you need to start the process quickly as visas can take some time to come through. Get in touch with our visa support team if you have a question or problem.
See more on visa advice.
If you would like further information or guidance, please contact our international office or call our International Clearing Hotline on +44(0)23 9284 8785.
Facilities and clinics
Learn your craft in our courtroom
Replica Crown Court
Watch this short video to discover our replica courtroom and see where you'll practise trials and take part in mooting competitions.
The benefits of having a replica Crown Court are that if one of our students wants to be a barrister in the future or a solicitor advocate, then it really gives them the opportunity to practise a trial and various court hearings in a courtroom setting.
Although this is a crown court, so it's a criminal court, we also use it for civil cases too. We're one of the only universities in the country that has a replica courtroom. This really gives students, when they go on from university, some really important skills that are valuable not only in a legal career, but also in a lot of other careers as well.
The student Law Society do a lot of activities in here, run mock trials, mooting competitions, and it gives our students really a chance to let their hair down and have a bit of fun in here.
We use the wigs, we use the gowns, we get a real judge in and we've got the cameras in here so you can go and film your performances.
You can -- it's a really good learning space. It's so lovely to see how our students grow in the years that they're with us. Our replica courtroom helps us to do that.
Legal Advice Clinic
Volunteer in our General Legal Advice Clinic where you can help Portsmouth residents with their real legal problems, such as consumer or employment issues.
Community Lawyer module
Work with one of our partners to apply your learning by giving them legal advice. Partners have included the British Red Cross and Citizens Advice.
TEAL room
Our technology enhanced active learning space promotes social learning.
Entry requirements
LLB (Hons) Law with Business degree entry requirements
Typical offers
- A levels - BBB-BBC
- UCAS points - 112-120 points from 3 A levels, or equivalent (calculate your UCAS points)
- T-levels - Merit
- BTECs (Extended Diplomas) - DDM-DMM
- International Baccalaureate - 29
You may need to have studied specific subjects or GCSEs - see full entry requirements and other qualifications we accept.
English language requirements
- English Language proficiency at a minimum of IELTS band 6.5 with no component score below 6.0.
See alternative English language qualifications.
We also accept other standard English tests and qualifications, as long as they meet the minimum requirements of your course.
If you don't meet the English language requirements yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Ideal skills and qualities for this course
As well as meeting the entry requirements, we’re looking for excellent skills in academic reading and writing and the ability to think critically and express yourself clearly - verbally and in writing.
You do not have to be a confident presenter to get a place on this degree; we'll help you develop those skills throughout the course.
To prepare for this course, knowledge of current affairs and business and law in the news is useful. Reading a quality newspaper is a good starting point.
Worried about your grades?
If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed. When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on this course.
Read Tom's storyBecoming a parent made me realise that I didn't just want a job that was comfortable. I wanted a career with stability and possibilities, where I could fulfil my potential and provide.
Careers and opportunities
Law is an incredibly flexible degree. If you don't believe us, take a look at our blog about the 7 reasons to study law.
When you graduate you'll be ready to take your next step to train as a solicitor, a barrister or a Chartered Legal Executive. It's worth noting that Chartered Legal Executives can now become judges, coroners, advocates and partners in law firms.
Law degrees are in the top 10 degrees for employability. You'll graduate with a wide range of transferable skills that will make you very employable across a range of other sectors. Your knowledge of business will be particularly helpful when applying for roles within corporate law or business management.
Graduates of this course have gone on to work for companies such as:
- ABN Amro Bank
- Oracle
- Barlow Robbins Solicitors
- Moss & Coleman Solicitors
- Direct Line Insurance
- Phaidon International (recruitment)
- Zurich Insurance
- Andrew and Andrew Solicitors
- Digital Advertising Consultants (DAC)
- Wansbroughs Solicitors
- GSK (GlaxoSmithKline)
- Travers Smith LLP
Graduates of this course have secured jobs as:
-
trainee solicitor
- paralegal
- recruitment consultant
- business development manager
- project management consultant
- compliance officer
- estate agent
- teacher (post 16)
Ongoing career support – up to 5 years after you graduate
Get experience while you study, with support to find part-time jobs, volunteering opportunities, and work experience.
Towards the end of your degree and for up to five years after graduation, you’ll receive one-to-one support from our Graduate Recruitment Consultancy to help you find your perfect role.
Other graduates have continued their studies at postgraduate level or set up successful businesses with help and support from the University.
Work placement year
You can boost your employability even more by taking an optional paid placement year after your second or third year of study.
Previous law students have had placements in organisations such as:
- Verisona Law
- Opus 2 International
- GE Capital
- Oracle
- Rolls Royce Motor Cars
Hear from our placement students
Placement Experience: Paralegal at Glovers Solicitors LLP
Law with Business LLB (Hons) student Jasmine Preko shares their experience of their placement year in Law.
Placement Experience: Legal Assistant at Bright Solicitors
Law with Business LLB (Hons) student Jemma Ninnis shares their experience of their placement year in Law.
My year at EY has added an unbelievable amount of value to my overall university experience. I have developed a range of transferable skills, gained an insight into the world of professional working and made connections which will inevitably support my future career plans. I now feel super prepared and motivated to graduate.
Whatever your career ambitions, our placements team will be there to help and guide you and you'll maintain contact with your tutors throughout the year.
The average salary for a 12-month paid placement is £19,800 for students in the Faculty of Business and Law. It could be more or less than this amount depending on your placement. You'll only pay a very small percentage of your tuition fee for this year.
You could also choose to set up your own business, or take a voluntary placement.
Ways to enrich your study
Study abroad year
Between your second and third year, you can choose to study abroad at one of our partner universities in Europe, Asia, Australia or North America. All classes are delivered in English and you'll still be able to get both your tuition fee and maintenance loans. You may also qualify for a government travel grant.
"Students that go abroad are more likely to obtain first-class honours [and] more likely to be in graduate employment than their non-mobile peers."
Universities UK International: 'Gone International, Rising Aspirations', 2019
Modules
Each module on this course is worth a certain number of credits.
In each year, you need to study modules worth a total of 120 credits. For example, 4 modules worth 20 credits and 1 module worth 40 credits.
What you'll study
Foundation year
If you're not sure you meet the entry requirements, or need some help to get uni-ready, then we offer this course with a foundation year to bring you up to speed.
- You'll study on the University of Portsmouth campus with access to all facilities, support and societies
- When you finish your foundation year successfully, you get a guaranteed place on BA (Hons) Accounting with Finance
- Get used to how lectures, seminars and tutorials work, so you can move onto your degree ready for success
- Learn how to meet the demands of taking on a bachelor's degree at university.
When you successfully finish, you'll get a guaranteed place on this course, starting at year 1.
Core modules
Concepts, principles, decision frameworks and practices are studied in relation to major aspects of operations management, including: process design, capacity and resource management, supply chain management, inventory management, lean, quality management, systems in business, project management, operations improvement, and the sustainability of operations.
Any changes to this module should also be made to the following modules U24493, U24494, U24495, U24496, U24497, U24498, U24499.
This module has a partiuclar focus on developing Hallmark 1; Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with elements of Hallmark 7; Be effective team players, able to provide leadership and to support the success of others, and 8; Be able to communicate clearly and effectively, in a range of
forms and to different audiences.
Develop legal arguments and apply the knowledge you'll gain from seminars and discussions to current issues. Learn to demonstrate your understanding of key principles, identify relevant law, and reach reasoned conclusions.
In studying this module, you will be equipped with the knowledge and understanding of these principles, whilst embedding study skills throughout the module.
The module will equip students with knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to fictional clients.
When you complete this module successfully, you'll be able to:
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Explain the nature and context of working and managing in organisations with diverse membership, including consideration of equality, diversity, cross-cultural and ethical issues in the management of people
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Select and apply a range of appropriate theoretical and conceptual frameworks in the analysis and potential resolution of management issues within an organisational context
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Identify and discuss how different approaches to leading and managing people contribute to the achievement of individual and organisational objectives
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Review and discuss contemporary issues in managing people in organisations and identify the implications of these for managers and other employees
The module introduces key constitutional principles, legal and political issues related to the operation of the British Constitution, and mechanism of redress available to citizens against public bodies.
The module introduces key constitutional principles, legal and political issues related to the operation of the British Constitution, and mechanism of redress available to citizens against public bodies.
Core modules
Lectures will outline the principles and rules of equity and the law of trusts, their application, current issues and contentious areas.
Seminars will require students to apply these principles to problem situations, using their knowledge of statute and case law to develop their analysis.
This will develop the identified skills, and these will then be utilised in tackling the assessments for this module.
This module aims to equip students with knowledge and understanding of these principles in order to provide advice to a notional client.
You’ll analyse how organisational purpose connects with strategy, governance and outcomes, and explore ways to consider stakeholder needs alongside profit.
Evaluating concepts like corporate social responsibility and circular economics, you’ll recommend how leaders can account for community and environmental issues.
By using real modern cases, you'll assess business models and strengthen critical faculties to balance complex imperatives. By the end of this module you’ll be ready to champion organisational development in an ethical, responsible and sustainable manner.
Students will explore the core rights provided by the European Convention on Human Rights and implemented via the Human Rights Act 1998 and will, in addition, examine the role of the common law as an alternative means for protecting fundamental rights. Emphasis will be placed on the interpretation of rights in light of underlying principles, with a particular focus on how human dignity informs and shapes the content of human rights norms.
By analysing models and evidence, you’ll evaluate the theory behind strategic management and appraise issues faced by law firms.
With assessments that foucs on real organisations, you’ll learn how to conduct analysis from both business and corporate perspectives. You'll use your conclusions to propose solutions to implement change.
You'll finish this module ready to lead legal entities and use strategies that support both vision and values.
Core modules
To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules.
The module is designed to develop and understanding of how a business is started, run and dissolved. It also introduces students to employment law.
You'll critically examine the factors driving discrimination while evaluating methods to reduce imbalance.
With social justice as a cornerstone, you'll actively apply perspectives from psychology and sociology to examine workplace cultures and identify meaningful change opportunities.
Using real-world cases, you'll explore nuances in power dynamics and discuss the barriers facing disadvantaged groups.
You'll finish this module with a heightened awareness of inclusion issues, both systemically and interpersonally, and be prepared to positively shape your future organisation and drive towards equitable participation and belonging.
Optional modules
This will be achieved by students working in the University's general legal advice clinics.
There will be an emphasis on transferring academic legal knowledge that has been acquired throughout the degree programme into substantive legal help for members of the local community.
The module will support students in developing skills such as client interviewing and management, note taking, report writing, legal letter writing, and document drafting, together with administrative skills such as replying to emails and making return phone calls.
The students will also be involved with the marketing of the clinics(s) to the wider community, thus developing students' confidence in communication, and providing a critical awareness of how a client base is founded and developed. In preparation for entry into a post degree professional environment, the module will provide a focus on self-reflection.
Students will be offered the opportunity to work in a weekly placement with one of our external partners where the emphasis will be on application of legal theory to real life issues/situations, to assist the clients of the partner organisation.
Students will learn a range of skills, which will be communicated to the student at the outset of their placement (depending on the partner organisation) but in all organisations there will be an emphasis on the ability to communicate using different mediums, organisation and independent learning.
Students will be required to integrate into their partner organisation, contributing to the overall achievement of the organisation's own aims and objectives, and identifying areas of difficulty. In preparation for entry into a post degree professional environment, the module will provide a focus on self-reflection.
At these meetings, the student and supervisor may discuss the topic(s), research strategy and direction and/or review drafts submitted by the student.
Students' in this module will provide support to the local community in the form of a legal information presentation on a relevant and informative legal issue.
You will work in teams to research, plan, and deliver a presentation on a legal issue ( or range of issues) to your designated organisation (such as; charities, schools/colleges, and community organisations).
You will develop skills in; teamwork, research, communication methods, reflection, and learn to practically apply your academic knowledge acquired across the degree programme.
After an introduction to your designated organisation you and your group will be supported through the process of research, planning, design and presentation of the legal issue. There will be an emphasis on reflection throughout the process.
Not only will you gain skills and knowledge in liaising with, and presenting a legal issue to real life clients' but further, you will have experience to draw from, when engaging in interviews with employers.
Each student will already have been allocated to a supervisor based on their 'topic area'.
Each topic has a different tutor and the topic area will have been decided by the tutor based on their own expertise and research interests.
The module will have four timetabled tutorial sessions, where each group will meet with their tutor and throughout the module, tutors and students will make use of the Module's VLE to post queries and discuss issues arising out of their research.
This module also delves into the legal framework for children's rights in the domestic legal system, the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) and the European Social Charter (ESC). It further examines the specific legal and thematic aspects related to children in care, children in the asylum and refugee system, and children within the court system, providing students with a comprehensive understanding of the legal and practical aspects of safeguarding children's rights.
To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules. This module introduces students to the main principles and procedures associated with civil litigation as well as defending a client in a criminal prosecution.
The topics covered in this module will be common with the equivalent module at UC ' Berkeley.
The teaching for this module will involve 10 synchronous joint 2-hour online classes hosted by UC ' Berkeley and joined by all participating institutions and 11 synchronous UoP-only 2-hour online classes.
The joint online classes will consist in mini-lectures (approx. 45 mins) by guest lecturers, seminar-style discussion in breakout sessions (2 x 15 minutes) with small groups of students from all participating institutions and plenary discussions (2 x 15 mins).
The UoP-only online classes will be delivered 'locally' by the module coordinator.
The UoP-only online classes will introduce students to the basic concepts of Comparative Equality Law and bring the questions / issues discussed in the joint class within a UK and / or European normative context.
Reference will be made to what intellectual property actually is as well as how UK law enables it to be protected.
All the major intellectual property rights will be identified, dicussed and critically examained.
These intellectual propertry rights will include patents, trademarks, copyright, design rights, passing off and the law of confidence.
Reference will be made, where appropriate, to other jurisidictions as a means of critically evaluating the IP framework in the UK.
Reference will also be made to international treaties and other external legal sources as and when the module demands.
The module will consider the requirements for a valid will, together with the laws of intestacy and claims by relatives of the deceased.
The module will be delivered by means of weekly lectures and seminars.
Lectures will outline the principles and rules of the law of succession, and discuss current issues and contentious areas.
Seminars will require students to apply these principles to problem situations, using their knowledge of statute and case law to develop their analysis.
This will develop the identified skills, and these will then be used in tackling the assessments for this module.
The module explores both the historical and theoretical foundations of the subject, before providing participants with an awareness of the sources, the nature and the core institutions of international law.
It also seeks to engage with specific regimes of international law and to explore these in relevant contemporary contexts.
The module will also specifically endeavour to develop the independent research skills of students.
While the focus will be practical, students will also develop an understanding of the theoretical, professional and ethical aspects of advocacy.
Students will reflect on their own performances and those of their peers.
Students will develop a range of skills appropriate to both civil and criminal court/tribunal appearances to include the law of evidence.
The Presentations will be individual advocacy exercises based on the criminal and civil case studies that students will engage with on the module.
The Portfolios will consist of critical commentaries on a collection of advocacy activities recorded by the individual student through the module. Students will be required to demonstrate their development of advocacy skills through feedback, peer observation and self-reflection with reference to theoretical and professional writing on advocacy
It outlines the different sectors of environmental law as well as provides an insight and understanding of the principles and concepts upon which environmental law is based.
It also analyses the ways in which particular issues are addressed and, where appropriate, places these in their international context.
It introduces students to the role that international environmental law has within the development of national environmental law.
Seminar activity will follow on from the lectures and will concentrate on discussion and application of the legal principles and policies of the European Union.
Directed activity will focus on discussion of issues using taught knowledge and the student's independent research.
Student's will apply law to problem situations, as well as improve the ability to critically reflect on the human rights issues involved in family law.
Relevant skills will be developed through seminar activities and utilised in tackling the assessment for this module.
This will include (but may not be limited to) the foundation subjects such Criminal law, Land (and ownership pf property), and Tort, and also some of the optional areas of study such as Medical Law and Sports Law.
There will be a strong emphasis on being able to critically evaluate legislation, case law and contemporary issues with feminist theory and understanding the limitations of both the theory and the law that is studied.
There will be a strong intersectional approach, requiring students to examine and understand how gender and sexuality intersect with other social categories such as race, age, class and disability, and how the law may perpetuate (and promote) inequalities.
The module will promote critical thinking and independent inquiry around issues of inequalities and the module supports the development of a range of Hallmarks.
In the first half of the module students will explore the rules that regulate the use of force in international law (the jus ad bellum), whilst the second half focuses on international humanitarian law (the jus in bello).
The module aims to teach both historical and modern contexts of these areas of law and will engage with specific contemporary case studies, informed by the academic research of the co-ordinators. Weekly lectures will outline fundamental principles, whilst seminars will encourage students to critically reflect on the state of the law and the contexts in which it applies.
The substantive content of the module is also, in parts, multidisciplinary in its nature, drawing on work from connected academic disciplines such as international relations.
The module also aims to develop the independent research skills of students and this is reflected in the nature of the assessment.
To satisfy the CILEx accreditation requirements students must pass all the CILEx modules. This module develops the legal principles learned in land law at L5 and provides a practical context. This modules meets the CILEx requirements for application of accounts rules.
The Hallmarks that the module seeks to address are:
Have a critical and reflective knowledge and understanding of their subject, with both the ability and readiness to question its principles, practices and boundaries;
Think independently, analytically and creatively, and engage imaginatively with new areas of investigation, within and across discipline boundaries;
Be intellectually curious, embrace challenges and seize opportunities for development;
be able to locate, access and critically engage with information, using current and emerging digital technologies;
Be informed citizens, with a sense of responsibility allied to a commitment to ethical practice and social justice issues, such as quality, respect and sustainability.
You'll spend your working industry, with support from our Placement Office.
You'll complete a placement portfolio for the duration of the placement, which will outline your key learning activities, and attend a Placement Student Day at the University to discuss your placement experience with the Placement Officer or your course leader.
When you successfully complete your placement it will be recognised in your degree transcript of achievement, and your degree certificate will state `in the sandwich mode'.
You may also choose to receive a Certificate of Professional Practice from the Faculty of Business and Law.
Changes to course content
We use the best and most current research and professional practice alongside feedback from our students to make sure course content is relevant to your future career or further studies.
Therefore, some course content may change over time to reflect changes in the discipline or industry. If a module doesn't run, we'll let you know as soon as possible and help you choose an alternative module.
Alternative courses
If you're interested in exploring a theoretical analysis of crime and punishment, alongside your fully accredited law degree that covers the foundations of legal knowledge, then this LLB (Hons) Law with Criminology could be the right choice for you. This is a good option if you're interested in a career in the police or criminal justice system.
This fully accredited single honours LLB (Hons) Law degree is our most traditional, pure law course. We recommend this option if you're interested in going on to be a barrister, if you're an international student, or if you think you may want an academic career in the law.
This new and practically focussed LLB (Hons) Law with Legal Practice is specifically tailored to today's legal career pathways, preparing you for your next step as a solicitor or a chartered legal executive. Like our other law courses it includes all the foundations of legal knowledge, but gives you more practical experience of applying your knowledge. This course is ideal if you want to be a solicitor, a chartered legal executive, or a paralegal.
Teaching
Around 20% of your timetabled teaching will be online.
The majority of your timetabled teaching will be face-to-face and will include:
- seminars
- tutorials
- workshops
- practical sessions
We pride ourselves on the academic support we offer our students. You'll have a personal tutor, student engagement officers and study support staff to help you throughout your studies.
Assessment
The way you qualify as a solicitor has changed and we want to make sure that we prepare you as much as possible for the new SQE exams. The SQE exams are multiple choice, so we're adapting our assessment methods so that you're confident with this method of assessment.
Your assessment will depend on which modules you take, but it's likely to include:
- exams
- problem scenarios
- written reports and essays
- presentations
- practical projects
Teaching staff profiles
These are some of the expert staff who'll teach you on this course. To learn more about our teaching staff's active engagement in research and in addressing current legal challenges, explore our law blog.
How you'll spend your time
One of the main differences between school or college and university is how much control you have over your learning.
We use a blended learning approach to teaching, which means you’ll take part in both face-to-face and online activities during your studies. As well as attending your timetabled classes you'll study independently in your free time, supported by staff and our virtual learning environment, Moodle.
A typical week
We recommend you spend at least 35 hours a week studying for this degree.
Your total study time will depend on the modules that you take, but in your first year this is what your week may look like:
- timetabled teaching activities (seminars, tutorials, classes and workshops) = about 13 hours a week
- independent study (research, reading, coursework and project work, alone or in a group) = about 22 hours a week
You'll probably do more independent study and have less scheduled teaching in years 2 and 3, but this depends on which modules you choose.
Term dates
The academic year runs from September to June. There are breaks at Christmas and Easter.
Supporting you
The amount of timetabled teaching you'll get on your degree might be less than what you're used to at school or college, but you'll also get support via video, phone and face-to-face from teaching and support staff to enhance your learning experience and help you succeed. You can build your personalised network of support from the following people and services:
Types of support
Your personal tutor helps you make the transition to independent study and gives you academic and personal support throughout your time at university.
As well as regular scheduled meetings with your personal tutor, they're also available at set times during the week if you want to chat with them about anything that can't wait until your next meeting.
In addition to the support you get from your personal tutor, you'll also have access to our student engagement officers. They can give you confidential, impartial advice on anything to do with your studies and personal wellbeing, and refer you to specialist support services if you need extra help or support.
You'll have help from a team of study support tutors. Based within the Faculty of Business and Law, these tutors are familiar with the specific requirements your assignments and work closely with faculty academics. This means they can give you focused support with the specific study skills you need to be successful on your course. They're available face-to-face, by phone, email, and by video call.
They can help with:
- Academic writing (for example, essays, reports, dissertations, projects and literature reviews)
- Reflective writing skills
- Critical thinking skills
- Delivering presentations (including observing and filming presentations)
- Understanding and using assignment feedback
- Managing your time and workload
- Revision and exam techniques
If you're a mature student, specialist support to help you return to learning is available.
During term time, Faculty Academic Skills Tutors (AST) are available for bookable 1-to-1 sessions, small group sessions and online sessions. These sessions are tailored to your needs.
Support is available for skills including:
- University study
- Getting into the right study mindset
- Note-taking and note-making skills
- Referencing
- Presentation skills
- Time management, planning, and goal setting
- Critical thinking
- Avoiding plagiarism
If you have a disability or need extra support, the Additional Support and Disability Centre (ASDAC) will give you help, support and advice.
Library staff are available in person or by email, phone, or online chat to help you make the most of the University's library resources. You can also request one-to-one appointments and get support from librarians who specialise in business and law.
The library is open 24 hours a day, every day, in term time.
Our online Learning Well mini-course will help you plan for managing the challenges of learning and student life, so you can fulfil your potential and have a great student experience.
You can get personal, emotional and mental health support from our Student Wellbeing Service, in person and online. This includes 1–2–1 support as well as courses and workshops that help you better manage stress, anxiety or depression.
If you require extra support because of a disability or additional learning need our specialist team can help you.
They'll help you to
- discuss and agree on reasonable adjustments
- liaise with other University services and facilities, such as the library
- access specialist study skills and strategies tutors, and assistive technology tutors, on a 1-to-1 basis or in groups
- liaise with external services
If English isn't your first language, you can do one of our English language courses to improve your written and spoken English language skills before starting your degree. Once you're here, you can take part in our free In-Sessional English (ISE) programme to improve your English further.
Course costs and funding
Tuition fees
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £9,535 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £9,535 a year, including our Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £17,200 a year (subject to annual increase)
You won't pay any extra tuition fees to another university for taking part in a study/work abroad activity if you choose to do it for the whole academic year. During a year abroad you'll only have to pay a reduced fee to the University of Portsmouth.
Funding your studies
Find out how to fund your studies, including the scholarships and bursaries you could get. You can also find more about tuition fees and living costs, including what your tuition fees cover.
Applying from outside the UK? Find out about funding options for international students.
Additional course costs
These course-related costs aren’t included in the tuition fees. So you’ll need to budget for them when you plan your spending.
Additional costs
Our accommodation section shows your accommodation options and highlights how much it costs to live in Portsmouth.
You may have to read several recommended books or textbooks for each module that you study.
You won't need to buy the core textbooks as you can borrow most books from our extensive library.
If you choose to buy the course books they may cost up to £30 each.
We recommend that you budget £75 a year for photocopying, memory sticks, printing charges, binding and specialist printing.
If your final year includes a major project, there could be cost for transport or accommodation related to your research activities. The amount will depend on the project you choose.
If you take a placement year or study abroad year, tuition fees for that year are as follows:
- UK/Channel Islands and Isle of Man students – £1,385 a year (may be subject to annual increase)
- EU students – £1,385 a year, including Transition Scholarship (may be subject to annual increase)
- International students – £2,875 a year (subject to annual increase)
Apply
Ready to apply?
To start this course in 2025, apply through UCAS. You'll need:
- the UCAS course code – M1NC
- our institution code – P80
If you'd prefer to apply directly, use our online application form.
You can also sign up to an Open Day to:
- Tour our campus, facilities and halls of residence
- Speak with lecturers and chat with our students
- Get information about where to live, how to fund your studies and which clubs and societies to join
If you're new to the application process, read our guide on applying for an undergraduate course.
Looking for this course with a foundation year?
Take a look at LLB (Hons) Law with Business with Foundation Year.
Applying from outside the UK
As an international student you'll apply using the same process as UK students, but you’ll need to consider a few extra things.
You can get an agent to help with your application. Check your country page for details of agents in your region.
Find out what additional information you need in our international students section.
If you don't meet the English language requirements for this course yet, you can achieve the level you need by successfully completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.
Admissions terms and conditions
When you accept an offer to study at the University of Portsmouth, you also agree to abide by our Student Contract (which includes the University's relevant policies, rules and regulations). You should read and consider these before you apply.