BBL Bachelor of Business and Laws (Cornwall)

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Exeter

Program Overview

The BBL Bachelor of Business and Laws at the University of Exeter combines business studies with legal knowledge, giving students a strong understanding of how organisations operate within commercial, regulatory, and ethical frameworks. This interdisciplinary degree is ideal for students who want to explore the connection between business decisions and legal principles while developing valuable skills in analysis, communication, problem-solving, and professional decision-making. An Industrial Placement Year option is available, allowing students to gain practical workplace experience as part of the programme.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1
The first year introduces students to the fundamentals of business, law, economics, and professional practice. Modules such as Business and Society, Marketing in a Digital Age, Introduction to Economics, Legal Foundations, and Criminal Law 1 Foundations help students understand how businesses operate, how legal systems influence organisations, and how economic and social factors shape decision-making.

Year 2
The second year allows students to develop a deeper understanding of commercial law and business management while exploring specialist areas. Modules such as Contract Law, Business Beyond Profit, Finance for Business, Digital Technologies and the Future of Work, and Employment Law help students explore commercial relationships, financial decisions, workplace regulations, and the impact of technology on modern businesses.

Year 3
Students have the opportunity to complete an Industrial Placement Year, gaining professional experience in a workplace environment before their final year of study. This placement allows students to apply their business and legal knowledge in real situations while developing important skills such as teamwork, communication, problem-solving, and commercial awareness.

Final Year
The final year focuses on advanced business and legal concepts, helping students understand complex challenges faced by modern organisations. Modules such as Globalisation and Internationalisation, Local - Global Innovation (Cornwall Research Seminar Series), Crisis: Change and Creativity in Organisations, Corporate Law, Theory and Governance, and Business and Human Rights allow students to explore topics including global business, innovation, corporate responsibility, and strategic decision-making.

Focus Areas

Business Management, Commercial Law, Corporate Governance, Contract Law, Economics, Finance, Marketing, Digital Transformation, Globalisation, Business Ethics, Sustainability, Employment Law, Innovation, Legal Research, Organisational Strategy

Learning Outcomes

Understand the relationship between business and legal systems, develop knowledge of commercial and corporate practices, analyse business and legal challenges, apply problem-solving skills to real-world situations, develop professional communication skills, understand financial and economic concepts, evaluate ethical and sustainability issues, strengthen research and analytical abilities, develop commercial awareness, prepare for careers in business, law, consulting, finance, government, and professional services

Professional Alignment (Accreditation)

The BBL Bachelor of Business and Laws is delivered through collaboration between the University of Exeter Business School and Exeter Law School, providing students with a unique combination of business expertise and legal understanding. The programme develops professional skills such as negotiation, critical thinking, communication, research, and strategic decision-making, which are highly valued across business, legal, and professional sectors.

Reputation (Employability Rankings)

The programme benefits from the academic strengths of both Exeter Law School and the University of Exeter Business School, giving students an interdisciplinary education that connects legal knowledge with business practice.
The Industrial Placement Year provides valuable professional experience, helping students build confidence, improve employability, and develop workplace skills before graduation.
Graduates develop a flexible skill set suited to careers across business management, legal services, consulting, finance, corporate organisations, public policy, and professional services.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

Students on the BBL programme gain hands-on experience that bridges both legal and business disciplines, ensuring they are well-prepared for real-world challenges. Through interactive workshops, group projects, and simulations, you’ll develop practical problem-solving skills, refine your professional communication, and learn to apply theoretical knowledge in dynamic, real-world contexts. The programme also provides access to a range of facilities and resources that support experiential learning:

Business and Law Labs: Practical workshops and case simulations in dedicated classrooms equipped for legal research and business analytics.
Group Projects: Collaborative assignments that mirror workplace team environments, encouraging leadership, negotiation, and strategic thinking.
Internships & Placements: Opportunities to gain experience with partner organisations, law firms, and businesses to understand professional expectations firsthand.
Digital Tools & Software: Access to industry-standard software for business modelling, data analysis, and legal research.
Libraries & Online Resources: Cornwall Campus library and University of Exeter’s digital collections for extensive legal, business, and interdisciplinary research.
Guest Lectures & Seminars: Sessions with industry professionals and legal practitioners to provide insights into current practices and career pathways.
Field Visits: Organised visits to local businesses, corporate offices, and legal institutions to observe operations and procedures in real-life settings.

This blend of academic learning and practical exposure ensures graduates leave confident, capable, and ready to contribute effectively in both business and legal environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from the BBL program leave with a unique blend of business acumen and legal knowledge, making them highly versatile in the professional world. Many find themselves confidently stepping into roles that require both commercial insight and an understanding of legal frameworks, including positions in corporate law, consultancy, or management. This combination ensures that students are prepared for dynamic career paths and can adapt to a variety of sectors:

University Careers and Employability Service: Provides one-to-one coaching, CV workshops, networking events, and internship support specifically tailored to business and law students.
Employment statistics: Exeter business and law graduates report strong employment outcomes, with many securing roles within six months of graduation; average starting salaries typically range between £28,000–£35,000.
University–industry partnerships: Collaborations with top UK law firms, financial institutions, and multinational companies give students exposure to real-world business and legal challenges.
Long-term accreditation value: The program is professionally recognised, offering a foundation for pursuing legal practice qualifications or business certifications in the UK and internationally.
Graduation outcomes: Graduates often progress into corporate law, commercial consultancy, financial services, business analysis, regulatory compliance, or management roles.

Further Academic Progression:
Students can choose to advance their studies with a Master’s in Law (LLM), an MBA, or specialised business and finance programs, while others may pursue professional legal qualifications such as the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) in the UK to become practising lawyers.