Law with Business LLB (Hons) with foundation year

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Portsmouth

Program Overview

This LLB (Hons) Law with Business programme with a foundation year is designed to give you a strong start, building essential skills and knowledge before diving into core legal and business studies. It’s ideal for students who want a supportive pathway into higher education while developing practical skills, critical thinking, and a solid understanding of law and business fundamentals.

Curriculum structure

Foundation Year
The foundation year focuses on preparing you for degree-level study. You’ll develop key academic skills such as research, essay writing, and analytical thinking, alongside introductory modules in business and law, giving you a solid grounding for the years ahead. Modules may include Introduction to Law, Business Principles, and Academic Skills for Higher Education.

Year 1
In the first full year of the degree, you’ll study core legal and business subjects. Modules like English Legal System, Contract Law, and Criminal Law provide a foundation in legal principles, while Introduction to Management and Principles of Marketing give you an understanding of business environments and organisational operations.

Year 2
The second year deepens your understanding of law and business integration. You’ll explore Land Law, Tort Law, and Equity & Trusts, along with Business Law and Financial Management, developing the ability to analyse complex scenarios and apply your knowledge practically.

Year 3
The final year allows you to specialise and consolidate your learning. Advanced modules such as Commercial Law, International Business Law, and optional topics enable you to focus on areas of interest, complete case studies and projects, and prepare for professional practice or further study.

Focus areas:
Law and business integration, contract law, commercial law, tort law, equity and trusts, corporate governance, financial management, international business law.

Learning outcomes:
Graduates will be able to analyse and solve legal and business problems, advise clients, draft professional documents, interpret regulations, and apply combined knowledge in practical settings.

Professional alignment (accreditation):
The programme covers the core legal knowledge required for future qualification as a solicitor or barrister, while providing business skills that enhance employability across corporate, consultancy, and regulatory careers.

Reputation:
Portsmouth’s LLB with Business is known for blending rigorous legal training with practical business insights, producing graduates who are confident, career-ready, and versatile in a variety of professional roles.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At Portsmouth, learning law with business isn’t just about reading cases or memorising concepts. From the foundation year onwards, you’ll get hands-on opportunities to practise real-world skills, develop professional confidence, and experience how law and business intersect in practice. Through a mix of interactive modules, workshops, group projects, and optional placements, you’ll leave the programme with practical knowledge that employers value:

Here’s how experiential learning is built into your studies:

Replica courtroom and mooting trials: Practise advocacy, courtroom procedures, and public speaking in realistic courtroom environments, building skills and confidence for legal careers.
Legal Advice Clinic & community engagement: Work with real clients under supervision, giving advice, drafting documents, and applying legal knowledge to solve practical problems.
Business simulations and group projects: Tackle interactive case studies that integrate legal and business challenges, developing teamwork, decision-making, and problem-solving skills.
Optional placement opportunities: Gain professional experience through internships or work placements, applying your learning in law firms, corporate organisations, or consultancy roles.
Guest lectures and networking events: Meet practising lawyers, business professionals, and industry experts to understand real-world career paths and professional expectations.
Digital tools and learning resources: Use legal databases, financial software, and online platforms to support research, case preparation, and project work.
Libraries and study facilities: Access law-focused libraries, collaborative spaces, and resources that enhance independent study, research, and group work.

This practical approach ensures that your foundation in law and business isn’t just theoretical — you graduate with the skills, experience, and confidence to succeed in professional environments.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates from this programme leave with a unique combination of legal knowledge, business understanding, and practical experience gained throughout their studies. This makes them highly employable across multiple sectors, able to take on roles that require analytical thinking, problem-solving, and strong communication skills. Typical career paths include solicitor, legal adviser, business consultant, and compliance officer.

To support your career journey, Portsmouth offers a range of dedicated services and opportunities:

Faculty employability support: Personalised guidance including CV workshops, mock interviews, and career coaching specifically tailored for law and business students.
Industry partnerships: Collaborations with law firms, corporate organisations, and regulatory bodies provide networking events, guest lectures, and potential internship opportunities.
Practical experience: Opportunities through the Legal Advice Clinic, group projects, and optional placements give students hands-on exposure before entering the job market.
Graduation outcomes: Many graduates secure roles in law firms, corporate governance, consultancy, public sector organisations, and regulatory positions.
Accreditation and long-term value: The programme covers the core legal knowledge required for qualification as a solicitor or barrister, while business modules enhance employability across commercial and consultancy careers.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing the LLB with Foundation Year, students can progress to postgraduate studies such as an LLM (Master’s in Law), or specialise in areas like Corporate Law, International Law, or Human Rights Law. Students may also choose professional training routes including the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or Bar training, allowing them to advance into legal practice or further expand career opportunities in business and consultancy.