BA (Hons) Entrepreneurship and Law

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Derby

Program Overview

This degree is perfect for students who are curious about business creation and legal frameworks, giving you the tools to start your own venture while understanding the laws that shape business operations. Over three years, you’ll learn how to combine entrepreneurial thinking with essential legal knowledge, equipping you to innovate confidently and navigate the complexities of modern business.


Curriculum Structure

Year 1

In your first year, you’ll build a solid foundation in both law and entrepreneurship. Modules like Introduction to Law and Contract Law teach you the basics of legal systems and commercial agreements, while business modules such as Principles of Entrepreneurship and Business Foundations introduce you to business planning, market analysis, and the essentials of starting a venture. This year is all about gaining the core skills you’ll rely on in later studies.

Year 2

The second year focuses on applying your knowledge in real-world contexts. Law modules such as Public Law and Criminal Law deepen your understanding of legal processes and compliance, while entrepreneurship modules like Business Growth Strategies and Innovation and Enterprise teach you how to scale a business and tackle practical challenges. This year is designed to strengthen your analytical, problem-solving, and professional skills across both fields.

Year 3

Your final year emphasizes strategic thinking and professional readiness. You’ll study advanced law modules like Employment Law and Property Law, and entrepreneurship modules such as Strategic Business Planning or Venture Project, which allow you to work on a real or simulated business venture. This capstone experience integrates everything you’ve learned, preparing you for a career in business, consultancy, or law.


Focus areas: “Entrepreneurship, business planning, strategic management, innovation, contract law, public law, employment law, legal compliance, venture development, professional practice.”

Learning outcomes: “Ability to apply business and legal principles to real-world scenarios; develop strategic and entrepreneurial thinking; strong legal research and communication skills; understanding of business law and compliance; readiness for careers in entrepreneurship, consultancy, or legal services.”

Professional alignment (accreditation): Law modules cover foundational legal knowledge, equipping you for further legal training or professional pathways, while entrepreneurship modules develop practical, real-world business skills valued by employers.

Reputation (employability potential): Graduates gain a unique combination of legal insight and entrepreneurial expertise, making them attractive to employers across startups, corporate businesses, consultancy, legal services, and innovation sectors — providing flexibility and strong career prospects.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

1. Mooting and Mock Trials

Derby Law School emphasizes 'learning by doing,' incorporating mooting competitions and mock trials into the curriculum. These activities allow students to practice courtroom procedures, develop advocacy skills, and gain confidence in legal argumentation. ​


2. Legal Drafting and Application Exercises

Students engage in drafting legal documents such as contracts and bail applications. These exercises provide practical experience in legal writing and familiarize students with the documentation processes in legal practice. ​


3. Research Projects and Dissertations

The LLB program includes opportunities for students to undertake research projects and a final-year dissertation. These components develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and in-depth understanding of specific legal topics.​


4. Community Engagement and Public Legal Education

While specific programs are not detailed, the University's emphasis on practical learning suggests involvement in community-based legal education initiatives, enhancing students' ability to communicate legal concepts to the public.​


5. Internships and Work-Based Learning

The University encourages students to participate in internships and work placements to apply their academic knowledge in real-world settings. These experiences aim to enhance employability and provide insights into various legal careers.

Progression & Future Opportunities

 Legal Career Pathways:

  • Solicitor: Graduates can progress to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) route, supported by DU’s focus on practical legal skills and professional preparation.

  • Barrister: Students aiming to become barristers can take a Bar Training Course (BTC) and apply for pupillage.

  • Other legal roles include paralegal, legal assistant, caseworker, or court clerk.

 Further Study Options:

  • Postgraduate qualifications such as an LLM (e.g., International Human Rights Law, Business Law)

  • PhD in Law for those interested in academic or policy-related careers

  • Courses in criminology, international relations, or business

 Careers Beyond Law:

  • Public sector roles in civil service, local government, or legal aid

  • Compliance and risk management in financial or corporate sectors

  • Advocacy and policy work with NGOs, charities, or international bodies

  • Opportunities in media, human resources, or education

 Transferable Skills Developed:

  • Legal research, analysis, and drafting

  • Verbal advocacy and negotiation

  • Ethical reasoning and problem-solving

  • Teamwork, leadership, and communication

Program Key Stats

£17,500
£9,535
£ 29
Sept Intake : 14th Jan


No
No

Eligibility Criteria

BBC
3.0
28
65

-
-
6.0
79

Additional Information & Requirements

Career Options

  • Solicitor – Requires passing the Solicitors Qualifying Exam (SQE) and a two-year Qualifying Work Experience (QWE)
  • Barrister – Requires completing the Bar Course (BTC/BPC) and a one-year pupillage in chambers
  • Legal Executive – Qualify via CILEx (Chartered Institute of Legal Executives)
  • Paralegal – Assisting lawyers without full solicitor/barrister qualification
  • Judge – Requires years of legal practice before applying to the Judicial Appointments Commission (JAC)
  • Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) Lawyer – Prosecuting criminal cases on behalf of the government
  • In-House Legal Counsel – Providing legal advice to businesses banks or NGOs
  • Government Legal Service (GLS) Lawyer – Advising UK government departments
  • Human Rights Lawyer – Specializing in cases related to justice equality and freedom
  • Criminal Lawyer – Defending or prosecuting in criminal cases
  • Corporate Lawyer – Handling mergers & acquisitions and company law matters
  • Intellectual Property Lawyer – Advising on trademarks patents and copyrights
  • Family Lawyer – Specializing in divorce or child custody and domestic disputes
  • Employment Lawyer – Advising on workplace disputes and contracts
  • Immigration Lawyer – Helping clients with visas or asylum and citizenship issues
  • Real Estate Lawyer – Handling property transactions and disputes  

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