Course Summary
This three year honours degree in Law and Business is the only such programme in this field available within the northwest and midland region. This innovative degree has been developed in partnership with industry. The possibilities for graduates of this programme are immense and exciting.
PROGRAMME OVERVIEW
Students divide their time between law and business, while also exploring the connections between these fields of study. Students will explore complex and key issues by drawing on a broad reservoir of legal business knowledge and computing technologies required for the commercial world.
LAW
The law strand covers core law subjects to give students a good foundation should they wish to continue their studies further to qualify as a solicitor or a barrister. Graduates may also pursue opportunities in emerging areas such as Governance and Compliance, Data Protection/Privacy, Company Secretarial, Business Sustainability, Ethics and Social Media.
The programme also includes several professional skills modules which provide students with the practical skills and knowledge they will need should they wish to explore career destinations such as In-house Counsel, Legal Executive, Court Personnel, Advocacy Workers, Disability Officers and in the area of Alternative Dispute Resolution.
BUSINESS
The business strand covers core business subjects and ensures graduates are fully equipped for success in business. Students analyse and evaluate business and associated legal issues encountered by organisations.
To support a growing need for, and understanding of, data, social media presence and digital change, the business stream also includes learning in the fields of ICT Applications, Data Analytics, Web and Social Media Analytics and Digital Transformation.
Combining both strands, students will be given an opportunity to undertake research for an applied project or dissertation immersing them in emerging areas relevant to professionals working in a range of legal and business settings.
YEAR 1
Students study Law modules such as Contract Law, Criminal Justice, Legal Systems and Tort Law. Business modules include Marketing, Data Analytics and Macroeconomics.
YEAR 2
Students continue to study Law and Business in more depth. Law modules include Company Law, European Union Law, and Data Protection and Freedom of Information. Business modules include Management, Business Finance and HRM.
YEAR 3
Students study Law and Business at an advanced level. In Year 3, students also undertake an applied project or dissertation which immerses them in emerging areas relevant to professionals working in a range of legal and business settings.
SKILLS STUDENTS ACQUIRE
Throughout this programme, students acquire skills and experience through a wide range of modules. Below are just some of the skills we will equip students with, which our research has shown, are in demand amongst employers today.
- A clear and evidenced-based understanding of the complexities of modern-day business and business environments.
- A comprehensive and informed appreciation of traditional and emerging areas of law.
- The ability to demonstrate a comprehensive appreciation of the complexities of implementing legal frameworks in specified contexts.
- An understanding of the diverse and ever-changing business environment from a legal perspective.
- Know-
- An appreciation of the needs of business in terms of the exploitation of computing technologies for commercial benefit, business management and business development.
- Experience in how to ethically undertake research activities, appropriate to the fields of law and business.
- Effective communication, critical thinking, reflection, independent thinking, problem-solving and teamwork skills that can be applied to further study or the workplace.
- Professional and transferrable skills such as project management, research, professional writing, which will equip students for employment and professional practice in a range of sectors.
- Ability to reflect, examine, explore and solve complex issues by drawing on a broad reservoir of knowledge from subjects and programme studied.
PROGRAMME WEBINAR
Look back on our programme launch event and listen to our programme team and guest speakers - Michelle O’Boyle, former President of the Law Society of Ireland and David Minton, Director with the Northern and Western Regional Assembly. The panel discussed the key features, benefits and opportunities available to graduates from this dynamic degree.
Entry Requirements
Entry requirements for CAO courses at ATU Sligo are available for download below:
Career Opportunities
There are numerous career opportunities for graduates of an Arts degree in Law and Business to explore. These opportunities have evolved and changed over the last number of years in line with legislative changes, and modernisation and digital transformation of work and workforces. Potential careers include banking and finance, tax consultancy, public administration, legal secretary, money laundering officers, regulatory affairs offices, risk management, compliance officer, citizens information and lots more.
Furthermore, as an Arts degree, the award supports and has embedded opportunities to acquire and develop transferable skills which are of interest and value to employers across many sectors.
TRANSFERRABLE SKILLS
- Analytical and interpretation skills
- Advocacy and communication skills
- Research and writing Skills
- Regulatory and compliance skills
- Financial literacy
- Digital and technological skills
- Teamwork
- Problem Solving
Further Study
Graduates may progress to a range of Level 9 and Level 10 programmes.
Graduates interested in pursuing a legal career may progress to a postgraduate programme to prepare for the FE1 exams, the first step in becoming a qualified solicitor.
This programme has considered the Teaching Council Registration curricular subject requirements and meets the requirements to apply to undertake the Professional Master of Education (PME) programme to become a secondary school teacher in Business.
Students may also also pursue awards that complement both fields of study such as Masters by Research or taught postgraduate programmes in the fields of business, policy, equality, financial management, social justice and many others.
Testimonials
Watch below as Anthony Maher explains why he chose to study Law and Business in ATU Sligo.
Did you know?
This three year honours degree in Law and Business is the only three year honours degree in this field available within the northwest and midland region
Graduates interested in pursuing a legal career may progress to a postgraduate programme to prepare for the FE1 exams, the first step in becoming a qualified solicitor.
The business strand covers the broad world of business and students obtain a diverse range of knowledge, skills and competencies, relevant and useful to professionals working in a wide range of business and industry settings.
In Year 3, students undertake an applied project or dissertation which immerses them in emerging areas relevant to professionals working in a range of legal and business settings.
This degree also aligns with increased compliance and regulation-type careers. Throughout the degree students study modules including Data Protection, Social Media and Compliance and Governance, Sustainability and Ethics.
The Legal Professional Skills for Practice module supports careers such as Advocacy Workers, Disability Officers, Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR).
This programme has considered the Teaching Council Registration curricular subject requirements and meets the requirements to apply to undertake the Professional Master of Education (PME) programme to become a secondary school teacher in Business.
The skills students gain on this programme are highly sought after by employers. Head of Faculty of Business and Social Sciences, Dr. Breda Mc Taggart, explains this is more detail below.
Course Format
Semester 1
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Skills for Success | 05 |
| Organisational Behaviour | 05 |
| Marketing | 05 |
| Legal Systems | 05 |
| Tort Law | 05 |
| Company Secretarial | 05 |
Semester 2
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| ICT Applications | 05 |
| Microeconomics | 05 |
| Data Analytics | 05 |
| Legal Skills | 05 |
| Contract Law | 05 |
| Criminal Justice | 05 |
Semester 3
Semester 4
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Human Resource Management | 05 |
| Introduction to Business Finance 2 | 05 |
| Emerging Trends in Business Law | 05 |
| Company Law | 05 |
| Governance and Compliance | 05 |
| European Union Law | 05 |
Semester 5
Semester 6
| Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| Strategic Management | 05 |
| Digital Transformation | 05 |
| Property Law | 05 |
| Employment Law | 05 |
| Dissertation or Applied Project | 10 |