BA (Honours) Business Studies: Law pathway

Stage 1

Stage 1 has two compulsory modules. In An introduction to business studies (B120)An introduction to business studies::This Level 1 course is the first in our degree in business studies and is the recommended introductory course in business studies. It explores the question ‘What is a business?’ and investigates the business functions of human resource management, accounting and finance, and marketing. Different internal and external elements of a business are introduced, and the context in which a business operates explained. You’ll explore the common aims and characteristics of business – investigating what makes them different. Business structures, cultures and functions are identified and the political, social, economic, technological and ethical considerations affecting business are introduced.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,B120,,1 (30 credits), you’ll investigate the question ‘What is a business?’ and develop your study skills while exploring the business functions of human resource management, marketing, accounting and finance.

We recommend that you follow this module with at least one of our core 30-credit Level 1 options, selected from a wide choice of subject areas. They include:

• An introduction to retail management and marketing (B122)An introduction to retail management and marketing::The retail industry is highly dynamic and innovative. This course looks at how retailing has developed within a business context, and how retail outlets work and apply retail marketing. It offers a balance between theory and practice that is innovative and engaging. During your studies you will consider contemporary factors that affect retailing: globalisation; the impact of ever-changing technology; and social and ethical issues. This course is designed for retail industry employees wishing to develop a career in management, and anyone interested in working in the retail sector, or simply wanting to know more about the world of retailing.  If you are planning to study more than one course, it is recommended that you study B120 first, but you can start your studies with B122 if you wish.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,B122,,1
• Discovering mathematics (MU123)Discovering mathematics::This key introductory Level 1 course provides a gentle start to the study of mathematics. It will help you to integrate mathematical ideas into your everyday thinking and build your confidence in using and learning mathematics. You’ll cover statistical, graphical, algebraic, trigonometric and numerical concepts and techniques, and be introduced to mathematical modelling. Formal calculus is not included and you are not expected to have any previous knowledge of algebra. The skills introduced will be ideal if you plan to study more mathematics courses, such as Using mathematics (MST121). It is also suitable for users of mathematics in other areas, such as computing, science, technology, social science, humanities, business and education.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,MU123,,1
• Professional communication skills for business studies (LB160)Professional communication skills for business studies::Personal and corporate success in business relies on effective communication. Professional communication skills for business studies will help you acquire skills to distinguish you from your peers. This practical introductory Level 1 course will empower you to undertake more insightful case-study analysis, write successful essays, and produce influential documents. From proposals to emails, you’ll work with a wide range of texts from business studies courses and the wider business world, deepening your subject knowledge while developing your written communication skills – helping you to succeed in the field of business studies and business in general.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,LB160,,1
• Working and learning: developing effective performance at work (BU130)Working and learning: developing effective performance at work::This course enables you to put your work experiences to practical use in your academic study of business and management. It provides a first taste of work-based learning with the Open University and helps you develop the study skills needed in higher education. The course will be useful for anyone looking to change or improve their working life or for anyone wishing to incorporate personal and professional development in their OU study programme. As work-based learning is highly personal, you will take control of your learning and choose what you want to learn and how you learn.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,BU130,,1 or the version of this module specifically designed for people working in delivering public services – BUXS130
• You and your money: personal finance in context (DB123)You and your money: personal finance in context::Are you interested in making more informed decisions about your personal finances? You and your money is a practical course that will develop your financial skills and improve your understanding of the constantly changing social and economic environment in which financial decisions are made. You’ll explore questions such as: Why do people borrow so much? How can I plan for my retirement? By the end of this key introductory Level 1 course, you’ll have a detailed understanding of some key personal finance issues that affect people’s lives, and the skills and knowledge needed to improve your own financial capability.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,DB123,,1.

The compulsory law module Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law (W100)Rules, rights and justice: an introduction to law::This key introductory Level 1 course introduces the study of law and legal skills. It begins by looking at how rules develop within a society and how laws (in effect legal rules) are made, interpreted, and applied. Then, it examines the concepts of legal personality, unlawful conduct and states of mind. You will explore civil and criminal sanctions; issues raised by human rights legislation; and the concepts of rights and justice. Of particular interest as preparation for a law degree, the course also provides an excellent beginning if you wish to study other subjects. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,W100,,1 (60 credits) will provide you with an essential foundation in the subject and key legal skills. You’ll engage with broad and absorbing topics such as:

• the nature and function of rules and law
• the distinctiveness of legal reasoning
• how law responds to social, economic and technological change.

Stage 2

Both of the 60-credit modules in this pathway are compulsory and can be studied in any order. 

Business functions in context (B203)Business functions in context::This course focuses on the essential organisational functions of human resources; marketing; operations management; information management; and accounting and finance. You will examine their key practices, processes and thinking, and their contributions to organisations and their operations – with an emphasis on practice-based learning. You will explore activities undertaken by functional specialists, and develop skills in critical thinking, problem solving, numeracy, information literacy, and written and oral communication. By the end of the course, you’ll understand how and why distinct business functions have developed and how they are integrated; their structure and operations in different contexts; and their role in organisations’ interactions with their environments.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,B203,,1 focuses on the essential organisational functions of human resources; marketing; operations management; information management; and accounting and finance. You’ll examine their key practices, processes and thinking, and their contributions to organisations and their operations – with a strong emphasis on practice-based learning.

The module, Understanding law (W200)Understanding law::This introduction to the creation and application of English law begins by asking ‘What is the law?’; teaches you to find, read, interpret and apply the law; and introduces the techniques of practical legal research. Ideal if you’re considering a legal career, it provides a brief overview of constitutional principles, criminal law, human rights, and the law of contract and tort. You will then study the terminology and sources of law, legal research and the workings of the European Union (EU) in depth. The other foundations of legal knowledge are covered by our courses W201, W300 and W301. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,W200,,1, is an introduction to the creation and application of English law. You’ll begin by asking ‘What is the law?’ and discover how to find, read, interpret and apply the law. You’ll also be introduced to the techniques of practical legal research. After a brief overview of constitutional principles, criminal law, human rights, and the law of contract and tort, you’ll go on to study the terminology and sources of law, legal research and the workings of the EU in depth.

Stage 3

Both of the 60-credit modules in this pathway are compulsory and can be studied in any order. 

Making sense of strategy (B301)Making sense of strategy::The fascinating world of strategy – from its origins and development as a subject to the controversies that dominate contemporary strategic debate – is introduced in this course. It’s relevant to anyone interested in how organisations and individuals make sense of the world and strive for success. You’ll develop skills in clear thinking, independent enquiry and collaborative working as you analyse and apply the ideas and approaches that have done most to influence how strategy is conceived and carried out in today’s organisations, whether commercial or not-for-profit, locally, nationally and internationally. You’ll take part in an online collaboration with other students for a month during the summer.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,B301,,1 focuses on this fascinating world– from its origins and development as a subject to the controversies that dominate contemporary strategic debate. You’ll develop skills in clear thinking, independent enquiry and collaborative working as you analyse and apply the ideas and approaches that have done most to influence how strategy is conceived and carried out in today’s organisations. 

The module Law: agreements, rights and responsibilities (W300)Law: agreements, rights and responsibilities::This course examines the two Foundations of Legal Knowledge covered by the Law of Obligations: Contract and Tort. In Contract Law you will consider the legal requirements for the formation of a contract together with its content. You will study the law relating to exclusion of liability, discharge from a contract and the remedies available for breach of contract and misrepresentation. In the Law of Tort you will consider the basis of tortious liability and specific torts such as negligence, nuisance and trespass. The course also introduces the law of restitution. The course deals principally with the law of England and Wales.undergraduate.qualification.pathways.Q70-6,module,W300,,1, examines the two Foundations of Legal Knowledge covered by the Law of Obligations: Contract and Tort. You’ll consider:

• the legal requirements for the formation of a contract together with its content 
• the basis of tortious liability and specific torts such as negligence, nuisance and trespass 
• the law of restitution.

If you have already completed some successful study at higher education level at another institution you may be able to transfer credit for this study and count it towards an Open University qualification. If you wish to apply to transfer credit you must do so as soon as possible, and before you register for your chosen qualification. If you are awarded credit for study completed elsewhere, you may find that you need to study fewer OU modules to complete your qualification with us.

Visit our Credit Transfer site for more information and details of how to apply for credit transfer.