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Business & Law – BBs (Hons)

  • CAO Points: 270

  • Location: Athlone

  • years: 4


Course Overview

This degree combines both law and business providing graduates with a skillset that allows them enter the professions in law, or the versatility and flexibility to enter the commercial and business world. Students will be equipped with the analytical and advocacy skills that arise from legal training, combined with the numeracy and financial literacy of a business degree. The modules are taught by experienced practitioners from commercial and legal practice.

This course provides a comprehensive grounding in the fundamental areas of law, including the legal system and the interaction of Irish and European Law. In addition, you will also engage with key areas of business such as marketing and management. Students on this course will have the opportunity to develop key transferable skills (including oral and written communication skills, analytical skills, enhanced numeracy, teamwork and research skills) which are increasingly attractive to potential employers.

Our on-campus Moot Courtroom provides an authentic setting for students to engage with the practical side of legal study. This Moot Courtroom provides a valuable platform for students to understand the dynamics of a real-life courtroom, develop their advocacy and legal reasoning skills and supports the students in developing the skills and confidence for the courtroom environment.

In year 3 of the course, students will have the opportunity to undertake a professional work placement. The work placement is pivotal and connects academic learning with real-world experience, helping students understand how their studies translate beyond university.

Students may participate in our extra curricular activities such as FLAC and Mooting and Debating competitions.

This programme is accredited by the Honourable Society of King’s Inns.

Contact Details

Dr. Alison Sheridan

Head of Department

Email: Ailson.Sheridan@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Leaving Certificate

Grade H5 in two subjects, plus Grade O6/H7 in four other subjects in the Leaving Certificate. Two of these subjects must be Mathematics and a language (English or Irish).

QQI

Any QQI Level 5 award with a minimum of Distinction grade in three modules.

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

  • Legal Skills 1A

    Credits: 5

    This course introduces students to the study of law and equips them with the basic skills that are relevant to the study of law. Students will be introduced to sources of legal information and will use databases to develop their research and information retrieval skills.This module will also introduce students to the skills that are necessary for effective learning.

  • The Irish Legal System 1

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to give students a thorough introduction to the sources of law in the Irish Legal System and establish a framework within which they can appreciate the operation of the sources of law in the various law subjects in their programme.

  • Tort Law 1

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to introduce students to the general principles of Tort Law and the key concepts and theoretical underpinnings. Students will gain an appreciation for the breadth of causes of action encompassed by the term Tort Law. They will discuss the development of the Law of Torts in broad outline. They will develop an awareness of the broader context in which the law has developed and the theories justifying the development of fault based liability, intentional liability, secondary liability, and strict liability. Students will demonstrate a knowledge of the development of the principles of negligence and its limitations, as well as an awareness of the rationale and policy considerations behind it. In doing so students will develop core competencies required for legal practice in the area of Tort Law.

  • Financial Accounting 1A

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide an understanding of elementary financial accounting. It introduces the learner to the concepts and principles of financial accounting. Learners undertake reconciliation of accounts, which is often one of the first activities assigned to business graduates in accounting or finance roles. Learners also undertake double entry bookkeeping and prepare a Trial Balance. Finally, learners will prepare an Income Statement and a Statement of Financial Position for a sole trader.

  • Business Mathematics

    Credits: 5

    Business Mathematics and Statistics. Designed to equip Business Studies students with the essential quantitative techniques necessary for business, management and finance.

  • Contract Law 1

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to give students an understanding of the operation of the rules of contract law. Students will be introduced to the essential elements of an enforceable contract, offer, acceptance, consideration and intention to create legal relations. Students will gain an understanding of the terms and conditions included in a contract and their relevance to the enforceability of a contract. Students will also be introduced to the legal concepts of illegality, restraints of trade, misrepresentation, mistake, performance, discharge and frustration.

  • The Irish Legal System II

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to give students a thorough introduction to the structures for adjudication of disputes and the specific professional roles in the Irish Legal System.

  • Tort Law II

    Credits: 5

    Students will have been introduced to the basic principles in Tort Law 1 and the aim of this module is to build on the students knowledge and understanding of Tort Law. This module will focus on various stand-alone torts and students will be introduced to the concepts and principles of Tort liability. This module will also contribute to the development of the student’s skills in legal analysis and problem-solving as well as research and reasoning skills. Students will acquire a strong working knowledge of the functions and operation of Tort Law in modern society.

  • Financial Accounting 1B

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on students’ knowledge of double entry accounting and preparation of the final accounts for sole traders.

  • Computer Applications

    Credits: 5

    The Computer Applications module is integral to preparing the student in their transition to third level and to equip them with the IT skills necessary to complete assignments for modules in their discipline. The development of IT skills enables the student to progress successfully through university and subsequently in their working lives. This module will introduce the student to the practical elements of Information Technology and file management. Together with instruction in the use and application of Microsoft Applications software, this ensures the student is competently prepared to produce business documents, reports, presentations, spreadsheets and emails. Proficiency in the use of internationally recognised software will provide opportunities for the student to work across sectors, multi-nationals and globally. It is also possible to facilitate accreditation in Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) to further internationalize their skillset. The student will be equipped to collaborate and work remotely through the use of an on-line video conferencing platform. An appreciation of working in a paperless environment will be fostered throughout the delivery of the module.

  • Contract Law II

    Credits: 5

    The Contract Law II module aims to give students knowledge and understanding of the operation of the rules of contract law and builds on the knowledge and understanding acquired in Contract Law I. Students will be introduced to the legal concepts of implied terms in consumer contracts, contractual damages, and the equitable remedies which apply to contracts such as rescission, specific performance, rectification, undue influence and estoppel.

  • Legal Skills 1B

    Credits: 5

    This module builds on the skills developed in Legal Skills 1 A. Together with Legal Skills 1A this module aims to build the confidence of students and assist the students to develop their academic and professional skills. Combined, these modules introduce students to the study of law and the basic skills that are relevant to the study of law. In this module, students will be introduced to writing, analytical and research skills relevant to the discipline of law, and the skills required for oral and written professional communication and interaction. Career planning, reflective professional development and navigating the employment marketplace are all touched on.

  • European Union Law I

    Credits: 5

    This module will begin with the origins of the European Union and the development of the institutions of the European Union. Students will develop an appreciation of the history and operation of European Law and the relationship between European Union Law and national law. Students will be able to identify the constitutional law of the European Union and the ways in which laws are made. This module will involve analysis of the institutions of the EU, the sources of law and the jurisdiction of the EU.

  • Constitutional Law I

    Credits: 5

    The overall aim of this course is to give students an appreciation of the major provisions of Bunreacht na hÉireann 1937 and of their effect on other areas of law. The module focuses on the impact of the Constitution upon the Irish State and its institutions and on fundamental constitutional rights and the case law concerning those rights. The Constitutional 1 module seeks to provide an introduction to the historical and conceptual origins of the Constitution of Ireland 1937, and introduce students to the doctrine of separation of powers focusing on the principal roles and functions of the legislature, judiciary, and executive organs of the State, and the principles governing constitutional litigation, interpretation and amendment.

  • Legal Skills II

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to allow students to develop applied legal research, interpersonal and communication skills. This will be achieved through practical application in tasks designed to reflect, in an authentic way, the demands of legal practice. Students will learn the role of advocacy in various settings, the theory of advocacy, observe advocacy, and apply both their research and advocacy skills in a practical context. Preparation of written and oral legal argument based on real life case studies will be an integral part of the module. Students will develop client-facing skills and professional manner through role play. Students will learn to apply professional conduct, ethics, and Data Protection rules in practical contexts.

  • Introduction to Management

    Credits: 10

    The aim of the module is to provide students with an understanding of how management practice and human behaviour in organisational settings can contribute to the success of an organisation.

  • Microeconomics Principles

    Credits: 5

    Microeconomics studies individual choice, consumers and firms being the subjects of this choice. The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of the behaviour and actions of individual agents in the economy. This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of microeconomics and its role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills including numerical, graphical and modelling methods that can be applied in a variety of business careers. These skills will also provide students with a foundation for future economic modules within the programme.

  • European Union Law II

    Credits: 5

    Students will already have been introduced to the fundamentals of European Union Law in EU Law I and this module aims to strengthen and develop students knowledge of EU Law. Students will develop an appreciation of the four fundamental freedoms of the European Union (Workers, Goods, Capital and Services) and will gain understanding of the content and effect of EU competition law. Students will be introduced to the concepts and rights attaching to EU Citizenship and fundamental human rights within the EU.

  • Marketing for Legal Practice

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to introduce students to the real-life marketing opportunities and challenges faced by practitioners within the legal world of practice. It aims to equip students with key marketing skills and tools to effectively promote legal firms and their professional services.

  • Revenue Law I

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop knowledge and skills relating to the core areas of income tax, value added tax and capital gains tax which impact on individuals and business.

  • Management of Human Resources

    Credits: 5

    This module should enable the student to acquire an understanding of the importance of effective human resource management to the success of an organisation. It will also familiarise the student with the core activities of a HR function and it will enable the student to apply the theory and knowledge gained to real situations.

  • Computer Applications in Legal Studies

    Credits: 5

    Computer Applications in Legal Studies refers to the use of technology to provide legal services and support to the legal profession. Students are introduced to and given directed hands-on experience of the more advanced features of a popular spreadsheet package applicable to the business and legal environments. The module builds on and further develops techniques introduced in Year 1. The module introduces students to the latest technologies and their application in Business and the Legal Environment, both locally and internationally. Students will be encouraged to support each other and pool resources throughout the learning process. Students may be given the opportunity to achieve Microsoft Office Certification in Microsoft Excel, in the form of Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS).

  • Macroeconomics Principles

    Credits: 5

    Macroeconomics is concerned with the operation of the economy as a whole where we deal with aggregate variables. Arising out of this study is an appreciation of policy issues. This module aims to introduce students to the core principles and terminology of macroeconomics and its role in business. Students will develop a range of economic analytical skills using numerical, graphical and modelling methods. By applying core economic principles through case studies and business scenarios, students will develop skills that can be applied in a variety of modern business careers. By applying core economic principles through case studies and business scenarios, students will develop skills that can be applied in both future academic research and contemporary business careers. This module will provide students with a foundation to undertake study and research in further economic modules at level 7 and 8, here in TUS and/or as ERASMUS and RUN EU students.

  • Company Law I

    Credits: 5

    This module deals with the law governing the formation and operation of companies in Ireland and aims to enable students to apply legal concepts and relevant mandatory statutory rules and case law to a range of legal issues confronted in corporate business.

  • Criminal Law I

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to provide the student with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of Irish Criminal Law. This module will enable the student to identify the fundamental concepts and policies which underlie the Criminal Law, and the principles and procedures that shape it. There will be a strong focus on research, case analysis and problem-solving using national and international best practice.

  • Employment Law

    Credits: 5

    To introduce students to Irish labour law and the manner in which employment law is regulated administered and enforced and to enable students to apply legal concepts and legal reasoning to a range of issues confronted in employment.

  • Legal Skills III

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to methods of Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) focusing in particular on negotiation, mediation and arbitration. In addition to outlining the theory and uses of each form of ADR, students will participate in mock dispute resolution processes where research of practical scenarios is required and use of national and international best practice evidenced. Aspects of preparation for the workplace/professional environments will also be covered.

  • Managerial Finance A

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop the knowledge and skills expected of a financial manager. This module will provide students with the competencies to undertake study in further finance modules at Level 7/8, here in TUS and/or as ERASMUS/RUN EU students.

  • Law of Evidence (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will introduce learners to the rules governing the introduction of evidence applicable in the Irish Courts. Critical topics include: basic concepts of evidence, functions of the judge and jury, admissibility, relevance, corroboration, rule against hearsay, character evidence, opinion evidence and privilege.

  • Personal Genral Insurance (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module introduces students to key personal general insurance topics including Household, Motor, Travel, Protection and Private Health Insurance. It focuses on the importance of professional conduct and maintaining a customer focus. This module has been developed with a view to mapping syllabus content to that of the CIP-03 Personal General Insurance module of The Insurance Institute in order to maintain exemptions for students from the professional examinations offered by same. This content will be revised regularly in order to maintain that exemption status.

  • Company Law II

    Credits: 5

    This module deals with the manner in which company law is regulated, administered and enforced and aims to enable students to apply legal concepts and relevant mandatory statutory rules and case law to a range of legal issues confronted in corporate business.

  • Criminal Law II

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to enhance the student’s knowledge and understanding of Irish Criminal Law. Criminal Law II will focus on the various methods of assigning criminal responsibility and the defences to a criminal charge. This module will also examine certain specific offences and aspects of criminal procedure, theories of criminal law, inchoate offences, public order offences, capacity defences and general defences. The student will be expected to be able to independently research given factual criminal scenarios, using national and international best practice.

  • Constitutional Law II

    Credits: 5

    The Constitutional Law II module seeks to instruct the student on the nature and theory of constitutional rights and introduce discussion of select constitutional guarantees including fundamental rights relating to the unborn, the family, equality, education, property, religion, expression and personal liberty, as well as the range of remedies available to litigants, discretionary power in decision-making and its control, legitimate expectations, legal error and appellate review and licensing.

  • Ethics & Corporate Social Responsibility

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to provide both a conceptual and practical treatment of the key ethical doctrines which have influenced practice in the field of business ethics. The module emphasises and critically analyses the growing importance of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

  • Business Modelling in Law and AI Integration

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop the students’ business modelling and entrepreneurial skills. in a legal entity and leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI) for competitive advantage. It focuses on adapting to a competitive environment, identifying opportunities for improvement, and understanding legal frameworks that impact business operations. Students will learn to critically analyse mechanisms supporting entrepreneurs and intrapreneurs, with a special emphasis on AI-driven innovations, applications and platforms, and legal compliance, in addition to Triple Bottom Line – Business Modelling (People, Profit and Planet). The module will focus on an enterprise’s capacity to adapt to its increasingly competitive environment and identify opportunities for improvement that may lead to competitive advantage(s). This module will give the student the specialised knowledge, skills, and competencies required to manage and scale a business.

  • Work Placement

    Credits: 5

    The learner will undertake a relevant work placement of one day per week for twelve weeks. The placement programme will familiarise students with workplace professional practices and procedures. It will provide them with the opportunity to observe the practical application of theoretical knowledge gained during their programme. The placement is supported by a member of academic staff and by a workplace mentor. The aim of the work placement is to introduce the learner to structured employment in a relevant work sector, engage in reflective self-development of interpersonal and communication, and to develop in the learner an understanding of the norms of professionalism in the legal industry, such as acceptable conduct in the workplace, professionalism dealing with clients, team members, and business stakeholders. Students will have an opportunity to apply principles and skills learned in the course modules, such as respecting and ensuring client confidentiality, protecting commercially sensitive business information, research and legal skills. Students will also learn about the host organisation, its procedures, processes and technology, and how it operates in the broader commercial, geographical and social context in which it sits. This module will allow the student to further develop their professional skills, extend their links with the legal profession and will give them a comprehensive experience of the working environment. Placement will be assessed through a combination of reporting methods.

  • Land Law I

    Credits: 5

    This course introduces students to the historical antecedents and foundational principles of Irish Land Law, the nature of ownership rights, the role of Equity, and systems of land registration. Upon completion students will have an appreciation of the foundational concepts, historical origins, social objectives and practical importance of Land Law.

  • Equity Law I

    Credits: 5

    Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles of modern Equity, as well as those aspects of the historical development of equity as are necessary to understand the modern law. The module will examine the equitable maxims and the discretionary nature of equitable remedies such as rescission, rectification, undue influence, injunctions, equitable estoppel and specific performance.

  • Strategic Analysis

    Credits: 5

    To analyse and apply strategic management theory. Analysis and strategic choice/options will form the central theme of this module. Students expected to have critical assessment and application skills of all academic models covered on this course.

  • Finance

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the knowledge and skills expected of a financial manager, in relation to financing and investment, and it also provides a comprehensive introduction to a cloud accounting application in a practical manner.

  • Administrative Law (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The purpose of this module is to give students a thorough understanding of the fundamental principles of Administrative law in Ireland. Students will learn about the ways in which the Executive mediates State power to the individual and the importance of checks and balances on that exercise of State power, fair procedures in decision making, the accountability of State and Public bodies through Judicial Review, and the rules surrounding Judicial Review such as locus standi and irrationality

  • Management Accounting and Decision Making (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    To develop the students ability to apply management accounting principles to decision making and control situations. To appreciate the alternative management approaches in a decentralised organisation, and also in cost management & strategic management accounting.

  • Revenue Law II (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module aims to develop knowledge and skills relating to the law and practice of taxation applicable to individuals and limited liability companies.

  • Integrated Marketing Communications (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    This module will focus on the full range of contemporary promotional tools available to the marketer for the integrated marketing communication plan. It will enable students to develop a conceptual and systematic approach to the identification, analysis and solution of problems in marketing communication.

  • Land Law II

    Credits: 5

    This module builds upon Land Law I and how to address specific property rights and interests, how they arise, their nature and content and how they can be extinguished and alienated. Upon completion students should be able to identify and evaluate the various property interests arising under Irish Property Law.

  • Equity Law II

    Credits: 5

    Students will develop an understanding and appreciation of the principles of Irish Trust law.This module will examine the rules relating to the creation and administration of trusts as well the various types of Trusts which can be created. The module will take into consideration the leading Irish and English cases and authorities in the area of Trust law as well as the application of the principles in other common law jurisdictions. The module will also consider the personal and proprietary remedies for breach of trust in particular the doctrine of tracing.

  • Strategic Implementation

    Credits: 5

    To analyse and apply Strategic Management Theory. Some emphasis on Strategic Choice/Options but main emphasis on Strategy Implementation. Leadership, Change Management, Culture and Values and Measurement of Performance of large organisations.

  • Research Project

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to introduce participants to the key concepts involved in business research and to develop their understanding of the uses and relevance of the major methodologies employed. The material covered in this module will form the basis for the completion of further research at level 9.

  • Financial Markets and Derivatives (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module aims to develop a detailed knowledge, application and analysis of the main theories, macroeconomic issues and operation of the global financial markets with a specific focus on financial derivatives.

  • Managing People and Organisational Change (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to develop the students’ ability to apply knowledge gained in formal lectures and tutorials to practical HR situations and to further the students’ analytical and problem-solving skills in relation to human resource management issues. In addition, this module will enable the students to develop a critical awareness of good human resource theory and practice and its significance within a range of managerial situations.

  • Data Protection Law and Practice (Elective)

    Credits: 5

    This module will enable students to explore some key concepts, rules and functions of data protection law and practice. This course aims to provide students with a comprehensive and practical grounding in the changing framework for data protection law and practice, knowledge of which will be essential for almost all businesses and public and private entities in the State. The module will include fundamental rules in relation to the role of data controllers, data processors, the lawfulness of processing and the rights of the data subject aswell as the oversight and enforcement of the law.

  • Jurisprudence (Elective)

    Credits: 10

    The purpose of this module is to equip students to critically engage with fundamental questions around the rule of law and to critique laws and legal systems from a variety of frameworks and paradigms. This module will examine the role of law in shaping society and different approaches around how law can or should meet the needs of various actors in society as well as the theoretical rationales underpinning this. Students will examine the relationship between jurisprudential theory, politics, the legislative process and judicial interpretation. Students will gain an understanding of the Rule of Law and different theoretical justifications for law making. Students will engage with a broad range of modern schools of jurisprudential thought such as post-modernism, feminism and intersectionality, as well as concepts like majoritarianism, individualism and democratic legitimacy. Students will be expected to evaluate current laws by reference to these principles and to engage in creative dialogue around the legitimacy of aspects of the Irish Legal System. In doing so students will learn how to demonstrate the skills of logic and argument building.

What can you do after this programme?

This honours degree provides a foundation for any student wishing to train as a solicitor by undertaking the exams of the Law Society of Ireland. It also offers students the opportunity to study the core subjects required for King’s Inns entry and entrance exams. However, these are not the only options open to you. This degree opens up a range of alternative options other than the practice of law. Students might decide to pursue a career in the public service or private industry. You will have acquired a skill set and competencies attractive to a wide range of businesses, both inside and outside of law including banking, the civil service, human resource management, media and other related disciplines. Alternatively, students may progress to a range of other potential roles such as ADR professional or Chartered Company Secretary.

Students are equiped for a research or academic career. You can progress to further postgraduate study (usually on attainment of a minimum level), such as masters degrees in a range of disciplines or PhD study.

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