Business and Law

Year 2

Compulsory modules

• Organisational Behaviour and Management

  In this module, you’ll get to grips with organisational behaviour and management. This is when we analyse the behaviour of people in organisations, using concepts from organisational behaviour to practical issues and personal experiences. This will help you to develop insights into the complexity of diverse perspectives, cultures and values. You’ll understand the key elements of organisational behaviour and management, and understand how to apply it practically. You’ll gain core skills in critiquing and evaluating research, allowing you to become a better user of information and evidence.

• Employment Law

  You'll explore the legal framework that governs the relationship between employers and employees, and how employment law protects rights in the workplace.
  
  You'll develop your legal research, case reading and problem-solving skills as you examine employment status, contracts of employment, pay, working time, dismissal, redundancy and equality law. You'll consider how employment rights are created and enforced, and how the law balances the interests of employers and employees in a changing world of work.
  
  Using real cases and contemporary workplace issues, you'll strengthen your ability to analyse complex legal problems and understand the role employment law plays in promoting fairness, accountability and equal opportunities.

• Professional Practice 2

  This module will help you develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes necessary for making effective career decisions and managing your future career development, including transitions into graduate employment, self-employment or further study (including professional training courses) whether in the UK or overseas. In the context of the Business School commitment to responsible management education (PRME), this module will support you in taking an informed and critical view of the current and future world of work and consider your future role and responsibility, not only to yourself but also to others. This module will raise your awareness of the services and support offered by the Careers Service and OBBS WAVES (Work and Voluntary Employment) team. The aim is to encourage you to further develop your career by engaging in placements, internships, volunteering and other extracurricular activities offered by the University.
   

• Company Law for Sustainability

  In this module, you’ll learn how sustainability relates to corporate law. You’ll gain excellent practical knowledge for your later module, Business Governance and Human rights. This module also gives you an alternative approach to running a business, if you’ve studied Tort Law for Business.

• Tort Law for Business

  You'll be introduced to issues of tort law in running a business. Also you'll look into the principles of how tort law is interwoven into the activities of running a business. Through this module you'll be able to identify the potential torts in their day to day running of a business and apply the relevant tortious principles. Also you'll be able to provide basic legal recommendations regarding the running of a business.
   

• International Business Law

  In this module, you’ll gain a strong understanding of International Business Law. You’ll gain key knowledge of the legal environment of business organisations throughout the world. You’ll gain excellent analytical skills as you compare and contrast these environments, and consider how they affect trading between states. 

• Placement Search and Preparation (only compulsory for sandwich mode)

  This module is designed to provide practical guidance and support in undertaking a placement search, preparing for the placement experience, and succeeding in the modern workplace. Throughout the module, you will develop critical self-awareness and personal literacy skills, enabling you to self-reflect on your own strengths and weaknesses and target your placement search effectively. Additionally, you will also explore methods of effective and targeted placement search, increasing your chances of securing a placement.
   
  In summary, this module is an essential component of your employability journey. By integrating with co-curricular activities, the module provides a holistic approach to employability, ensuring that students have a broad range of skills and experiences to draw upon in their future careers.

Optional modules

• Environmentally Sustainable Business

  The module discusses key environmental issues such as global warming, pollution, biodiversity loss and freshwater depletion and the role of business in causing as well as responding to such issues. The module includes macro (economic, policy, governance) as well as micro (organisational and individual) perspectives. You will be introduced to a variety of stakeholder perspectives and frameworks for evaluating business responses.

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to recognise and evaluate the extent of business impacts on the natural environment, explain the economic drivers behind the unsustainable business and consumer behaviour and use and interpret complex information using digital media.
   

• International Business Strategy

  In this module, you’ll delve into the social issues and opportunities associated with international business, and the challenges associated with a dynamic business environment. To develop your understanding of globalisation, you’ll be provided with a thorough overview of current affairs. You’ll also explore international business, while considering issues of sustainability and equality. 

  By completing this module, you’ll be able to assess the management and operational environment in which international business operates, while also developing the ability to analyse specific international business, innovation and sustainability strategies pursued by firms (MNCs, SMEs, NGOs). 

• Introduction to People Management

  This module is designed to introduce you to the operational role and functions of people management and how it supports organisations to manage their diverse workforce in an international context. People management is an essential tool for all line managers as it provides them with the skills, knowledge and competencies that equip you to be effective in how you recruit, motivate and reward your staff. This module offers you an operational ‘toolbox’ that covers all the core, fundamental features of people management.

  On successful completion of this module, you will be able to identify the essential components of viable people management policies whilst also illustrating their effectiveness and engage in appropriate and accurate communications amongst different business contexts
   

• Choose one optional module from:

• European Union Law

  You'll explore the constitutional and institutional foundations of the European Union and its influence on legal systems across Europe and beyond.
  
  You'll examine the history and development of EU law alongside the role of key institutions, including the European Parliament, the Council of the European Union and the European Commission. You'll also explore the relationship between Union law and national law, the role of the Court of Justice of the European Union, and the legal principles that shape how EU law is created, interpreted and applied.
  
  By studying EU law within its wider political and social context, you'll develop a deeper understanding of international legal systems and strengthen the analytical skills needed to navigate complex legal questions in an interconnected world.

• Family and Society in Business

  Through this module you will build a comprehensive understanding of the impact of family businesses and social economy organisations (SEO’s) on the business landscape. 
  
  Firstly you will focus on family businesses and develop your insight into the unique challenges, dynamics, and advantages of family-owned enterprises, along with the strategies for effective governance and smooth transition across generations. You will delve into the study of cooperatives, including definitions, types, principles/values, governance structures, and the benefits and challenges associated with them. You will conclude the module by examining the role of SEOs in economic development and exploring the current state of SEOs in the business landscape. You will also look at the contribution of SEOs to sustainable economic growth and societal well-being.
   

• Choose one optional module from:

• Environmental Law

  How do societies react to environmental crises? How do we address environmental problems in the law? In this module, you’ll look at the relevant regulations and laws around the environment. You’ll look beyond legal cases, and consider the historical, political, ethical and technological issues of law and the environment. You’ll examine:

  • anthropocentrism vs ecocentrism
  • environmental rights and environmental justice
  • ecology and conservation
  • climate change and risk
  • the ethics of environmental law.

  You’ll develop key critical skills as you consider the fascinating interaction between the law, society and one of the biggest issues facing humanity - the environment.
   

• Understanding Criminal Justice

  In this module, you’ll dive into the criminal justice system, and the main issues of criminal justice. You’ll understand  wider aspects of the criminal justice system and engage critically with the system’s flaws and shortcomings. You’ll gain key critical skills as you explore how well the system achieves its aims. You’ll explore specific areas such as:

  • punishment
  • sentencing
  • crime prevention
  • community safety
  • policing
  • youth crime
  • prisons
  • the criminal court system.

  You’ll observe the criminal justice system, first hand. You’ll then devise a social-science experiment to test your understanding of the system you’ve studied. This means you’ll devise a hypothesis on how the criminal justice system operates, and test to see if your hypothesis was right. You’ll conduct work in prisons, police stations and the streets of Oxford, allowing you to access the real world of the criminal justice system.
   

Year 3 (compulsory for sandwich mode)

Compulsory modules

• CHOOSE ONE MODULE FROM:

• Placement

  On this placement you will be able to access a 40-52 week work-based learning / placement opportunity to help develop your employability and enterprise skills. You will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your own work-based targets and reflect upon your progress in the role you have on your placement. Halfway through your placement you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises your gained knowledge on your placement and the tasks you have/ will complete in your placement role.

• Full Year International Study Abroad

  This is your opportunity to study Business topics abroad in order to experience a different national, educational and business culture and to build on your knowledge, understanding, skills and competencies you’ve gained so far. You will undertake an international study exchange at a university outside the UK, arranged with the University’s exchanges office. This international study exchange lasts for one academic year and is taken after your second year of studies (Level 5).

• OR CHOOSE THESE TWO OPTIONS:

• Short Placement

  This 24-week placement is your opportunity to develop your employability and enterprise skills. In the UK or Europe you will gain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. You will set your work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement

• Work-based Learning

  This module is also a 24-week work-based learning opportunity for you to develop your employability and enterprise skills. As on the other modules you will have the opportunity to obtain first-hand knowledge and experience of making applications to and working in a placement role. This could include employment, volunteer work experience or undertaking a consultancy type project. 
  
  You will agree a brief before your work-based role begins,set work based targets and reflect upon your success in your placement role. At the end of the placement, you will make a presentation to your line manager and placement tutor which summarises the knowledge and skills you have developed on your placement.
   

Year 4

Compulsory modules

• Business, Governance and Human Rights

  Why should businesses be socially responsible? Why is it our responsibility to make sure others don’t suffer as we make money? In this module, you’ll dive into the different corporate regimes which ensure that we hold businesses to account for their actions.

• Interdisciplinary Case Study Analysis

  This module provides you with an opportunity to critically evaluate a contemporary case from both business and legal perspectives, and you are expected to consult recent academic journals, news and business analysis reports, and contemporary legal research and practice. The module culminates with a debate, which enables you to develop and showcase your interdisciplinary thinking, develop key skills in communication, collaboration and critical self-evaluation, and focus on their future career.

  The module emphasises key academic skills of critical enquiry, analysis, evaluation and synthesis as well as the development of key employability skills, including communication, collaboration and self-reflection.

• Commercial Law

  Commercial Law explores the legal framework that underpins business transactions, from the sale of goods and consumer protection to finance and commercial risk. You'll examine how the law enables trade while balancing the interests of businesses and consumers.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and problem-solving skills as you explore the rights and responsibilities of buyers and sellers, the transfer of ownership and risk, manufacturers' liability, commercial finance and the legal remedies available when agreements break down. You'll also examine how consumer protection legislation shapes modern commercial practice.
  
  Through real-world commercial scenarios and legal case studies, you'll strengthen your understanding of one of the most commercially significant areas of legal practice and build the confidence to analyse complex legal and business issues.

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Optional modules

• Choose one optional module from:

• Social Enterprise and Social Innovation

  The module covers a multi-disciplinary approach to contemporary issues in entrepreneurship allowing you to develop a well-rounded skill set. Throughout the module, you will learn from experts in the field and gain practical insights into entrepreneurship. You will have the opportunity to engage in practical learning, including research and working within a community of like-minded individuals, enhancing your personal and professional growth. Moreover, emphasis is placed on interaction within a research community, providing you with valuable teamwork and communication skills.

  Overall, this module offers you a unique learning experience that combines academic rigour with practical insights, giving you a competitive edge in the job market while developing essential research and self-development skills.
   

• Business and Artificial Intelligence

  Gain and further a basic knowledge about Artificial Intelligence, with a focus on machine learning technologies (supervised and unsupervised learning), to highlight its role in disrupting business practices in both manufacturing and services sectors. You will also examine, tackle and learn about the ethical challenges posited by AI.

• Business Ethics

  This module is designed to address our changing world that is facing social and environmental challenges. You’ll develop the capacity to make ethically defensible decisions as members of business organisations and of society in general. You’ll analyse and evaluate the ethical propositions of others. And you’ll evaluate the ethics of different systemic models of production, distribution and exchange.Upon completing this module you will be able to evaluate and apply ethical reasoning to local and global business dilemmas and economic systems, and you’ll be able to evaluate the significance of a range of western and non-western ethical perspectives. 

• Contemporary Issues in International Human Resource Management

  This module enables you to review and develop disciplinary knowledge and research skills within a contemporary global context. The module adopts a broad definition of international human resource management to include issues relating to the impact of diversity management, national culture, the debates in the comparative HRM literature and examples of differences in the way HRM is conducted around the world. It also examines how international organisations deal with the extra complexity that operating internationally brings to HRM.

• Responsible Leadership

  You'll explore socially and environmentally responsible approaches to organisational leadership in a Volatile, Uncertain, Complex and Ambiguous (VUCA) environment. You'll be equipped to develop your own innovative leadership approaches based on an understanding of individual and global values, and you'll have opportunities to build on this understanding and create positive impact. 

  The module is underpinned by the United Nations Principles of Responsible Management Education (PRME) and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The module is geared towards employability and career management. Through carbon literacy training accredited by The Carbon Literacy Project, it will equip you with the ‘green’ and ‘socially just’ knowledge for responsible leadership, layered with the skills to notice and build interconnections across organisational roles and functions.

• Choose one optional module from:

• Equality Law

  In this module, you'll explore how the law seeks to promote fairness and protect people from discrimination in everyday life, while examining the challenges of creating a more equal society.
  
  Develop your legal research, critical analysis and evaluative skills as you examine the Equality Act 2010 and other anti-discrimination legislation covering protected characteristics including sex, race, disability, religion and sexual orientation. You'll explore how the courts interpret equality law, its impact in areas such as employment, education and services, and the role of positive action in addressing inequality.
  
  Through contemporary case studies and legal debate, you'll evaluate the effectiveness of equality law, consider whose interests it protects, and explore how legal reform could strengthen equality and inclusion in the future.

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• International Trade Law

  In this module, you’ll get to grips with international trade law, and its key elements. You’ll understand international sales transactions. You’ll gain valuable key critical skills as you analyse the key treaties of international law, such as:

  • the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade
  • the World Trade Organisation 
  • international commercial terms
  • specific trade laws
  • case histories
  • dispute settlement procedures.

  You’ll also explore:

  • international rights in international trade
  • the relationship between domestic law and international rules
  • international trade agreements.

  You’ll discover how these rules can (or can’t) resolve certain problems in international trade. And you’ll develop the ability to advise on international trade practices, and other rights and obligations. 
   

• Crime and Society

  In this module, you’ll explore the ways we define and measure crime. You’ll develop core critical skills as you explore theories about the causes of crime. And you’ll consider some major crimes in detail. You’ll dive into the following topics:

  • crime and the media
  • criminal behaviour 
  • crimes in action - from violent crime to white-collar crime
  • critical criminology: race and gender.

  You’ll think about crimes and criminality in a wider sense than simply ‘innocence’ or ‘guilt’. You’ll look at the social contexts of crimes, and what causes people to commit them. 
   

• Computer Law and Artificial Intelligence

  The internet rules society. In a vastly digital age, lawyers really need to understand technology and the legal challenges it presents. In this module, you’ll examine the legal issues of current internet technologies and hardware. You’ll gain key technical knowledge, as you evaluate the regulatory systems of these technologies, and how they affect society. You’ll explore how digital technologies challenge copyright law. And you’ll be introduced to some of the legal issues relating to the use of artificial intelligence.