The Student Room Group

Transition from law to business?

Hi, I am in year 13 and have currently applied for law at university. I've always been interested in law and business but I'm aware that business isn't as highly valued in comparison to law at degree level. I'm just wondering if it's still possible to enter into the business field with a law degree (as I know it is quite versatile) and the general steps I would have to take for this? Also, if I decide I'd rather do a business degree instead of law can I apply for a different course through clearing or is this difficult?

Any help would be great thank you!
Original post
by munchypoosticks
Hi, I am in year 13 and have currently applied for law at university. I've always been interested in law and business but I'm aware that business isn't as highly valued in comparison to law at degree level. I'm just wondering if it's still possible to enter into the business field with a law degree (as I know it is quite versatile) and the general steps I would have to take for this? Also, if I decide I'd rather do a business degree instead of law can I apply for a different course through clearing or is this difficult?

Any help would be great thank you!

I'm never entirely sure what people mean when they say they want to "enter into the business field". A corner shop is a business, as is an investment bank - but they're clearly very different. Perhaps you mean that you want to start and own your own business, in which case no specific qualifications are required. I suspect you mean that you want to be a manager in a large firm, and that you don't really care what that firm is or does. If so, then you may be able to secure such a position with a Law degree.

In terms of declining any place studying Law which you obtain, and seeking a place studying Business instead, this is certainly possible to do via Clearing. Note, however, that you will be limited to applying to universities which have actually placed their Business course in Clearing (because they have not secured sufficient students), so if you had a specific uni at you wanted to Business, then that option might not exist.

Reply 2

Original post
by DataVenia
I'm never entirely sure what people mean when they say they want to "enter into the business field". A corner shop is a business, as is an investment bank - but they're clearly very different. Perhaps you mean that you want to start and own your own business, in which case no specific qualifications are required. I suspect you mean that you want to be a manager in a large firm, and that you don't really care what that firm is or does. If so, then you may be able to secure such a position with a Law degree.
In terms of declining any place studying Law which you obtain, and seeking a place studying Business instead, this is certainly possible to do via Clearing. Note, however, that you will be limited to applying to universities which have actually placed their Business course in Clearing (because they have not secured sufficient students), so if you had a specific uni at you wanted to Business, then that option might not exist.

Thank you so much, in regards to entering into business it would be more in roles such as project management, business development etc rather than opening my own business. ive seen that you can get into these roles with a law degree which would be great but would I be at a disadvantage to applicants who have business degrees?

Reply 3

Original post
by munchypoosticks
Thank you so much, in regards to entering into business it would be more in roles such as project management, business development etc rather than opening my own business. ive seen that you can get into these roles with a law degree which would be great but would I be at a disadvantage to applicants who have business degrees?

No.

Reply 4

Original post
by munchypoosticks
Thank you so much, in regards to entering into business it would be more in roles such as project management, business development etc rather than opening my own business. ive seen that you can get into these roles with a law degree which would be great but would I be at a disadvantage to applicants who have business degrees?

In our experience Law degrees keep many doors open and prepares you for careers in law, governance, public service, industry, and commerce. With this in mind, you might want to consider our 2-year LLB Law with Business Management | University of Buckingham to combine your interests and get your degree done faster. This also allows you time to try both subjects before deciding whether to keep the major/minor mix or to go for single honours. The good thing is that you can apply to The University of Buckingham directly whilst still keeping your options with UCAS until you decide which university is right you.
We are holding an Open Day this Saturday (26th April), so you could come along and meet staff and students to see for yourself. Info and bookings are on Buckingham Open Day | University of Buckingham
Good luck
Annie

Reply 5

Original post
by munchypoosticks
Hi, I am in year 13 and have currently applied for law at university. I've always been interested in law and business but I'm aware that business isn't as highly valued in comparison to law at degree level. I'm just wondering if it's still possible to enter into the business field with a law degree (as I know it is quite versatile) and the general steps I would have to take for this? Also, if I decide I'd rather do a business degree instead of law can I apply for a different course through clearing or is this difficult?
Any help would be great thank you!
Hey there,

Great question, you're definitely not alone in thinking about the overlap between law and business! The good news is that a Law degree is actually very well respected in the business world, especially because of the transferable skills it gives you like critical thinking, analysis, problem-solving, and communication. Loads of people with law degrees go into commercial roles, consulting, finance, HR, or even entrepreneurship after uni. So yes, it’s definitely possible to enter the business field with a law degree, and it can actually give you a really strong foundation.

If you’re thinking long-term, you could combine your law degree with internships or part-time work in business settings while at uni, or even go on to do a business-focused Master’s (like an MBA or MSc in Management) after your undergrad if you decide not to pursue law professionally. Many grad schemes in big companies (think Deloitte, PwC, Barclays etc.) accept applicants from any degree background including law.

As for switching courses, it’s possible! You can apply through UCAS Extra if you’ve used all five choices and haven’t accepted an offer, or go through Clearing in the summer if you meet the requirements for a business course and there are spaces available. It’s worth chatting with your teachers or career advisors now if you're genuinely considering a change, just so you’re prepared and know your options ahead of time.

You’ve got time to figure it out, and either path keeps loads of doors open. Hope that helps!

Musfira
LLB
(edited 10 months ago)

Quick Reply

How The Student Room is moderated

To keep The Student Room safe for everyone, we moderate posts that are added to the site.