5 Reasons Why a Business and Law Degree is the Right Choice for Your Master’s

If you’re a third-year LLB Law student and you’re wondering what you should do next, the University of Bolton’s LLM International Business Law degree is the perfect next step for kick-starting your career.

Having been ranked in the Top 10 in the UK for Student Satisfaction in Law Courses* for the second year running, there’s nowhere better to study than Bolton. Here are five reasons why this business and law degree could be the right master’s for you, and why you should stay on at university after completing your LLB degree…

1) It’s a versatile business and law degree

By upskilling in the field of corporate law, you can open many doors in both the private and public sector. Organisations are increasingly interested in hiring people who can help them gain a competitive edge through an extensive knowledge of business law, making this degree a fantastic investment for career future-proofing.

Graduates can also use a business and law degree as a stepping stone for other career paths, including for jobs in accountancy and finance, human resources, insurance, international aid, investment banking, recruitment, sales, tax advice or inspection, trading standards, and more.

2) Corporate law is a top field to work in

According to Michael Page, one of the top 16 areas to specialise in within the legal profession is corporate law, with corporate litigation coming in at number one, and specialisms like compliance, tax law and intellectual property following behind closely.

Although legal careers are not completely recession-proof, business law is an area that is always required to help businesses navigate complex issues, whether the economy is up or down. And as international trade routes expand, specialist skills in corporate law will be highly sought after.

3) There’s rising demand for global expertise  

An international business and law degree is a fantastic next step after your LLB as globalisation creates an interconnected world of trade and cultural exchange. Not only is it essential for businesses to understand the legal obligations of operating, trading and selling in international waters, but it’s vital for them to improve global communications.

Our course helps students develop a whole range of skills, including soft skills which can help them form relationships with partners from around the world. You’ll also get a chance to develop strengths in data collection, critical analysis, creative thinking, and complex problem-solving from a global perspective.

Professionals with this type of advanced international knowledge are in demand, and will continue to be in the coming years as globalisation grows. 

4) Master’s degree holders earn more  

According to the Higher Education Policy Institute (HEPI), postgraduates earn on average 18% more than first degree holders, just six months after graduation. This makes a master’s degree a worthwhile investment for you career, and one that can give you a good return soon after you graduate.

If you’re interested in earning a solicitor’s salary, the LLM is the ideal platform. While LLM is not a qualifying law degree (QLD), it can help graduates gain entry to the Solicitors Qualifying Examination (SQE) or the Bar Professional Training Course (BPTC). An LLM can also be a launching pad for a PhD, giving you a range of options in further education.

5) Improve job prospects in a global market   

Our LLM International Business Law programme trains students so they are equipped to address the legalities that affect commercial or government institutions, both nationally and internationally. For those who want to work overseas or get hired by global organisations, an international business and law degree is a great addition to your CV.

Does this sound like the right stepping stone for your career? If you’re a third-year law student looking to do a master’s, we’ll support you in your transition from undergraduate to postgraduate study, and you can continue to enjoy #UniAsItShouldBe.

To find out more about applying in 2022/23, see our course page for details.