Corporate Law in the UK

Become an expert in commercial and corporate law

Corporate law is the legal realm that oversees the creation, functioning, and dissolution of corporations and other business entities. Rooted in contract, property, and agency law principles, corporate law offers the regulatory framework that steers the relationships among a company's stakeholders, including shareholders, directors, officers, and employees. This domain encompasses various legal concerns, from company formation and governance to mergers and acquisitions, securities regulation, and corporate finance. 

Corporate lawyers are pivotal in guiding businesses on adherence to pertinent laws, managing risks, and optimising shareholder value. They adeptly navigate the intricacies of corporate transactions, draft and negotiate contracts, and offer strategic counsel on aspects like intellectual property protection, employment law, and international trade. In a perpetually evolving global business scenario, a robust comprehension of corporate law is indispensable to ensure contemporary enterprises' seamless functioning and legal health.

Types of Corporate Law Course

Bachelor of Corporate Law

A Bachelor of Corporate Law encompasses modules ranging from company law and commercial contracts to mergers and acquisitions. With the global prominence of corporate entities, this programme's popularity has surged due to its practical relevance and career prospects. 

Pursuing an undergraduate degree in the UK offers an added advantage, given the country's reputation as an international business hub and its robust legal framework. Graduates are well-equipped to navigate the complexities of corporate legal affairs and contribute to the success of businesses in the UK and beyond.

• Course fees: £10,000 to £25,000 per year.
• Course duration: three to four years of full-time study.
• International entry requirements: For A-level students, entry requirements may include AAB to BBB grades, with subjects like Law, Business Studies, or related disciplines being advantageous. For IB Diploma holders, a score of around 30 to 36 points is generally expected, with relevant subjects in the higher level.

Master’s of Corporate Law

The Master's of Corporate Law offers an advanced exploration of corporate governance, regulatory compliance, and commercial law. Its diverse modules cover mergers and acquisitions, corporate finance, and international business transactions. With the increasing complexity of corporate legal environments, the master’s has gained popularity for its career-enhancing potential. This Master's holds immense importance for legal professionals aiming to navigate intricate corporate structures, offer strategic counsel, and play pivotal roles in ensuring the legal vitality of businesses in an evolving global market.

• Course fees: £12,000 to £25,000 
• Course duration: one to two years of full-time study
• International entry requirements: Entry requirements for international students often include a Bachelor's degree in law or a related field, with a minimum GPA or equivalent. A language proficiency test like IELTS or Pearson PTE might be required for non-native English speakers.

PhD in Corporate Law

A PhD in Corporate Law delves into the intricate legal frameworks governing businesses and corporations. This advanced academic pursuit equips scholars with expertise in mergers and acquisitions, corporate governance, securities regulation, and contractual agreements. Doctoral candidates undertake rigorous research, contributing new insights to the evolving corporate legal landscape.

• Course fees: £15,000 to £35,000
• Course duration: 3 to 4 years of full-time study
• International entry requirements: A UK upper second-class honours degree in the fields of law, arts, or social sciences, along with a UK Master's degree featuring a minimum of 60% in the coursework segment and 65% or higher in the dissertation or their comparable achievements on the international scale.

Corporate Law Scholarships

This table outlines the diverse eligibility criteria and associated benefits for each listed law scholarship, providing a clear overview of the opportunities available for aspiring legal scholars.

Corporate Law Jobs

Corporate law careers involve working with businesses to ensure they follow the rules and regulations. These rules help companies operate fairly and legally. People who choose these careers can become lawyers or legal advisors specialising in business matters.

Corporate lawyers help companies with various legal tasks, such as setting up a business, making contracts, and handling mergers or sales. They advise company leaders to ensure their decisions are legal and smart. Corporate lawyers can work for law firms or directly for big companies. Legal advisors might work within a company's legal department. They offer guidance to the company's employees on legal matters during everyday work. They ensure the company stays within the law and avoids legal problems.

Both corporate lawyers and legal advisors play important roles in keeping businesses running smoothly and adhering to business rules.

Corporate Law Salary

In the UK, how much money you earn in corporate law depends on how much you've worked, where you work, and how experienced you are. If you're starting as a junior corporate lawyer, you might make around £30,000 to £50,000 a year. With experience, you can earn £65,000 to £110,000 or even more.

Where can I study Corporate Law in the UK?

To learn more about the best corporate law courses in the UK, find details on the top universities for Law according to the Guardian University Guide 2024 below:

1. University College London
2. University of Cambridge
3. University of Oxford
4. King's College London
5. London School of Economics
6. University of Glasgow
7. Durham University
8. Solent University
9. Leeds Trinity University
10. University of Warwick

Study Corporate Law in the UK

If you want to study a corporate law course in the UK, arrange your free consultation with SI-UK London today.

Contact SI-UK about your Law application

Corporate Law FAQ

What degree is best for corporate law?

The ideal degree for corporate law is typically a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) followed by specialised courses or a Master's in Corporate Law. This foundation provides a strong understanding of legal principles and business dynamics essential in corporate law practice.

Is LLB enough for corporate law?

While an LLB is a strong foundation, many corporate law roles prefer candidates with further specialisation, such as a Master's in Corporate Law. Additional courses can enhance your mergers, acquisitions, and corporate governance expertise.

Is BA LLB or BBA LLB better for corporate law?

BA LLB and BBA LLB offer solid foundations, but BBA LLB might be advantageous due to its incorporation of business-related subjects. These subjects can provide insights into corporate functions, making BBA LLB more relevant for corporate law.

Who earns more, an MBA or a corporate lawyer?

Corporate lawyers can generally earn competitive salaries, often comparable to or even exceeding those of professionals with an MBA. While MBA holders might have diverse earning potential, experienced corporate lawyers can command substantial remuneration due to their specialised legal expertise.

What is the salary of BBA LLB vs BA LLB?

Salaries for BBA LLB and BA LLB graduates can vary based on experience, location, and employer. BBA LLB graduates might have a slight advantage due to their business-focused education, potentially leading to better earning prospects in corporate law. However, it's essential to research current industry trends for accurate salary information.