Are you interested in studying business law? This is a smart career choice and will open up a wealth of different career possibilities. You might assume that to gain the best qualifications here, you need to attend a university in person. However, we are pleased to say that this is not the case. Instead, there are lots of different online platforms where you can learn business law and gain a professional qualification without ever having to set foot on a university campus. So, with that in mind, here are some of the best options.
UNSW
Interested in studying UNSW Online? If so, then look no further than UNSW online. This is the University of New South Wales, and as well as having a complete campus, they do provide fully online, accelerated postgraduate qualifications. These are delivered in hexamester blocks, and there are six intakes throughout the year. The courses are intended and designed for professionals, covering business law essentials. Elements include commercial contracts, ethics, employment law, and a standout “cyber and the law” elective. As such, there is a wealth of possibilities that will allow students to gain all the knowledge that they need.
Pros
Known for allowing students to study and earn their qualifications 100% online. Unlike other possibilities that offer hybrid courses, the business law courses from UNSW are 100% online. As such, you don’t have to worry about fitting a commute into a busy schedule.
The courses do cover a wide range of topics and also provide a modern edge. You certainly won’t feel like the classes or curriculum are dated.
Admissions are flexible,e which means that you don’t need a set level of experience to sign up.
Cons
As this is almost entirely based on Australian law, it may not benefit those keen to explore a more international angle.
The short-format element may not provide the in-depth knowledge that people with more legal experience are searching for.
Coursera
Coursera has partnered with multiple universities across the US to offer accessible business law courses online. Some of the participating universities include UPenn, Lund University, and the University of Illinois, ensuring that as many students as possible are able to undertake their business law qualifications without having to attend physically.
The courses on offer have a broad range, with overviews of contract law, overviews of corporate law, international business law, and intellectual property all being taught. Each of the courses includes a range of different learning materials, including discussion forums to help each other through the course, quizzes, assignments, and video lectures to ensure that the correct information is being learned. It’s fantastic for allowing students to go at their own pace, giving them the qualification they desire in their own time.
Pros:
Coursera partners with top universities to offer incredible courses that are perfect for those who are looking to learn at their own pace.
There is both a free and paid version of the courses available, meaning that it’s suitable for those on a budget or those who want a professional qualification.
Flexible deadlines are available for those who need them, ensuring that it works for everyone.
Cons:
Some of the more advanced courses require a fee for completion of the course, meaning that if you’re looking for a budget option, you could be limited in what you will learn.
If you are hoping for a deep academic dive into business law or you are looking for legal specialization, then this isn’t the course for you.
edX
Edx offers business law courses as well as full programs from prestigious universities from around the world. This includes courses from the University of London and even Harvard. Students are able to pursue various single topic certifications or enroll in MicroMasters. There are even, full online degrees for those who want to explore in-depth online education.
Pros
The courses available are provided by highly credible academic institutions. This guarantees that they will look great on your resume in the future.
The business provides scalable solutions for academics, suitable for everyone whether you are looking for a single course or a complete degree.
The website provides a strong user interface that is perfect for highly structured learning.
Cons
The paid certificates are pricey which is perhaps to be expected when they are sourced from such prestigious universities.
If you are a business professional that is looking for short, quick courses that don’t have much depth to them, then LinkedIn Learning is a fantastic choice. Of course, the information contained in the overview style courses is valuable and will help professionals develop their existing knowledge, but the quick nature of the courses ensures that you don’t have to spend weeks, and months learning.
For example, a course titled ‘Business Law for Managers’ is on offer, which covers several areas of interest. These include torts, intellectual property, contracts, and corporate structures. You learn a brief overview of all of this in under an hour, making it a convenient option for those who need knowledge fast.
LinkedInLearning integrated to LinkedIn profiles. Meaning that the certificates you earn are able to boost your professional visibility going forward, helping other professionals find you.
Pros:
The courses on offer are fast, but still cover all of the material that you need to know. As such, they are ideal for brushing up on existing knowledge, or quick learning.
There is a free trial available of LinkedIn Learning, so you can try it out before you invest your money.
All certificates earned through this platform are easily sharable to your LinkedIn profile, ensuring that you are more visible in your industry.
Cons:
There is no real depth to the courses, so you will find that if you’re looking for serious legal study, you’re better off choosing another option.
LawWithoutWalls (LWOW)
While LawWithoutWalls isn’t specifically an online learning platform with a range of courses, it does offer students the chance to learn about real world problems and solutions. It brings together students from many different business and law schools across the globe. This not only gives people a chance to meet individuals they would never have ordinally met, but also to work with those people to solve complex problems.
Students placed into teams. And these teams need to work on a challenge often known as a ‘project of worth’. Teams will need to narrow down the problem, how it could have occurred, then develop a business plan and prototype.
Pros
This is a wonderful initiative that involves hands-on learning. This can be better for those with certain learning styles that aren’t met solely online using distant learning platforms.
Students have the chance to make new friends and acquaintances that could be a part of their journey for a long time.
Cons
Only the very best students will get an opportunity to work on this initiative. It is highly competitive and very selective.
The qualification received isn’t traditional. So it may not be accepted by other law schools if students want to progress.
We hope you found this useful and are now able to choose an online learning platform where you can study some of the best courses relating to business law. Make sure you are doing your research here and not just choosing the first one you come across.