Module Directory

Commercial Awareness is only available on degree's where it is included in the final year structure. If the module is not offered as part of your course then you are not able to select to take the module

Commercial Awareness is a critical requirement for law (and other) firms in the recruitment process. Through the module, students develop a wider understanding of how businesses function. They learn how different market forces – both internal and external – affect the commercial viability of organisations, and are introduced to the operational requirements that make organisations sustainable, efficient, and effective.  

The module incorporates theory, activity and challenge. Students spend approximately half of their time working on practical breakout activities that challenge assumptions around problem-solving techniques, teaching them to think laterally and creatively about how to solve problems in business, industry, and wider world contexts.  

The module encourages students to think strategically from a commercial perspective and helps them to appreciate the complexity of challenges faced by organisations in the public, private, and third sectors. 

The aims of this module are to:

• Consolidate skills developed through study, including analytical skills, research skills (including the ability to assess information/data from a range of sources), and communication skills (written and oral) 


• Synthesise knowledge gained through study, independent learning (e.g. commercial awareness and current events), and students’ own experience (e.g. part-time work, volunteering, extra-curricular activities) 


• Foster an understanding of market forces – both internal and external – and how these affect the commercial viability of organisations 


• Foster an understanding of the operational requirements that make organisations sustainable, efficient, and effective 


• Introduce students to creative problem-solving techniques 


• Encourage independent research 


• Encourage students to plan and manage their own projects 


• Increase student employability by introducing knowledge, skills and strategies relevant to employers (including legal employers). 

By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to: 

1. Undertake a substantial piece of research, evidencing a comprehensive understanding of firms/organisations as commercial entities and the operational requirements it takes to make them sustainable.


2. Critically evaluate a large body of information - including textual, numerical and statistical data, as necessitated by the research project.


3. Recognise and critically analyse a range of intrinsic and extrinsic factors that create opportunities for and/or constrict business operations.


4. Plan, manage and deliver their research project. 


5. Present their findings in a clear and structured format using the SWOT/PESTLE* and Business Model Canvas frameworks. 


6. Critically assess their own skills and competencies, with reference to the European Entrepreneurship Competence Framework.

Commercial Awareness demonstrates an individual’s awareness of a range of different market forces – both internal and external – that affect the commercial viability of an organisation.

Through this module, students will understand that employment is an exchange of value creation, recognise the breadth/complexities of business operations, and understand how employees play a key role in an organisation’s success or failure.

The module has a maximum enrollement and students will be accepted on a first come first serve basis. You will be advised at the start of the Autumn term if you have a place on the module.

This module is assessed by way of portfolio comprising three elements:

• Completed Business Model Canvas


• Completed SWOT/PESTLE analysis


• Reflective statement and skills/competencies assessment

Indicative Syllabus:

• Entrepreneurial Mindset


• Entrepreneurial Skills


• The Business Model Canvas


• Values, Missions, and Mantras


• Understanding the Customer


• Marketing and Partnerships


• Revenue Streams and Cost Structures


• Innovation and Problem Solving


• SWOT/PESTLE Analysis


• Review and Recap

This module will be delivered via:

• One 2-hour interactive workshop per week.
• Five 2-hour voluntary drop-in sessions for one-to-one discussion and/or feedback.

Attendance at the workshops is compulsory (the workshops are not recorded).

The assessment criteria and accompanying materials will be available to all students.