Bachelor of Economics / Law

5 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of New South Wales

Program Overview

This double degree combines economics with a comprehensive legal education, equipping students with the ability to understand how markets, policy, and law interact in shaping modern economies and societies. It is ideal for students interested in careers in law, government, policy analysis, finance, consulting, or international organisations.
Campus: Kensington Campus, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia

Curriculum Structure

First Year

In the first year, students build foundational knowledge in both economics and law. Economics study typically includes Microeconomics and Macroeconomics, while law begins with Foundations of Law and Legal Research & Writing. This year develops analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and an understanding of legal systems and economic behaviour.

Second Year

The second year strengthens core economic theory and legal principles. Economics units include Quantitative Methods for Economics and Economic Policy, while law studies include Contracts and Criminal Law. Students begin to understand how legal frameworks influence economic systems and decision-making.

Third Year

In the third year, students move into intermediate and advanced subjects. Economics includes Intermediate Microeconomics and Econometrics, while law units typically include Torts and Constitutional Law. This year builds strong analytical and research skills across both disciplines.

Fourth Year

The fourth year focuses on advanced economics and deeper legal theory. Economics study may include Public Economics, International Economics, or Financial Economics, while law includes Administrative Law and Equity & Trusts. Students begin integrating legal reasoning with economic policy analysis.

Fifth Year

In the final year, students complete advanced electives and capstone-style learning in both fields. Law study includes advanced legal subjects such as Corporate Law, while economics focuses on applied policy and economic modelling. Graduates leave with strong expertise in both legal reasoning and economic analysis.

Focus Areas:

Economics, microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, public policy, legal reasoning, contracts, constitutional law, corporate law, financial systems, and regulatory frameworks.

Learning Outcomes:

Graduates develop strong analytical and quantitative skills, legal reasoning capability, and the ability to evaluate economic and legal systems, preparing them for high-level roles in law, policy, finance, and consulting.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation):

The Law component is accredited through UNSW Law & Justice professional legal education standards, supporting pathways toward admission to legal practice in Australia. The Economics component is aligned with UNSW Business School academic frameworks, ensuring strong industry-relevant economic and analytical training.

Reputation (Employability Rankings):

University of New South Wales is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities in QS World University Rankings, particularly strong in law, economics, and graduate employability outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At UNSW, this double degree is built around applied learning, where students constantly connect economic theory and legal principles with real-world policy, business, and legal practice. You’ll develop practical skills through case-based law teaching, data-driven economics analysis, and collaborative projects that mirror the work of professionals in courts, government, and financial institutions. The program is designed to strengthen both analytical thinking and professional communication through structured, hands-on experiences:

UNSW Law moot courts and legal simulation exercises: practice advocacy, legal argumentation, and courtroom-style reasoning
Economics data and analytics tools: use of statistical software and modelling techniques for economic analysis and policy evaluation
Case-based learning in law and economics: real-world legal cases and economic policy problems integrated into coursework
Legal research platforms: access to professional databases for case law, legislation, and legal commentary
Economics workshops and quantitative labs: applied training in econometrics, data interpretation, and policy modelling
Group-based interdisciplinary projects: combining legal reasoning with economic analysis to solve policy and regulatory challenges
Internship and industry engagement opportunities: placements in law firms, government departments, financial institutions, and policy organisations
UNSW Law Clinics: real or simulated legal work experience involving client-focused legal problem solving
Policy and research engagement activities: exposure to economic policy development and regulatory frameworks
UNSW Library (Law & Economics collections): access to extensive legal databases, economic journals, and research resources
Guest lectures from professionals: insights from lawyers, economists, policymakers, and industry leaders

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of this double degree are prepared for influential careers at the intersection of law, economics, and public policy, where strong analytical and legal reasoning skills are highly valued. You can move into roles such as Lawyer, Policy Advisor, Economist, Corporate Counsel (after qualification), or Regulatory Analyst, working across government, law firms, financial institutions, and international organisations:

UNSW Employability and Careers Hub: personalised career coaching, CV and interview preparation, employer networking events, and access to leading graduate recruitment programs
Practical Legal Training (PLT) pathway support: structured guidance toward admission as a legal practitioner in Australia after completing required training
Graduate employment outcomes & salary range: law and economics graduates in Australia typically achieve strong outcomes, with law-related starting salaries often around AUD 75,000–110,000+, depending on pathway and role
Industry partnerships: UNSW collaborates with leading law firms, government agencies, international organisations, banks, and policy think tanks
Professional accreditation value: the Law degree is accredited toward eligibility for admission to legal practice in Australia, ensuring long-term professional recognition
Strong dual-discipline advantage: graduates are highly valued for combining legal expertise with economic analysis, especially in regulation, competition policy, and financial law

Further Academic Progression:

After completing this program, graduates can pursue Practical Legal Training (PLT) to qualify for legal practice in Australia or continue into a Juris Doctor (JD) as an alternative pathway to legal admission. They may also undertake Master of Laws (LLM), Master of Economics, Master of Public Policy, or research degrees such as Master of Philosophy (MPhil) or PhD, focusing on law, economics, regulation, or public policy development.