BA Law and Economics

4 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Strathclyde

Program Overview

The BA Law and Economics at the University of Strathclyde is a four-year degree that brings together the study of legal systems and economic theory to help students understand how law and markets shape society. It’s ideal for students who are analytical, interested in justice and governance, and keen to apply economic reasoning to real-world policy and business challenges.

Curriculum Structure:
In Year 1, you’ll build a strong foundation in both subjects through core modules such as Introduction to Economics and Introduction to Scottish Legal System. You’ll develop an understanding of how legal frameworks operate alongside economic principles like supply, demand, and market behaviour.

During Year 2, the focus deepens with modules such as Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Legal Methods. This stage enhances your ability to evaluate economic trends while learning how law influences policy, trade, and regulation across industries.

In Year 3, you’ll explore advanced areas such as Labour Economics, Public Economics, and EU Law. You’ll start applying theoretical knowledge to contemporary issues — for instance, analysing how government policies affect markets or how legal institutions shape business conduct.

By Year 4, the final year brings it all together with specialised electives such as Econometrics, Commercial Law, and International Economics. You’ll also work on research projects that combine legal reasoning with economic analysis, preparing you for professional or postgraduate pathways that require interdisciplinary expertise.

Focus Areas: Economic theory, public policy, legal systems, governance, commercial law, applied econometrics, international economics.

Learning Outcomes: Graduates develop analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret legal and economic data, evaluate policy, and communicate complex arguments effectively.

Professional Alignment (Accreditation): The degree aligns with recognised professional standards in both economics and legal studies, providing a strong foundation for roles in business, policy, and regulatory sectors.

Reputation (Employability & Rankings): Strathclyde Business School is triple-accredited (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS) and ranks among the top in the UK for graduate employability, while the School of Law is highly regarded for its research-led teaching and industry links.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At the University of Strathclyde, the BA Law and Economics degree offers a unique balance between legal insight and economic strategy, preparing you to understand how laws shape markets and influence global decision-making. From analysing government policies to interpreting business regulations, you’ll gain both analytical and problem-solving skills that employers value across multiple industries.

The learning experience is highly practical and interactive — you’ll not only study theories but also apply them to real-world situations through workshops, simulations, and project-based assignments. Students use modern facilities, digital tools, and group activities to sharpen their critical thinking and legal-economic analysis. Strathclyde’s emphasis on employability ensures that you graduate ready to contribute meaningfully to both the business and legal sectors.

Here’s how you’ll develop those skills through hands-on learning:

Strathclyde Law Clinic: Work directly with real clients under staff supervision, gaining practical legal experience while helping the community.
Economics Laboratory Access: Use professional software and data-analysis platforms for market modelling, policy analysis, and applied research.
Student Law Society and Mooting Competitions: Build advocacy, negotiation, and presentation skills by taking part in simulated court hearings.
Work Placement and Internships: Access short-term placements and summer internships with law firms, government bodies, and financial organisations through the Strathclyde Careers Service.
Strathclyde Business School Facilities: Learn in state-of-the-art lecture theatres and collaborative spaces designed for problem-based learning and cross-disciplinary projects.
Library and Research Resources: Benefit from one of Scotland’s best academic libraries and access specialist databases like Westlaw, LexisNexis, and OECD data archives for legal and economic research.
Strathclyde Inspire Programme: Engage in entrepreneurship initiatives that help you translate your economics and law knowledge into business or consultancy ventures.

Through these opportunities, you’ll gain not just academic knowledge but also the professional edge needed to succeed in law, finance, policy, or business strategy.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BA Law and Economics at the University of Strathclyde are equipped with a unique combination of analytical, legal, and economic skills that open doors to a wide range of professional opportunities. This degree prepares you to understand how laws influence markets, businesses, and government decisions — a powerful blend that employers value highly across sectors. Typical career paths include roles such as economic consultant, policy analyst, legal researcher, business advisor, financial analyst, or regulatory specialist, where your interdisciplinary expertise helps you navigate both commercial and legal frameworks with confidence.

Beyond classroom learning, Strathclyde supports your career journey through a range of dedicated services and professional connections:

The Careers and Employability Service offers personalised guidance, internship support, and mentoring to help you prepare for your career path.
The Strathclyde Business School holds triple accreditation (AMBA, AACSB, EQUIS), which enhances the global recognition and employability of your degree.
Many graduates secure positions in respected organisations such as government agencies, financial institutions, consulting firms, and multinational corporations.
Strathclyde’s strong reputation for graduate outcomes — consistently ranked among the top UK universities for employability and student satisfaction — ensures you leave well-prepared for both professional and postgraduate success.

Further Academic Progression:
After completing this degree, you can pursue postgraduate study such as an LLM in Commercial Law, MSc in Economics and Finance, or MBA, depending on your career ambitions. These advanced pathways allow you to deepen your understanding, specialise in specific areas, and enhance your credentials for leadership or academic roles.