Economics and Law

Studying Economics and Law at Bath Spa University gives you the opportunity to critically analyse the major challenges facing society today. 

You’ll be encouraged to question and challenge both your own point of view and that of others as you explore the connections between economic concepts and the law, and how these connections relate to issues such as sustainability, diversity and technology.

Through individual and team research, debates and analyses, you’ll develop a range of transferable skills which employers value such as communication, presentation skills, critical analysis, and problem-solving. And, as we’re an Adobe Creative Campus, you’ll have access to the Adobe Creative Suite, giving you access to industry-standard programmes as part of your studies.

You’ll apply what you’ve learned to practical projects, and you’ll have the opportunity to take part in work placements to gain real-world experience and further develop your practical skills.

Year one
In your first year you’ll gain a broad understanding of economic concepts, before delving deeper into the theoretical principles that guide consumers, producers, governments and world markets.

You’ll get a solid grounding in legal principles, such as the English legal system and contract law. As a leading Business School we also think it’s essential that you understand the law relating to the corporate world as soon as you begin your studies, in order to enhance your understanding and knowledge of the business and economic world.

Year two
In the second year you’ll examine economic perspectives and policies in more depth.

You’ll look at subjects such as sustainability and diversity through an economic lens, and explore ways to encourage business innovation and protect the environment through lobbying decision makers. You’ll also be given practical training on how to use and analyse data to measure how well markets are performing.

You’ll develop your understanding of modern HR issues within employment law, through practical interview role-plays and problem-solving tasks. You'll also look at how human rights and international law affect our lives as individuals, as well as the position of different countries on the world stage.

Year three
In your final year you’ll take a global perspective on economics as you study advanced economic issues such as international trade, how exchange rates affect migration, corruption, and policies affecting developing nations.

You’ll study entertainment, media and intellectual property law, and look at how the media can be used to influence various agendas. You’ll also build on your knowledge of human rights, and explore an in-depth topic that’s of particular interest to you through a research project.

You'll be assessed in a wide range of ways that test your economics knowledge and legal skills. These could include:

• debates
• critical essays
• reports
• presentations
• projects
• group-work
• computer based simulations
• exams 
• research analyses.

We offer variety in the way we teach. Lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials are designed to help establish a foundation of knowledge. You’ll build your own opinions through research, and challenge these in debates and discussions with your teachers and fellow students. Practical legal exercises will help ground your legal knowledge. Ultimately, our aim is that you gain a real view of how law and economics impact the world around us.

You’ll also learn from guest speakers and lecturers who are experts in their fields.

Through our Virtual Learning Environment teachers will introduce you to a variety of resources, from academic papers and texts to movies, videos, news articles and datasets.

To find out more about how we teach and how you'll learn, please read our Learning and Teaching Delivery Statement.

A degree in Economics and Law will provide you with a range of transferable skills and experience that is highly valued by employers.

Possible career opportunities include:

• consulting 
• public administration and policy making
• management and administration 
• forecasting/data analysis
• research and science 
• government
• legal services.

Our Business School graduates have gone on to work in companies such as: PWC, Deloitte, KPMG, FTI Consulting, Arup, Government Economics Service, Treasury, Home Office, Bank of England, the Financial Services Authority, ONS, Hargreaves Lansdown, Bath and North East Somerset Council.

As part of your degree, you could study abroad on a placement at one of Bath Spa’s partner universities.

If you’re a full-time undergraduate student starting your first year at Bath Spa University, you can apply for the Certificate in Global Citizenship, which you’ll study alongside your degree.

You’ll gain global awareness and add an international dimension to your student experience, and funding is available. On successful completion of the programme, you’ll be awarded a Certificate in Global Citizenship. This is in addition to your degree; it doesn’t change your degree title or results.

This optional placement year provides you with the opportunity to identify, apply for and secure professional experience, normally comprising one to three placements over a minimum of nine months. Successful completion of this module will demonstrate your ability to secure and sustain graduate-level employment.

By completing the module, you'll be entitled to the addition of 'with Professional Placement Year' to your degree title.

Before your Professional Placement Year, you'll work to secure your placement, constructing a development plan with your module leader and your placement coordinator from our Careers and Employability team.

On your return to University for your final year, you'll submit your Placement Portfolio, detailing your development on your placement.

You'll be taught at our Newton Park campus, which is located on the edge of Bath and offers a blend of modern and eighteenth-century buildings, with good access to the city while being nestled in the countryside. From your lectures, you’ll be able to visit the library, the Students’ Union, and access our student information and support teams, as well as many of our cutting edge facilities.  

• Our Library offers a wealth of learning resources including books, journals, DVDs and an extensive range of electronic services. Our Subject Librarians for Law and Business provide subject-specific support, including help with research.
• The Writing and Learning Centre provides support for your academic work, including feedback on written drafts and other help with academic writing.
• Our Virtual Learning Environment provides online access to learning materials such as lecture slides, assessment information, discussion boards and other resources. 
• The Careers team run networking events and advisory workshops that explore your future options and the essentials of the job application process. They help you get experience by assisting with your search for work placements and paid part-time jobs while you're studying. When you're ready to progress into your chosen career, they can help you secure graduate-level employment, freelance opportunities, and funding for your own business ideas. Career support continues for years after you graduate with the dedicated Grad Support Unit.
• You’ll have free access to thousands of business, design and tech courses online via LinkedIn Learning.
• If English isn't your first language, our English Language Unit can help you improve your English, reach your full potential and boost your confidence.
• Our Student Wellbeing Services are available to support you through your learning.