University of Adelaide

What you'll study

This double degree integrates the core curriculum of the Law School with the analytical and quantitative training of the Economics program. You will study foundational subjects in both fields and progress to advanced and honours-level work.

• Law core subjects: legal research and writing, contracts, torts, criminal law, constitutional law, administrative law, property, corporations (company law), evidence, civil procedure and professional conduct and ethics.
• Economics core subjects: microeconomics and macroeconomics, intermediate economic theory, econometrics and quantitative methods, public economics, international trade, labour and industrial organisation, and applied economics electives.
• Honours component: an honours year in law typically involves advanced coursework and a major research project or thesis; the exact structure depends on whether honours is taken in law, economics or as a combined pathway and is overseen by the relevant school.
• Skills and professional practice: you will develop legal research and advocacy, statutory interpretation, economic modelling, data analysis, policy evaluation and written communication. Clinical programs, mooting and work-integrated learning opportunities are available through the Law School and Faculty of the Professions.
• Structure: the program is delivered as a sequence of compulsory and elective units across both degrees, allowing specialisation within economics and selection of elective law subjects in later years (for example, taxation, competition law, international trade law, environmental law, corporate finance law).

Entry requirements

Entry to the combined Bachelor of Laws (Honours) and Bachelor of Economics is competitive. Typical pathways include recent secondary school completion with a strong university entrance score or equivalent qualifications, and recognised tertiary qualifications for mature-age or pathway applicants.

• Academic: competitive high-school results or equivalent tertiary study. Applicants with prior degrees or tertiary study may be considered under alternative entry pathways.
• English language proficiency: applicants whose prior study was not in English must meet the University’s English language requirements (standard tests such as IELTS, TOEFL or equivalent accepted).
• Additional requirements: some applicants may be asked to provide a personal statement, curriculum vitae or referee reports, particularly for non‑standard or mature‑age applications. Admission to practice as a lawyer after graduation requires completion of professional legal training and meeting local admission requirements.

Career prospects

Graduates of this combined degree are well placed for a wide range of careers in law, economics and related fields. The combination of legal qualification and economic expertise is highly valued in sectors that require both regulatory understanding and analytical rigour.

• Legal careers: admission as a solicitor and, with further steps, as a barrister; roles in private practice, in-house legal teams, compliance and regulatory affairs.
• Public sector and policy: policy analyst, economic adviser, regulatory policy officer or roles within government departments and tribunals.
• Business and finance: corporate counsel, commercial analyst, risk management, consulting and finance roles that require economic modelling and legal awareness.
• Research and academia: progression to postgraduate study (master’s, PhD) in law, economics or interdisciplinary fields; research positions in think tanks and universities.
• International and non‑profit: roles with international organisations, non‑government organisations and advocacy groups working on trade, development, human rights and economic policy.

Why study at University of Adelaide

The University of Adelaide offers a strong, practice-focused Law School alongside a rigorous Economics program, giving students access to experienced academics, professional networks and applied learning opportunities. The Law School has established links with the courts, legal profession and government in South Australia, while the Economics faculty provides training in quantitative methods and policy-relevant research.

• Practical learning: mooting, clinical legal placements and internships help bridge theory and practice.
• Interdisciplinary opportunities: the combined degree supports customised study plans that reflect commercial, policy or regulatory interests.
• Graduate support: career services, alumni networks and employer engagement initiatives assist transitions into practice, government and industry roles.