Bachelor of Arts (Honours) - Law and Economics

The programme provides an integrated study of the English legal system alongside the application of economics to key business issues. Students gain a thorough understanding of how laws are made, reformed, and researched, while also exploring Economics modules that link theoretical frameworks to real-world business scenarios.

Opportunities to apply theory in practice include an optional Economics placement year between the second and third year of study, designed to enhance employability and career prospects. Support is provided to help secure placements, with alternative options for summer internships also available.

Learning methods encompass lectures, seminars, workshops, tutorials, student presentations, debates, one-to-one tutor sessions, work projects, self-directed study, video discussions with overseas partner institutions, case preparation, mooting, interviewing, negotiation, and engagement in real or simulated legal practice. These activities develop a broad range of skills essential for success in the legal sector. Students also undertake problem-based research and original academic enquiry, with high-quality work eligible for publication in the Derby Law School Journal. Peer-assisted mentoring from senior students provides additional guidance and support to first-year students.

Students have opportunities to showcase their skills through mooting in regional and national competitions, as well as involvement in a schools’ debating competition in partnership with the Derby & District Law Society and Enterprise for Education, mentoring local secondary school pupils.

Assessment methods for Law modules include group work, oral presentations, written coursework, examinations, seminar debates, group presentations, and conference papers. Economics modules are assessed through computer-based assessments, business reports, applied economics projects, data retrieval and quantitative analytics using Bloomberg, computer-based analysis with Excel and SPSS, and poster presentations and reports to evaluate research and consultancy skills.