IB Subject Choices for Law vs Economics.
- Feb 5
- 2 min read
Law and Economics are often grouped together, but universities evaluate them very differently. IB students who apply to both with the same subject combination often weaken at least one application without realising it.
The key is understanding what each discipline actually signals academically.
This blog explains the ideal IB subject choices for Law vs Economics, how universities interpret HLs and SLs, and how to keep options open without diluting strength.
How Universities Evaluate Law vs Economics Applicants
Aspect | Law | Economics |
Core skill | Argumentation | Quantitative reasoning |
Writing importance | Very high | Moderate |
Math expectation | Low | High |
Subject alignment | Critical | Critical |
They may sit next to each other on rankings — but not in evaluation logic.
Subject Choice Priorities
Factor | Law | Economics |
English / Language A | Essential | Important |
History / Politics | Strongly preferred | Helpful |
Economics | Helpful | Essential |
Mathematics | Optional | Strongly preferred |
HL Math | Not required | Often expected |
One profile cannot optimise both perfectly.
Best IB Subject Choices for Law
Ideal HL Combination
English A HL
History HL
Global Politics / Economics HL
Signals reading, writing, and argument depth, Strong for UK & US Law
Strong SL Support
Maths AA SL
Language B
Any science (not evaluated heavily)
Math beyond SL adds no advantage for Law.
Best IB Subject Choices for Economics
Ideal HL Combination
Economics HL
Maths AA HL (preferred)
English A / History HL
Signals analytical and quantitative readiness, Critical for top economics programs
Acceptable Variations
Maths AA SL + Econ HL (mid-tier programs)
HL Economics without HL Math limits options
Can One Profile Work for Both?
Partially — but with trade-offs.
A “dual-aim” profile might include:
Economics HL
English A HL
Maths AA SL
This works best in:
US holistic systems
Liberal arts programs
It is not ideal for top UK Economics or Law.
Country-Specific Expectations
UK
Law: No subject requirements but prefers essay-based HLs
Economics: HL Economics + HL Math preferred
US
Flexible, holistic
Both paths viable with strong narrative
Netherlands
Economics requires math
Law focuses on language proficiency
Common Subject Choice Mistakes
Taking HL Math for Law “just in case”
Dropping writing-heavy subjects for Economics
Applying to both without prioritisation
Assuming Economics SL is enough
Clarity beats optionality.
Frequently Asked Questions ( FAQs )
1. Do I need Economics for Law?
No but it helps.
2. Is HL Math mandatory for Economics?
For top programs, yes.
3. Can I apply undecided?
In some systems, yes.
4. Does IB Core matter?
More for Law than Economics.
Final Takeaway
Law and Economics reward different intellectual signals.
Trying to hedge perfectly often weakens both applications.
Choose based on how you think, not just what sounds similar.
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