(Full time) 2021 start
Economics and Geography BA
Coronavirus information for applicants and offer holders
We hope that by the time you’re ready to start your studies with us the situation with COVID-19 will have eased. However, please be aware, we will continue to review our courses and other elements of the student experience in response to COVID-19 and we may need to adapt our provision to ensure students remain safe. For the most up-to-date information on COVID-19, regularly visit our website, which we will continue to update as the situation changes www.leeds.ac.uk/covid19faqs
Overview
Our Economics and Geography BA degree allows you to study key specialisms in human geography alongside attention to the economic issues arising in business, public policy and society at large.
You will be able to explore urban, economic, social, population, political and development, and digital geographies; and environmental sustainability. You will also examine the ideas and methods that underpin research in human geography, and learn skills in mapping and the use of Geographical Information Systems. In parallel, economics modules will consider the factors that influence income, wealth and wellbeing, how scarce resources are allocated, distributed and used today, and how they might change in the future.
A wide range of optional modules will allow you to shape your degree to suit your own interests and career intentions, from economic development to citizenship and identity via environmental economics, retail and service analysis and planning, and migration. Fieldwork offered in every year will also allow you to put your geographical knowledge and skills into practice beyond the University.
Extending this degree
You can convert your 3-year degree into a 4-year degree by spending an additional year on an industrial placement or overseas, before returning to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
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Course content
Each year of this programme has a series of compulsory core modules, but you will also choose from a range of optional modules in your two main subjects. Additionally, you can opt to study Leeds discovery modules. These offer an exciting range of study opportunities drawn from across the University – including languages, enterprise, sustainability, ethics, technology and politics.
In year one, you will be introduced to key themes in human geography and economics, focusing on topics including the economic and social importance of cities; past and present international development; changing populations, the unequal distribution of power and opportunity in national and international systems; geographical and economic perspectives on production, consumption and exchange.
In year two, you will choose from a larger number of optional modules – including those focusing on economic geography, political and development geographies, social geography, urban geography, transport economics, health economics and labour economics – so that you can begin to specialise in the ideas and issues that interest you most. Module choices in geography include a range of week-long field trips to European cities. We will also help you to develop your own skills as a researcher, with modules that show you how to access, analyse and present information; how to pose your own research questions; and how to identify the best methods to answer your research questions.
In year three, you will have the chance to put your research training into practice, by undertaking your own final year project. You can choose whether your project has a geographical or economic focus, and there are opportunities to pursue applied projects with outside companies and other partners. You will also choose from a range of advanced optional modules, allowing you to deepen your specialist interest in particular aspects of human geography and economics. Module choices in geography also include a range of international fieldtrips; and choice of a research, work or teacher placement modules.
Course structure
The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our Terms and conditions.
Modules
Year 1
Compulsory modules
- The Urban Age 20 credits
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B 10 credits
- Economics and Global History 10 credits
- Economic Theory and Applications 30 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Planet Under Threat 20 credits
- Digital Geographies 20 credits
- Global Geopolitics, Migration and Uneven Development 20 credits
- Population, Society and Space 20 credits
- Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1A 10 credits
- Economic Controversies 10 credits
Year 2
Compulsory modules
- Research Approaches in Human Geography 20 credits
- Intermediate Microeconomics 10 credits
- Intermediate Macroeconomics 10 credits
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Career Skills in Geography 10 credits
- Political and Development Geographies 20 credits
- Geographies of Economies 20 credits
- The Making of the Modern City 20 credits
- Citizenship and Identity: Comparative Perspectives 20 credits
- Living within limits: natural resource management for sustainable development 20 credits
- Planning Services for Changing Populations 20 credits
- Political and Development Geographies: The shaping of the world 10 credits
- Social and Spatial Data Analysis with GIS 10 credits
- Social Ecological Systems 10 credits
- Introduction to Health Economics 10 credits
- Theories of Growth, Value and Distribution 10 credits
- Industrial Economics 10 credits
- Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 10 credits
- The International Economic Environment 10 credits
- Business Economics 10 credits
- Economics Research Methods 10 credits
- Statistics and Econometrics 20 credits
- Labour Economics 10 credits
- How to be a Successful Policy Economist 10 credits
- Ethics and Economics 10 credits
- Transport Economics 10 credits
- Project Appraisal 10 credits
Year 3
Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)
- Retail Location Planning 20 credits
- Sicily Virtual Fieldtrip: Exploring the Migration Crisis 20 credits
- Contested Cities 20 credits
- Creating Alternative Futures 20 credits
- Advanced Population & Health Geographies 20 credits
- Geocomputation and Spatial Analysis 20 credits
- Geographies of Global Insecurities 20 credits
- Geographies of Global Insecurities: New Dynamics 10 credits
- Professional Development Project 20 credits
- School and Educational Placements 20 credits
- Human Geography Dissertation 40 credits
- Spaces of Migration and Encounter 20 credits
- Spaces of Migration and Encounter: Concepts and Contemporary Experiences 10 credits
- Introduction to the Economic Evaluation of Health 10 credits
- Advanced Microeconomics 10 credits
- Transnational Corporations in the World Economy 10 credits
- Economics Dissertation 40 credits
- Economic Development 20 credits
- Economics of Famines 20 credits
- Environmental Economics 10 credits
- Applied Econometrics 10 credits
- Behavioural Economics 10 credits
- Modern Theories of Money and Monetary Policy 10 credits
- Public Enterprise and Regulation 10 credits
- Advanced Macroeconomics 10 credits
- International Economics: Integration and Governance 20 credits
- The Economics of Unions 10 credits
- Economics of Business and Corporate Strategy 20 credits
- Travel Activity Analysis 10 credits
- Social Analysis and Social Psychology for Transport 10 credits
Discovery modules
Throughout your degree you will benefit from a range of opportunities to expand your intellectual horizons outside or within your subject area.
This course gives you the opportunity to choose from a range of discovery modules. They’re a great way to tailor your study around your interests or career aspirations and help you stand out from the crowd when you graduate. Find out more about discovery modules on our Broadening webpages.
Learning and teaching
You will learn through a range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials (groups of eight), seminars (groups of approximately 30), computer lab / practical classes, group-work, online exercises and fieldwork, depending on the modules you study.
Independent study is also an important part of this course, and will develop your research and analytical skills in order to think and work independently.
You will receive guidance and support throughout your degree, and there will be opportunities for extra support through one-to-one assistance, workshops and skills training.
On this course you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.
Assessment
Assessment methods include examinations, individual or group reports and presentations, practical exercises, essays, posters, projects (such as the dissertation) and reflective logs.
Entry requirements, fees and applying
Entry requirements
A-level: AAA preferably including Geography
If Geography is not included, we would expect two A-levels from History, English, Economics, Sociology, a modern language, Psychology, Mathematics and Biology.
GCSE: Mathematics at grade A (7) or above, and English at grade B (6) or above, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification.
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Access to HE Diploma
Pass 60 credits overall with 45 credits at Level 3, 30 credits with Distinction and the remaining 15 credits with Merit or above.
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BTEC
D*DD in Extended Diploma/3 Subsidiary Diplomas in Geography or two relevant subjects. We will accept a combination of BTECs and A-Levels. Please contact us for further information.
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Cambridge Pre-U
D2, M1, M1 including Geography or two relevant subjects.
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International Baccalaureate
35 points overall, with 17 points at higher level to include 5 points in Geography or in two relevant subjects.
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Irish Highers (Leaving Certificate)
AAAAAA/H2H2H2H2H2H2 including Geography or two relevant subjects.
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Scottish Highers / Advanced Highers
AAABB overall with AA in 2 Advanced Highers (AH). For non-AH applicants AAAAAA. To include Geography or 2 relevant subjects.
Read more about UK and Republic of Ireland accepted qualifications or contact the School’s Undergraduate Admissions Team.
Alternative entry
We’re committed to identifying the best possible applicants, regardless of personal circumstances or background.
Access to Leeds is an alternative admissions scheme which accepts applications from individuals who might be from low income households, in the first generation of their immediate family to apply to higher education, or have had their studies disrupted.
Find out more about Access to Leeds and alternative admissions.
Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.
If you do not have the formal qualifications for immediate entry to one of our degrees, you may be able to progress through a foundation year. We offer a Studies in Science with Foundation Year BSc for students without a science background at A-level and an Interdisciplinary Science with Foundation Year BSc for applicants who meet specific widening participation criteria.
International Foundation Year
International students who do not meet the academic requirements for undergraduate study may be able to study the University of Leeds International Foundation Year. This gives you the opportunity to study on campus, be taught by University of Leeds academics and progress onto a wide range of Leeds undergraduate courses. Find out more about International Foundation Year programmes.
English language requirements
IELTS 6.0 overall, with no less than 5.5 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.
Improve your English
If you're an international student and you don't meet the English language requirements for this programme, you may be able to study our undergraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.
How to apply
Apply to this course through UCAS. The institution code for the University of Leeds is L23. Check the deadline for applications on the UCAS website.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK/EU students. Our network of international representatives can help you with your application. If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.
Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.
Applicant days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our applicant days. You’ll have the opportunity to meet our academic staff and students, explore the School and University and find out more about your course and what it’s like to be a student at Leeds.
Admissions policy
Faculty of Environment Taught Admissions Policy 2021
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £22,500 (per year)
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2021 entry
For UK full-time students starting in 2021, the fee for 2021/22 will be £9,250.
The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation, and as permitted by law. Fees for UK undergraduate students are decided by the UK government and may vary if policy changes.
EU students starting in 2021/22
EU students starting their course in the 2021/22 academic year or later will now be classed as international students and so will need to pay the international student tuition fee.
UK undergraduate tuition fees for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2022/23 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. In other years, the government has confirmed fee levels in the summer. When the fee is confirmed we will publish an update on all course pages.
Tuition fees for new international students for 2022 entry
Tuition fees for international students are published on each individual course page. These are usually published a year in advance, so 2022 course fees should be available from September 2021.
Tuition fees for a study abroad or work placement year
If you take a study abroad or work placement year, you’ll pay a reduced tuition fee during this period. For more information, see Study abroad and work placement tuition fees and loans.
Read more about paying fees and charges.
Brexit
Visit our Brexit page for the latest information on the effect of the UK's exit from the EU on current students and applicants to the University.
Additional cost information
<p>Because we recognise the value of field experience, the school heavily subsidises or covers transport and accommodation costs for compulsory taught field courses and many optional field trips. You will have to supplement the cost of some optional fields trips.</p>There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more about additional costs
Financial support
If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There is help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government. Find out more in our Undergraduate funding overview.
Career opportunities
In the School of Geography we take your future very seriously and know that employability is uppermost in many students’ minds. If you choose to study Geography and Economics at Leeds, you can be confident that you’re not only joining a university whose graduates are targeted by top employers, but that as joint honours graduates, your employment opportunities couldn’t be more exciting and wide-ranging.
We structure this programme to ensure you develop the key transferable skills sought by graduate recruiters, skills such as: team-working, commercial awareness, report-writing, fluency in oral communication and presentation, numerical analysis, IT expertise and investigative skills.
Here is a snapshot of the types of careers our graduates pursue:
Environmental Management
- Conservation
- Land and water management
- Public utilities
Management and consultancy
- Transport planning and consultancy
- Graduate training schemes in multinational companies
- IT and business consultancy
Using GIS
- Retail Planning
- Direct marketing
- GIS companies
Government and NGOs
- Local government administration
- Civil service (police, armed forces)
- Regional and overseas development
Financial
- Banking
- Insurance
- Financial services
Further study and training
- Vocational Masters courses
- PhD study
- Teacher training/conservation courses
Visit our careers and employability page for more recent graduate destinations.
Careers support
We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.
Leeds for Life is our unique approach to helping you make the most of University by supporting your academic and personal development. Find out more at the Leeds for Life website.
The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more at the Careers website.
Study abroad and work placements
Study Abroad
On this course you have the opportunity to apply to spend time abroad, usually as an extra academic year. We have over 300 University partners worldwide and popular destinations for our students include Europe, the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Africa and Latin America.
Find out more on the Study Abroad website.
Year in Industry
Leeds is one of the few geography departments in the UK to offer a year in industry scheme which allows you to extend your three-year programme to a four-year industrial degree. You don't have to decide to do a placement year before you start your course, you can register your interest with us once you’ve enrolled on the 3-year degree.
This is a fantastic opportunity to add value to your CV, experience the “real world” first-hand and, in many cases, be offered a permanent job with the placement company on graduating. With staff dedicated to helping you to secure a placement that is right for you, and by keeping in close contact with you throughout your placement year, we ensure you get the most out of your time with your chosen company.
Find out more about a Year in Industry.
Fieldwork
We hope to run our fieldwork activities as planned for the 21/22 academic year, but it might not be possible due to the COVID-19 pandemic. We are continually reviewing the situation and will communicate any decisions to applicants and offer holders at the earliest possible opportunity.
Ask any of our students and they will tell you that taking part in field trips is one of the most enjoyable and memorable aspects of the geography programmes at Leeds.
We offer fieldwork opportunities at each level of study and they provide a great opportunity to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University. During our level 2 and level 3 field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills, transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career. Field trips are also a fantastic way to travel and see new places and to get to know your tutors and other students better.