Economics and Geography BA

Course overview

Both economics and geography play crucial roles in providing sustainable solutions to global issues in business, the environment, politics — and society at large. By combining these two highly regarded disciplines at Leeds, you can learn the fundamentals in both, whilst cultivating a huge amount of transferable skills that are sought after by some of the most reputable companies worldwide.

This joint honours degree means you’ll have the advantage of being taught by expert academics from both Schools: the triple-accredited Leeds University Business School and the School of Geography, which is ranked among the highest in the world for this subject. You’ll learn the solid foundations in both areas, with the chance to shape your degree to suit your own interests and career aspirations through a range of optional modules.

You’ll have access to many of the specialist facilities in each School, alongside CV-enriching opportunities like fieldwork projects, work placements and the chance to study abroad.

Graduating with an Economics and Geography BA degree from Leeds will equip you with the extensive skill set and knowledge you’ll need to pursue a rewarding career in a wide variety of industries across the world.

Why study at Leeds:

• Experience expert teaching, co-taught by the Leeds University Business School and parented by the School of Geography, which has taught geography for over 100 years.
• Access excellent teaching facilities, including extensive library collections, specialist labs, lecture theatres and dedicated computer clusters, fully equipped with the latest technology to support your learning.
• Our globally-renowned research here at Leeds University Business School and the School of Geography has had a pioneering impact on current global agendas in environmental protection, public health and the economy and feeds directly into your course, shaping what you learn with the latest thinking.
• Put theory into practice with our fieldwork activities, where you’ll experience ‘real world’ learning that’ll advance your research, project planning and teamwork skills whilst gaining hands-on experience highly valued by future employers.
• Enhance your career prospects and give your CV that competitive edge before you graduate by undertaking a work placement. Our close industry links and also the support provided by our faculty employment team has meant previous students have secured placements at organisations such as Mercedes-Benz, Lloyds Banking Group, Unilever, The Bank of England and National Rail.
• Gain invaluable life experience and advance your personal development with our exciting study abroad programmes, spanning across many universities worldwide.
• Make the most of your time at Leeds by joining our student society GeogSoc which gives you the chance to meet like-minded students who share your passion for geography. The society organises a range of social activities and trips and has football and netball teams in the University’s intra-mural league.

Course details

Each year of this course is designed around a combination of key compulsory core modules in the School of Geography and the Business School, as well as providing opportunities to take further optional modules in both schools and discovery modules across the wider University to suit your interests.

You’ll also undertake fieldwork throughout, giving you the chance to apply your learned knowledge to a practical setting.

Please note: field trip destinations specified below are typical examples but may be subject to change.

Each academic year, you'll take a total of 120 credits.

Course Structure

The course information shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

Most courses consist of compulsory and optional modules. There may be some optional modules omitted below. This is because they are currently being refreshed to make sure students have the best possible experience. Before you enter each year, full details of all modules for that year will be provided.

For more information and a list of typical modules available on this course, please read Economics and Geography BA in the course catalogue.

Year 1

You'll develop a grounding in the foundational concepts and themes of human geography and economics, plus key skills in academic writing, digital learning and statistical analysis. Core modules explore the economic and social importance of cities in an urban age, global economic history and economic theory, with a choice of optional modules that span planetary environmental crisis, neighbourhood and population change, migration and development, and economic controversies.

Compulsory modules

The Urban Age – 20 credits

You'll learn about the dynamic nature of urban and economic geography, exploring the geography of cities and urban settlements and their constitution by environmental, economic, social and political processes through time and space. Particular attention is paid to planetary urbanisation, urban planning, systems of collective consumption, housing and the welfare state, service and retail economy, neoliberal globalisation, post-industrial urbanism, power, austerity and contestation. Key features of the module are small group tutorials and local urban fieldwork.

Mathematics and Statistics for Economics and Business 1B – 10 credits

This module will provide you with basic knowledge of mathematics and statistical tools that are required to understand economics and business, and therefore build the foundation for further learning later in the course.

Economics and Global History – 10 credits

You will receive an introduction to analytical global economic history and learn about some of the 'lessons of the past’, while also covering key economic concepts and theories. This module will give you a sense of perspective when studying a variety of modern economies across the world, both developed and developing.

Economic Theory and Applications – 30 credits

You will develop an economic understanding of the world of individual choice, business behaviour, national level economic systems and government economic policy. You will be introduced to economic models and how to interpret relevant data to understand economic issues, as well as the key data manipulation and analysis skills you need for this.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Digital Geographies – 20 credits
• Planet Under Threat – 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 Perspectives and Controversies – 20 credits

Year 2

You'll be provided with a core programme of research approaches in human geography as well as grounding in the theory and application of microeconomics and macroeconomics. You'll supplement this from a choice of optional modules that include geo-politics and international development, service planning for changing populations, economic geography, natural resource management, and a variety of economics modules covering transport, health, labour, industry, ethics, business, policy, research and the international economy – so that you can begin to specialise in the ideas and issues that interest you most.

Compulsory modules

Research Approaches in Human Geography – 20 credits

This is an essential training programme for human geography students in the fundamentals of devising, conducting and writing up qualitative research so that you are equipped to conduct your own final year independent research project. You will first learn about the core ideas and scientific approaches underpinning human geography and be trained in the key skills of compiling, summarising and critically analysing different literatures and data sources. This is followed by training in research design, methodology and a variety of qualitative research methods before putting them into practice through conducting fieldwork, data collection, and data analysis in a research team.

Intermediate Microeconomics – 10 credits

You will consider a range of microeconomic problems and learn about the approach that microeconomists take when attempting to solve these problems. You will also develop insight into how mathematical modelling is used to understand problems of consumer theory and producer theory.

Intermediate Macroeconomics – 10 credits

You will consider a range of macroeconomic problems and learn about the approach that macroeconomists take when attempting to solve these problems. You will develop insight into how macroeconomic models and concepts are used to understand macroeconomic problems.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Towards a Zero Carbon Future (Residential Field class) – 20 credits
• 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
• Sustainability: Living Within Limits – 20 credits
• Planning Services for Changing Populations – 20 credits
• Social and Spatial Data Analysis with GIS – 10 credits
• Social Ecological Systems – 10 credits
• Introduction to Health Economics – 10 credits
• Mathematics for Business and Economics 2 – 10 credits
• International 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

You'll have the chance to put your research training into practice by undertaking a significant independent final year project with either a geographical or economic focus depending on your interests. You'll also choose from a range of advanced optional modules, allowing you to deepen your specialist interest in particular aspects of economics and human geography.

Options include urban social movements, creating alternative futures, population and health geographies, retail location planning, global insecurities, migration and encounter and a variety of economics modules covering transnational corporations, famines, monetary theory, trade unions, public enterprise and regulation. You'll also have the choice of a professional development project or teacher placement module working with an external organisation.

Compulsory modules

Final year project

Choose either:

Economics Joint Honours Final Year Project – 30 credits

You will be provided with the skills and knowledge to conduct a substantial research project within the discipline of economics, broadly defined to permit insights from other disciplines such as, but not limited to, human geography.

OR

Human Geography Dissertation – 40 credits

This module forms the pinnacle of your degree: a 10,000-word thesis based on an independent research project that is focused on a specific problem or question that you have devised. You'll successfully plan, implement, and write up an individual research project on a human geography topic of choice. Doing a dissertation introduces you to the practicalities of doing research, from coming up with a topic, thinking about aims and objectives, planning and working through the different elements of your research (theoretical, empirical, analytical), and writing up your findings. You'll develop a broad range of skills including general communication, writing and project management skills, subject-specific skills, methodological skills that may include primary and/or secondary data collection, and various data analysis skills. You'll be following a very similar process to the one that academics undertake when conducting research and writing books, reports or papers for journals.

Optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

• Retail Location Planning – 20 credits
• Helsinki: Urban Growth and Sustainability – 20 credits
• Urban Transformations Field Class – 20 credits
• Exploring the Mediterranean Migration Crisis – 20 credits
• Contested Cities – 20 credits
• Creating Alternative Futures – 20 credits
• Advanced Population and Health Geographies – 20 credits
• Geocomputation and Spatial Analysis – 20 credits
• Geographies of Global Insecurities – 20 credits
• Geographies of Global Insecurities: New Dynamics – 10 credits
• Environment, Conflict and Policy – 20 credits
• Professional Work Placement – 20 credits
• Geographical Research Opportunities – 20 credits
• School and Educational Placements – 20 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
• Economic Development – 20 credits
• Environmental Economics – 10 credits
• Applied Econometrics – 10 credits
• Behavioural Economics – 10 credits
• Advanced Macroeconomics – 10 credits
• International Economics: Integration and Governance – 20 credits
• Travel Activity Analysis – 20 credits
• Social Analysis and Social Psychology for Transport – 20 credits

Fieldwork

Ask any of our students and they'll 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 a range of increasingly sustainable fieldwork opportunities, giving you the chance to study a fascinating subject in contrasting environments away from the University.

In year 1, fieldwork is UK-based – particularly around the Leeds area – allowing you to use Leeds as your ‘laboratory’ through group work around the city. In future years, you'll have the option to undertake residential field classes in the UK and abroad.

Fieldwork is integrated with lectures and module coursework, giving you the opportunity to:

• Practice the skills you have learnt in class in real-world situations.
• Gain first-hand experience of collecting and analysing data.
• Build valuable individual and team research skills – vital for your final year research project.
• Develop professional skills sought after by employers like project planning, communication and teamwork.
• Get to know your lecturers and fellow students even better.

Our field trips are designed to be as environmentally sustainable as possible and balance their carbon footprint with the learning outcomes of the trip.

One-year optional work placement or study abroad

During your course, you’ll be given the opportunity to advance your skill set and experience further. You can apply to either undertake a one-year work placement or study abroad for a year, choosing from a selection of universities we’re in partnership with worldwide.

Learning and teaching

You'll learn through a range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials, seminars, computer 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'll receive guidance and support throughout your degree, and there will be opportunities for extra support through one-to-one assistance, workshops and skills training. You'll have a personal tutor all the way through your degree.

Taster lecture

Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:

• Unlocking Sustainable Cities

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

You'll be assessed using a range of methods. There'll be timed examinations, essay and report writing, presentations, practical exercises, posters, blogs, vlogs, podcasts, research-based projects (such as the dissertation) and reflective logs.

All assessments are closely tied to the learning objectives of the course to ensure you graduate equipped with cutting edge knowledge and skills, as well as being structured to help you develop the key transferable qualities that employers are looking for within the workplace.

Assessments are reviewed annually to ensure they remain fair and inclusive, and to maintain an element of flexibility within optional module choices such that you can select a package of learning to best reflect your own learning style and long-term career goals.

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. Offer excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking. Where an A-Level Science subject is taken, we require a pass in the practical science element, alongside the achievement of the A-Level at the stated grade.

Extended Project Qualification (EPQ), International Project Qualification (IPQ) and Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (ASCC): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ/IPQ/ASCC taken with A-Levels, for example, could be AAB with an A in the EPQ/IPQ/ASCC.

GCSE: Mathematics at grade A/7 or above, and English at grade B/6 or above, or an equivalent English language and Mathematics qualification. We will accept Level 2 Functional Skills English in lieu of GCSE English. 

Alternative qualification

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 a contextual 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 contextual admissions.

Typical Access to Leeds A Level offer: ABB plus a pass in the Access to Leeds scheme.

International

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.

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.

Fees

UK: To be confirmed

International: £29,000 (per year)

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2024/25
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students are set by the UK Government and will be £9,250 for students starting in 2024/25.

The fee may increase in future years of your course in line with inflation only, as a consequence of future changes in Government legislation and as permitted by law.

Tuition fees for UK undergraduate students starting in 2025/26
Tuition fees for UK full-time undergraduate students starting in 2025/26 have not yet been confirmed by the UK government. When the fee is available we will update individual course pages.

Tuition fees for international undergraduate students starting in 2024/25 and 2025/26
Tuition fees for international students for 2024/25 are available on individual course pages. Fees for students starting in 2025/26 will be available from September 2024.

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.

Additional cost information

Standard travel, subsistence and accommodation costs associated with compulsory field trips are covered by the University. However, you must pay for incidental or personal expenses such as suitable clothing and footwear.

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 on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and 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.

Faculty of Environment Undergraduate Bursary

UK students eligible for a reduced grade contextual offer will receive a cash bursary worth £1,000 to help with some of the costs of being at university.

International Undergraduate Excellence Scholarships

These scholarships are awarded to high achieving and particularly deserving international students. There are limited scholarships available.

Applying

Apply to this course and check the deadline for applications through the UCAS website.

We may consider applications submitted after the deadline. Availability of courses in UCAS Extra will be detailed on UCAS at the appropriate stage in the cycle.

Admissions guidance

Read our admissions guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.

Offer holder events

If you receive an offer from us, you’ll be invited to an offer holder event. This event is more in-depth than an open day. It gives you the chance to learn more about your course and get your questions answered by academic staff and students. Plus, you can explore our campus, facilities and accommodation.

International applicants

International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK students.

We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Read about visas, immigration and other information here.

If you’re unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Geography
Leeds University Business School

Contact us

School of Geography Undergraduate Admissions

Email: geo-ug-enq@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Career opportunities

The employment opportunities when graduating with a joint honours degree are far-reaching — especially in globally recognised disciplines like economics and geography.

The breadth of knowledge, experience and skills you’ll learn in teamwork, commercial awareness, report-writing, numerical analysis, IT expertise and investigation are widely transferable and desirable to a whole host of employers.

Plus, University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Report 2024, High Fliers Research, meaning our graduates are highly sought after by some of the most reputable companies in the field.

Qualifying with this degree from Leeds will set you up with the core foundations you need to pursue an exciting career across a wide range of industries, including:

• Finance
• Management
• Marketing
• Real estate
• Journalism
• Government

Here’s an insight into the job positions our joint economics and geography graduates have obtained since leaving Leeds:

• Marketing Service – Apple Ltd
• Finance Analyst – Barclays
• Sustainability Consultant – Comstock Partners
• Senior Project Manager – Canal and River Trust
• Principal Analyst – Maryland General Assembly
• Test Analyst Manager – Zurich Insurance Company Ltd

Read profiles of our alumni to find out more.

Careers support

At Leeds, we help you to prepare for your future from day one. Our Leeds for Life initiative is designed to help you develop and demonstrate the skills and experience you need for when you graduate. We will help you to access opportunities across the University and record your key achievements so you are able to articulate them clearly and confidently.

You'll be supported throughout your studies by our dedicated Employability Team, who will provide you with specialist support and advice to help you find relevant work experience, internships and industrial placements, as well as graduate positions. You’ll benefit from timetabled employability sessions, support during internships and placements, and presentations and workshops delivered by employers.

You'll also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.

Study abroad and work placements

Study abroad

Studying abroad is a unique opportunity to explore the world, whilst gaining invaluable skills and experience that could enhance your future employability and career prospects too.

From Europe to Asia, the USA to Australasia, we have many University partners worldwide you can apply to, spanning across some of the most popular destinations for students.

This programme offers you the option to spend time abroad as an extra academic year and will extend your studies by 12 months.

Once you’ve successfully completed your year abroad, you'll be awarded the ‘international’ variant in your degree title which demonstrates your added experience to future employers.

Find out more at the Study Abroad website.

Work placements

A placement year is a great way to help you decide on a career path when you graduate. You’ll develop your skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It will also help you to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve your chances of securing the career you want.

Benefits of a work placement year:

• 100+ organisations to choose from, both in the UK and overseas
• Build industry contacts within your chosen field
• Our strong connections with industry mean you’ll be in direct contact with potential employers
• Advance your experience and skills by putting the course teachings into practice
• Gain invaluable insight into working as a professional in a particular company or sector
• Improve your employability

If you decide to undertake a placement year, this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you'll be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.

With the help and support of our dedicated Employability Team, you can find the right placement to suit you and your future career goals.

Here are some examples of placements our students have recently completed:

• Deloitte, Auditor
• Mercedes-Benz, Marketing
• Cheshire NHS Clinical Commissioning Group
• Lloyds Banking Group, Risk Industrial Placement
• Javelin, Data Analyst

During your industrial placement, you'll have an industrial supervisor from within the company, plus an academic supervisor who will keep in touch throughout your placement.

Find out more about Industrial placements.