(Full time) 2022 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.
Course highlights
At Leeds, we've been teaching Geography for over 100 years. You’ll be taught by internationally renowned academics working at the forefront of their fields, who are passionate about the subjects they teach.
The content of your course is shaped by our world-leading research.
Fieldwork is a key part of all our geography degrees, where you’ll gain valuable hands-on experience
Project work enables you to develop skills as a researcher, asking and answering important questions about the way our world works. During your project work you will access specialist facilities.
Throughout your studies you’ll benefit from a structured support system, with a personal tutor who will offer help and advice about your approach to studying and how to become adept at working and learning independently.
Enhancing your degree
During your time at Leeds, you can decide to study abroad or undertake an industrial placement. Both options take place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
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Course content
Each year of this programme has some compulsory core modules, but there is also flexibility to choose from a range of optional modules in your two main subjects. The number of optional modules selected increases as progress through your degree programme. Additionally, you can choose to study discovery modules. These offer an exciting range of study opportunities drawn from across the University – including languages, enterprise, sustainability, ethics, technology and politics.
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.
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. Career preparation modules are also available as options.
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 own and others’ research questions.
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. 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 also options to undertake a professional development project (often involving working an external company or organisational) or school and education placement modules.
You will be required to undertake a significant independent dissertation project – the only final year core module requirement. You will choose your project topic and will be supported to develop key research questions within this area. Topics can span any aspect of human geography or economics. Examples of recent dissertation titles include:
Gentrification and Private Service Provision
The Contested Role of Food Aid in Times of Austerity
Physical Accessibility to Retail Employment in the West Midlands
Fieldwork
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. In year one you will use Leeds as your ‘laboratory’, carrying out group work around the city you live in and in years two and three you will have the option to undertake international and local field work.
During field trips you will learn essential fieldwork and team working skills and transferable skills that will prove invaluable to your future career.
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
- Sustainability: Living Within Limits 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
- International Economics 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
- Field Research Project 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
- Environment, Conflict and Policy 20 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 Joint Honours Final Year Project 30 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’ll learn through a range of teaching methods, including lectures, tutorials , seminars , computer classes, 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. You will have a personal tutor all the way through your degree.
Our Virtual Learning Environment will help to support your studies: it’s a central place where you can find all the information and resources for the School, your programme and modules.
You can also benefit from support to develop your academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, one-to-one appointments and drop-in sessions.
Watch our taster lectures to get a flavour of what it’s like to study at Leeds:
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. Offer excludes A-Level General Studies or Critical Thinking.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): We recognise the value of this qualification and the effort and skills required to undertake it, where an applicant is taking the EPQ this may attract an alternative offer in addition to the standard offer. The EPQ taken with A-Levels, for example, could be AAB with an A in the EPQ.
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.
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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 or D3, D3, M2 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
AA in Advanced Highers and AABBB in Highers, or A in an Advanced Higher and AAABB in Highers, or AAAAAA in Highers. To include Geography or two 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.
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.
Read our guidance about applying and writing your personal statement.
International students apply through UCAS in the same way as UK 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.
Visit days
If you receive an offer to study with us, we’ll invite you to attend one of our visit 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
University of Leeds Taught Admissions Policy 2022
Fees
UK: See fees section below
International: £23,000 (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 field 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
A degree from Leeds and the experience you'll gain here will give you the edge to find the career you want. Your course will give you the experience and knowledge that employers are looking for to help you secure a graduate job.
University of Leeds students are among the top 5 most targeted by top employers according to The Graduate Market 2021, High Fliers Research.
Studying both geography and economics opens up a wide range of exciting careers. Whether your future career plans lie in finance, management, marketing, real estate, journalism, the civil service, or teaching, our degrees are structured 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.
Example of recent destinations include:
Lloyds Banking Group
Civil Service Fast Track
Marks and Spencer SAP
KPMG
Read profiles of our alumni to find out more about where some of our graduates are working.
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 will 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 will also have full access to the University’s Careers Centre, which is one of the largest in the country.
Visit our Careers and employability page to find out more.
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 at the Study Abroad website.
The study abroad year takes place between years two and three and will extend your studies by 12 months. You will return to Leeds to complete your final year of study.
Work placements
Practical work experience can help you decide on your career and improve your employability. On this course you have the option to apply to take a placement year module with organisations across the public, private and voluntary sectors in the UK, or overseas.
Find out more about work experience on the Careers website.
An industrial placement year is a great way to help you decide what kind of career you might like when you graduate. As well as giving you the opportunity to develop your skills, you’ll gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector.
With the help and support of our dedicated Employability team, you can choose to undertake a salaried industrial placement year at one of the 100+ companies that we work with. If you decide to undertake a placement year this will extend your period of study by 12 months and, on successful completion, you will be awarded the ‘industrial’ variant in your degree title to demonstrate your added experience to future employers.
Below are 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
Find out more about Industrial placements.