Zara Singh

Zara Singh is a student at the University of Leeds student who studies Economics and Geography (Industrial) BA at the School of Geography.

Choosing to study at Leeds

When it came to making the all-important decision of where to study her undergraduate degree, ultimately Leeds was the perfect choice for Zara. She explained: “Leeds always stood out to me as a university I wanted to study at and visiting on the open day solidified my choice. The facilities on campus, notably the student union and the variety of libraries, are well equipped and the proximity to the city is another great benefit.

Having lived in Headingley for the last few years, I have come to love different areas of the city. There are always endless things to do and new food to try, and there is always a fun, student atmosphere.”

I appreciate how the course is interlinked with current affairs, studying Geography ensures a continuous engagement with real-time conflicts, political advancements, and humanitarian crises.

Finding the right degree

The Economics and Geography BA combines two highly regarded disciplines allowing students to develop a large range of transferable skills. Students on this course are taught by both the triple-accredited Leeds University Business School and the School of Geography. Speaking of why she decided to enrol on this programme, Zara said: “what particularly drew me to the course was the option to distinguish between human and physical geography, aligning perfectly with my specific interests in migration, political, and development geographies. Furthermore, few universities offer the opportunity to study the combination of Economics and Geography and Leeds allows students who have not studied A-level maths to do so.”

Studying a dual honours course has been academically challenging but equally as rewarding. Whilst I study the two subjects separately, they have proven inextricably interlinked. I find the best aspect of my course is being able to study such a breadth of modules, from Health Economics to Geographies of Global Insecurities, the course never feels repetitive in the slightest. However, there is also the opportunity to specialise in areas you hold the most interest and develop on knowledge year upon year. I appreciate how the course is interlinked with current affairs, studying Geography ensures a continuous engagement with real-time conflicts, political advancements, and humanitarian crises.”

Tailoring your course

Our programmes offer students the ability to customise their learning to both suit their interests and tailor their degree programme to the career they want to pursue. Speaking of optional and discovery modules Zara explained: “Leeds provides a distinctive opportunity to explore modules outside your primary degree focus. I seized this chance during my first and second years, delving into subjects like Philosophy, Politics, and Marketing through discovery modules. These modules offer a genuinely unique chance to venture beyond your degree's boundaries. Whether driven by pure curiosity or a quest for insights into a particular career, I would highly recommend for students from all degree backgrounds to take on this experience, as it significantly broadens your perspective and enhances your approach to thinking.”

“One aspect of Geography at Leeds which I appreciate is the creative freedom given with assignments. One assignment I particularly enjoyed was when we were tasked to create an Ethical Consumer Report on the Supply Chain of a company of our choice; I conducted a supply chain analysis of Boohoo, presenting my findings of ethical and environmental concerns along their supply chain. As part of a module in Political and Development Geographies, I explored the geopolitical rationale behind Russia's military operations in the Central African Republic, a lesser-known area of conflict which I may not have been otherwise exposed to. As part of a discovery module in Marketing, I explored the marketing strategy behind Red Bull. These few examples demonstrate the diversity of this degree!”

Studying geography at Leeds also provides students with the opportunity to take part in field work. Zara explained: “one opportunity I am looking forward to this year is a field-trip to Sicily as a part of a module exploring the Mediterranean Migration Crisis. Having begun university during the height of the Covid pandemic, such opportunities were limited during my first few years. This trip promises to be an excellent way for me to enhance and apply my knowledge in a hands-on setting.”

Leeds provides a distinctive opportunity to explore modules outside your primary degree focus. I seized this chance during my first and second years, delving into subjects like Philosophy, Politics, and Marketing through discovery modules. These modules offer a genuinely unique chance to venture beyond your degree's boundaries.

Academic support

One service that we offer students of all levels is Skills@Library. Skills@Library supports taught students to develop academic skills, within the curriculum and through online resources, workshops, 1-2-1 appointments and drop-in sessions. Zara also benefited from the additional academic support Leeds has to offer, she explained: “Leeds has offered support in various areas over my time here. One specific tool I have used has been the ‘Skills@Library’ support.

During my first year I received great help with the foundational maths involved in economics. Not having completed A-Level maths initially left me with low confidence in the subject. However, I proactively sought support by reaching out to a mentor who organized one-on-one meetings. These sessions focused on clarifying concepts from lectures and seminars, with my mentor demonstrating alternative problem-solving approaches. By the end of the year, my confidence in maths had markedly improved, and I achieved a first in the module in question.”

Gaining industry experience

At Leeds, we offer an invaluable opportunity for students to take part in a year in industry. This is a great way of deciding a career path to take after graduation. This helps our students to develop their skills and gain a real insight into working life in a particular company or sector. It also helps our graduates to stand out in a competitive graduate jobs market and improve their chances of securing the career they want.

Discussing her year in industry, Zara said: “I undertook a year in industry placement with Bosch Motorsport during my penultimate year at Leeds. My role was as an intern in the motorsport sales department. I was entrusted with the responsibility of managing my own set of customers, allowing me to hone my professional communication skills. Additionally, navigating the challenges of the industry allowed me to enhance my problem-solving abilities and adaptability, providing a holistic learning experience. I was lucky enough to visit the Bosch headquarters in Abstatt, Germany on three occasions during my internship- an experience which gave me an insight into the scale of business in a multinational company, and a chance to learn from a diverse set of people.”

“Although Geography and Economics may not seem directly linked to a career in sales or the motorsport industry, the transferable skills I've acquired throughout my university journey – such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and clear communication – have proven immensely beneficial. These versatile skills have enabled me to thrive in unexpected professional landscapes.

My year in industry considerably bolstered my confidence in the professional realm. Consequently, I left with far less apprehension about entering the workforce post-graduation than I would have had otherwise. This invaluable experience provided a solid foundation for my transition into the professional world and is something I would urge other students to consider, no matter their interests!”

Looking to the future

After graduating, Zara plans to use some time to travel before entering industry. She explained: “studying Geography has truly heightened my cultural curiosity and eagerness to explore new countries. This upcoming summer I am embarking on a placement with Think Pacific in Bali- an enriching volunteering scheme endorsed by the university. During this experience, I will be supporting Bali-based businesses, social enterprises and charities to develop practical and sustainable solutions to current challenges. This journey promises not only professional development, but also an immersion into Balinese culture, which I am particularly excited for.”

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