BSc Geography and Economics (International)

Get a comprehensive foundation in geography and economics, applying cutting-edge research tools to address socially relevant problems, while studying under multidisciplinary experts. 

Overview

Our undergraduate combined honours programme provides comprehensive training in geography and economics, enabling you to gain expertise in both fields and utilise advanced research tools to address relevant social issues. With the Economics Department, you will learn about fundamental concepts in micro and macroeconomics before exploring specialised options including environmental economics, development economics, and money and banking.

In Geography, you will gain diverse global perspectives on contemporary issues, studying modules on finance, labour, welfare, and digital economies. This interdisciplinary approach fosters intellectual development and offers an International pathway, including a year abroad at one of our partner institutions, for those seeking a broader academic experience.

To stay on the International pathway, students must maintain an average mark of 60% or above after their first year.

Degree Structure

This course ensures that you receive a comprehensive education in both geography and economics, regardless of your chosen emphasis. We recognise that students come from diverse arts and science backgrounds, so the first-year courses are designed to bring everyone up to speed with the necessary skills. During this time, you will also become acquainted with the core issues in modern geography and economists, helping you identify your areas of interest.

In the second year, you will explore the foundational topics of micro and macroeconomics, which provide the disciplinary knowledge and skills required for advanced modules in the third year. In geography, you have the opportunity to specialise in various areas including economics, urban studies, development, and physical geography, based on your interests. While human geography has been a popular focus for joint degree students, some have chosen to explore environmental geography and climate change to complement their interest in environmental economics. Specialised third-year options further develop your understanding of key debates within geographic sub-disciplines.

The third year is spent studying abroad at an approved university, immersing you in a new academic and cultural environment. Returning for the fourth year, you will then tailor your course selection to match your interests. Building upon the core knowledge gained in second-year economics modules, you can specialise in diverse areas including urban economics, environmental economics, game theory, finance and banking, or development economics. Advanced geography modules are also available, offering an in-depth exploration of subjects like finance, migration, and housing. You will also have the flexibility to study certain subjects from both geographic and economic perspectives, allowing for a multidisciplinary approach. This ability to think and work across disciplines provides unique insights and equips students with the necessary skills to thrive in an ever-changing global economy.

Application and next steps

Please note: You cannot apply directly to this course through UCAS.

Instead, you can transfer to the BSc Geography and Economics International pathway from the BSc Geography and Economics in your first year. To remain on the International pathway, you must average a mark of 60% or more at the end of your first year.

Please ensure you’ve read the guidelines and entry requirements for the Programme you wish to apply for before submitting your application. You can return to the Undergraduate Programmes page if you wish to revisit the Programme overview and entry requirements.

Apply for undergraduate Programmes

If you have any further queries about our Undergraduate Programmes, you can email geog.office@ucl.ac.uk. Please read all the information online before contacting us as you may find the answer to your question online.

The admissions process for all our programmes is carried out by UCL Admissions. Due to the large volume of applications our central admissions team receives, it may take a little while before a decision on your application can be returned. Please, therefore, do not be concerned if you don't hear back from us immediately.