Geography and Economics BSc
London, Bloomsbury
Geography and Economics BSc (2024)
This challenging combined-studies programme, is designed to equip students with a thorough grounding in the theoretical principles and techniques of application in both Geography and Economics.
It is taught by both the Department of Geography (ranked 6th in the world according to the QS World University Ranking by Subject 2023: Geography) and the Department of Economics (ranked 17th in the world according to the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023: Economics & Econometrics).
Study mode
Duration
UK tuition fees (2024/25)
Overseas tuition fees (2024/25)
Programme starts
September 2025Application deadline
29 Jan 2025UCAS course code
Entry requirements
- Grades
- A*AA
- Subjects
- Mathematics required with A*. Plus, one from Geography, History or another essay based subject preferred but not required.
- GCSEs
- English Language and Mathematics at grade C or 4.
Contextual offer information
-
Contextual offers are typically one to two grades lower than the standard offer. Grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
- Points
- 39
- Subjects
- A total of 19 points in three higher level subjects including grade 7 in Mathematics, plus one from Geography, History or another essay based subject preferred but not required, wwith no higher level score below 5.
Contextual offer
-
Contextual offers are typically one to two grade boundaries (equivalent to A levels) lower than the standard offer. IB Diploma grade and subject requirements for contextual offers for this programme will be published in Summer 2024.
UK applicants qualifications
For entry requirements with other UK qualifications accepted by UCL, choose your qualification from the list below:
Equivalent qualification
Pass in Access to HE Diploma, with a minimum of 36 credits at Distinction and 9 credits at Merit, all from Level 3 units. Please note, where subject specific requirements are stipulated at A level we may review your Access to HE syllabus to ensure you meet the subject specific requirements prior to a final decision being communicated.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
D2,D3,D3 in three Cambridge Pre-U Principal Subjects, including Mathematics grade D2
A1,A,A at Advanced Highers (or A1,A at Advanced Higher and AAA at Higher), including Mathematics at grade A1 at Advanced Higher.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Not acceptable for entrance to this programme.
Successful completion of the WBQ Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate plus 2 GCE A levels at grades A*AA, including A* in Mathematics.
International applications
Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.
Access and widening participation
UCL is committed to widening access to higher education. If you are eligible for Access UCL you do not need to do anything in addition to the standard UCAS application. Your application will be automatically flagged when we receive it.Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates
The Undergraduate Preparatory Certificates (UPC) prepare international students for a UCL undergraduate degree who don’t have the qualifications to enter directly. These intensive one-year foundation courses are taught on our central London campus.
Typical UPC students will be high achievers in a 12-year school system which does not meet the standard required for direct entry to UCL.
For more information see: ucl.ac.uk/upc.
English language requirements
The English language level for this programme is: Level 2
-
Information about the evidence required, acceptable qualifications and test providers can be found on our English language requirements page.
A variety of English language programmes are offered at the UCL Centre for Languages & International Education.
Course overview
Our Geography and Economics degree gives equal weight to both disciplines, although the balance can be modified in the Final Year. In each year, you will receive regular programme-related classes in geography and economics.
In the First Year, you will take two compulsory modules in Geography, Thinking Geographically I and Thinking Geographically II, and two optional modules from a range of First-Year Geography modules. You are strongly encouraged to take Geography in the Field I, which includes a week-long field class. In Economics, you take two compulsory modules, Introduction to Mathematics for Economists and Economics, and one optional module from a range of First-Year Economics modules.
In the Second Year, you will take two compulsory modules in Economics: Microeconomics and Macroeconomic Theory and Policy. You also select a minimum of three modules in Geography. One further module is normally selected from the Geography Second-Year options but can be taken in Economics as long as you then take at least three modules in Geography in your Final Year.
In the Final Year, you will take eight modules of which at least two modules, and not more than six modules, can be selected from any of the Second/Third Year modules in Economics. At least two modules, and not more than six modules, must be chosen from all Final-Year Human Geography options. Most students do not take a dissertation in their Final Year, but exceptions may be made following consultation with the Geography and Economics programme tutor.
It is possible to transfer to the BSc Geography and Economics (International) pathway from the BSc Geography and Economics in your First Year. The BSc Geography and Economics (International) pathway offers the flexibility of our three-year BSc programme with an additional year abroad studying at one of our international partner institutions. To remain on the International pathway, you must average a mark of 60% or more at the end of your First Year.
What this course will give you
Teaching and research in both departments engages with society's most pressing problems. Learning how to understand and respond to these challenges requires drawing on the strengths of focused social scientific analysis and the breadth of knowledge of a combined honours degree.
You will acquire a distinctive mix of theoretical and practical skills (including a range of analytical techniques, independent research skills, and project work) and specialised knowledge of the core principles of Economics, key approaches in Geography, and ways of integrating the two.
This training, and a degree that combines a core set of study with a very wide choice of optional areas of specialisation, makes UCL Geography and Economics students very attractive to employers in the UK and around the world, in finance, policy and government, and other sectors.
You will have access to facilities, staff and teaching from both departments. Dedicated tutors provide an important point of contact, ensuring that this is a programme in its own right. UCL supports our efforts with first-class library facilities and other study resources.
Teaching and learning
In each year of your degree you will take a number of individual modules, normally valued at 15 or 30 credits, adding up to a total of 120 credits for the year. Modules are assessed in the academic year in which they are taken. The balance of compulsory and optional modules varies from programme to programme and year to year. A 30-credit module is considered equivalent to 15 credits in the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS).
Upon successful completion of 360 credits, you will be awarded a BSc (Hons) in Geography and Economics.
Modules
Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability is subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.
-
The degree gives equal weight to both Geography and Economics, although the balance can be modified in the Second Year and Final Year. In each year, you will receive regular programme-related classes in geography and economics. The First Year is highly structured but the number of compulsory modules declines in the Second Year and there is a lot of free choice in the Final year. However, students must ensure that they undertake a minimum of 90 Geography and 90 Economics credits across Years Two and Three.
As this is a combined-studies degree and students are expected to reach a certain level of competence in both Geography and Economics, it is not normally possible to take any module outside these two departments - though a case can be made to the programme tutor for one Third Year module.
First Year: In the First Year, you will take two compulsory modules in Geography: Thinking Geographically I and Thinking Geographically II and two optional modules from a range of First Year Geography modules. You are strongly encouraged to take Geography in the Field I, which includes a week-long field class. In Economics, you take two compulsory modules, Introduction to Mathematics for Economists and Economics and one optional module from a range of First-Year Economics modules. Your First Year is evenly split between the two departments. In Geography, you will take Thinking Geographically I and Thinking Geographically II (15 credits each), plus two optional 15-credit modules from a list of seven. In Economics, you will take Economics (30 credits) and Introduction to Mathematics for Economics (15 credits), plus one optional module from a list of four.
Second Year: You will take two compulsory 30-credit modules in Economics: Microeconomics, and Macroeconomic Theory and Policy. You may choose any four 15-credit modules from the Geography Second-Year options, or take an additional 15-credit module in Economics and three 15-credit modules in Geography. Normally, students will not take a dissertation in their Final Year but exceptions may be made, in which case you would need to take Practice in Geography and Methods in Human Geography.
Third Year: In the Final Year, you will take eight modules, of which at least two modules and not more than six modules can be selected from any of the Second/Third Year modules in Economics. At least two modules and not more than six modules must be chosen from all Final-Year Human Geography options. If you wish to take an ancillary module outside the two departments, you may make a case to the programme tutor.
Compulsory modules
Your learning
Your timetable will include lectures, regular seminars, tutorials and practical classes. As you progress, the focus shifts to independent and critical learning, with student-led discussions becoming more important. While the structure of the degree is well defined, it is still possible to make some changes to this - to allow for dissertations and field class work, for example.
Geography and Economics students do not normally take part in the First-Year Geography field class, but they may do so by choosing the module Geography in the Field I. They may also choose suitable Second and Third Year fieldwork modules, as long as this does not conflict with the general rules on option choices outlined above.
Each student will engage in 1,200 learning hours every year but the form this takes will vary widely depending on student choices. However, a First-Year student on this programme might spend about 12% of their time in lectures, 6% in seminars or practicals, and 2% in tutorials. The remainder will be spent in independent study, revision, etc. If the student took the field class option in Geography that would account for another 3%. In the Second and Third Years these figures will vary even more widely, as students have greater choice over module selection.
Assessment
First-Year assessments combine independent coursework completed throughout the year with written examinations taken at the end of the year. In the Second and Third Years, the assessments may vary between modules, some combining written examinations with various types of independent projects, some assessed solely by written examination.
Accessibility
Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing team.
Visit us
—
Online - Open day
Undergraduate Virtual Open Days
UCL is London's leading multidisciplinary university, voted University of the Year 2024 by the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide. With students from over 150 different countries, UCL is a diverse global community of world leading academics and students. Join us at our Virtual Open Days and discover why UCL might be the place for you! Check out our Open Days webpages where you can find out about the programmes on offer, student services and book live Q&A sessions to get your questions answered.
The foundation of your career
A degree combining Geography and Economics has proved attractive to many employers, particularly those in business and commerce, the public sector and international organisations (Graduate Outcomes survey carried out by the Higher Education Statistics Agency (HESA), looking at the destinations of UK and EU graduates in the 2017-18, 2018-19, 2019-20, 2020-21 cohorts).
Employability
Having been trained in both sciences and humanities, UCL geographers are skilled in taking different perspectives on an issue, working independently and adapting to changing circumstances. Skills gained through the further study of economics include finding solutions to real-world problems, mathematical skills and an enhanced understanding of political and economic events.
Fees and funding
Fees for this course
| Fee description | Full-time |
|---|---|
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £9,250 |
| Tuition fees (2024/25) | £34,400 |
The fees indicated are for undergraduate entry in the 2024/25 academic year. The UK fees shown are for the first year of the programme at UCL only. Fees for future years may be subject to an inflationary increase. The Overseas fees shown are the fees that will be charged to 2024/25 entrants for each year of study on the programme, unless otherwise indicated below.
Full details of UCL's tuition fees, tuition fee policy and potential increases to fees can be found on the UCL Students website.
Additional costs
If students on this programme take Geography in the Field I and attend the field class, UCL Geography will cover all accommodation costs and most of the food and travel costs. We also currently make a significant contribution to the costs of Second and Third-Year field trips, covering flights/some train travel and accommodation. The exact cost of each field trip will depend on the location and prevailing exchange rates, but it is estimated that students would need to contribute between £75 and £250 per field trip, depending on the destination. This estimate is based on the costs incurred by students on these trips in 2023. Additional costs will be incurred on personal expenses such as food etc.
If students require a visa to travel, the cost of this can range between £65 to £350 depending on destination. Students are advised to research costs before committing to the fieldwork.
Information about tuition fees and financial support for students undertaking the BSc Geography and Economics (International) pathway can be accessed on UCL's Study Abroad webpages.
A guide including rough estimates for these and other living expenses is included on the UCL Fees and funding pages. If you are concerned by potential additional costs for books, equipment, etc., please get in touch with the relevant departmental contact (details given on this page).
Funding your studies
Various funding options are available, including student loans, scholarships and bursaries. UK students whose household income falls below a certain level may also be eligible for a non-repayable bursary or for certain scholarships. Please see the Fees and funding pages for more details.
Scholarships
The Scholarships and Funding website lists scholarships and funding schemes available to UCL students. These may be open to all students, or restricted to specific nationalities, regions or academic department.
Next steps
Your application
We are looking for enthusiastic applicants who can demonstrate a genuine interest in both sides of this joint degree programme, and in the prospect of bringing them together. Evidence of this interest in both Geography and Economics might come in the form of wider reading beyond school or college textbooks.
How to apply
Application for admission should be made through UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service). Applicants currently at school or college will be provided with advice on the process; however, applicants who have left school or who are based outside the United Kingdom may obtain information directly from UCAS.
Selection
For further information on UCL's selection process see: How we assess your application.
We are happy to consider applications for deferred entry, especially where interesting and productive plans are being made for the 'gap' year.
Most students are invited to attend an open day once they have been made an offer. Our open days - in Bloomsbury or online - include talks from staff, question and answer sessions lead by our current students, and, when possible, introductory masterclasses run by key members of staff in Geography. In Bloomsbury, we also offer a short tour of UCL and a chance to meet and talk with our academics.
Got questions? Get in touch
UCL is regulated by the Office for Students.