Land Economy

Land Economy at the University of Cambridge offers a comprehensive multidisciplinary program that combines elements of law, economics, and environmental planning, equipping students with the knowledge and skills to address complex issues related to land use, development, and sustainability. The course is designed to provide an in-depth understanding of the legal frameworks governing land ownership and development, the economic principles that underpin land markets, and the environmental considerations essential for sustainable planning and management. Students will explore topics such as property law, planning law, real estate economics, environmental law, and policies affecting land management at local, national, and international levels. The program emphasizes critical thinking and analytical skills, preparing graduates for careers in urban planning, property development, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, or further academic research. Throughout their studies, students will engage with case studies, practical projects, and site visits, fostering a real-world understanding of land economy issues. The course also encourages interdisciplinary collaboration, integrating insights from geography, law, economics, and environmental science. Students benefit from Cambridge’s esteemed academic staff, research centers, and a vibrant academic community. The program typically spans three years for students taking the undergraduate course, with options for specialization and postgraduate study. Graduates from Land Economy are well-equipped to contribute effectively to shaping sustainable and equitable land use policies worldwide.

Teaching in the Department is a mix of lectures, seminars, project work, field trips and supervisions. In a typical week, you can expect 10-15 hours of lectures and two or three supervisions.

Assessment is by written examinations and through coursework and projects, as well as a dissertation in Year 3 (Part II).

Year 1 (Part IA)

Part IA provides the framework for later specialisation. You acquire a thorough grounding in the core disciplines of law and economics and are introduced to the multidisciplinary nature of the degree through four compulsory papers:

• Economics
• The Public Sector: Institutional and Legal Frameworks
• Quantitative and Legal Methods for Land Economists
• Land Economy, Development and Sustainability

During your first year, you develop a sound numerical base, computer literacy, and skills in oral presentation and report preparation.

Year 2 (Part IB)

In Part IB, you can continue studying a broad range of law, environment and economics or choose to specialise more closely in one of the three disciplines.

You take five papers, including at least one paper from a choice of two on law, and select your other four papers from a choice of six. Current options include:

• Environmental Economics and Law
• Fundamentals of Finance and Investment
• The Built Environment
• Land and Urban Economics
• The Law of Real Property: Principles, Policy, and Economic Implications

Year 3 (Part II)

Part II continues the work of the second year, with further opportunity for breadth or depth.

You’re required to take four papers chosen from a wide range of options which currently includes:

• Law and Economics
• Landlord and Tenant Law
• Planning Policy and Practice
• Land, Food and Ecosystem Services
• Land Policy and Development Economics
• Advanced Techniques in Finance and Investment for Real Estate

You also write a 10,000-word dissertation on any aspect of the Department’s work of your choosing.

Dissertation topics have covered all the research interests of Departmental staff (including many with an international focus) and this is the opportunity to specialise in a topic that particularly interests you.

The choice is very broad and in the past students have written on, for example:

• the economics of gentrification
• Aboriginal land claims in Australia
• catastrophic risk management in capital markets
• the social perception of population density
• the future prospects of virtual currencies
• the upgrading of slums in Brazil
• road traffic and house prices
• financial institutions in sub-Saharan Africa
• the affordable housing legacy of the London Olympics

• All applicants to the University of Cambridge must submit an application to UCAS (the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service) by the relevant deadline.
• The Attestat o (polnom) Srednem Obshchem Obrazovanii (Certificate of Secondary Education) is not considered to be suitable preparation for a competitive application to the University of Cambridge. We strongly recommend that you undertake further study if you wish to apply for an undergraduate degree. Examples of the qualifications that would be considered suitable for admission to Cambridge are A Levels, the International Baccalaureate (IB), five or more Advanced Placement (AP) courses, or possibly the first year of an undergraduate degree at a university outside the UK. We recommend that you contact the College that you wish to apply to directly for further advice and guidance.
• IELTS – normally a minimum overall grade of 7.5, usually with 7.0 or above in each element.
• Cambridge English: Advanced – grade A or B.
• Cambridge English: Proficiency – grade A, B or C.

Admission assessment

All applicants for Land Economy are required to take a written assessment at interview, if interviewed.

Assessment format

• Thinking Skills Assessment (Critical Thinking and Problem Solving; 90 minutes)

You do not need to register or be registered in advance for the assessment at interview – the Colleges provide details of arrangements in the letters inviting applicants to interview.

Please note that your performance in the assessment at interview will not be considered in isolation, but will be taken into account alongside the other elements of your application.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The Land Economy program at the University of Cambridge offers a range of funding options to support students throughout their studies. Students enrolled in this program can apply for various scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid packages provided by the university, colleges, and external organizations. These funding opportunities are designed to help cover tuition fees, living expenses, and other costs associated with studying at Cambridge. The university's access and outreach initiatives aim to attract students from diverse backgrounds, providing bursaries and financial support to those who demonstrate financial need. Additionally, students are encouraged to explore scholarships based on merit, nationality, or specific areas of interest within Land Economy. The university also participates in government loan schemes for eligible students from certain countries, enabling them to finance their education through manageable repayment plans after graduation. Students are advised to consult the Cambridge Funding Office and their college's financial aid office for personalized advice and application procedures. Funding applications typically require documentation of financial circumstances and academic achievements, and deadlines vary depending on the source of funding. The program's comprehensive financing options ensure that talented students have the opportunity to pursue their studies regardless of financial background, fostering an inclusive academic environment. International students should examine specific scholarship opportunities available to them, as well as external funding sources tailored for international higher education students. Overall, the Land Economy program at Cambridge is well-supported by a broad array of financial resources, emphasizing the university's commitment to making education accessible and affordable for all qualified applicants.

Your living expenses may be higher than for a Home student (eg if you stay in Cambridge/the UK during vacations). The minimum resources needed in Cambridge for the year (excluding tuition and College fees) are estimated to be approximately £10,080 in 2017-18 and £10,310 in 2018-19, depending on lifestyle (you should allow for increases in future years).