Land Economy

Subject overview at Downing 

Average places per year 3
Course duration  3 years - BA (Hons)
Standard offer A-Level: A*AA
IB: 41-43 points overall and 776 at Higher Level
Course requirements Pre-interview written assessment
Admission overview 2 interviews on the same day
UCAS code KL41
Campus code D

Why study Land Economy at Cambridge?

Land Economics is a broad, varied and interesting intersection of economics, law, planning, the environment and other disciplines. Land Economists learn to see the interconnections between things and look at the world from various practical angles looking for the best outcomes for society and the environment. Land Economists learn to apply theories and basic concepts from different disciplines – from applied economics to environmental law and public policy – to shape more sustainable future for our built and natural environment.

After the first year, students can pick subjects to specialise in a specific area of interest and tailor their degree. Land Economist will learn a broad set of technical, statistical, analytical, and writing skills which are in high demand in jobs today. In fact, the Land Economy degree has one of the strongest employment records across Cambridge. Past students’ employment records include investment banks and other financial institutions, consultancies across the fields of environmental policy and measures, investments, real estate, planning and the broader built environment, think tanks, public policy institutions, governmental agencies, etc.

Why Study Land Economy at Downing?

Downing takes on average three land economists each year and has the advantage of having two members of the Department, one as a Fellow in Land Economy Dr Stefania Fiorentino and another as an Emeritus Fellow of the College, Professor John McCombie.

The Director of Studies is Dr Stefania Fiorentino, she lectures and leads research in urban planning and economic geography. 

Downing is house to the Mathias Society for Economists and Land Economists that hosts regular subject talks and events alongside a very popular annual dinner bringing together current students and alumni.

If you wish to find out more about Land Economy at Downing, you are welcome to attend one of our College open days.

“Land Economists at Downing are a very friendly and cohesive group of students coming from different nationalities and backgrounds, but all sharing an interest in the way we experience, manage, and protect our built environment.

At Downing, we are looking for talented, enthusiastic, and open-minded students that are updated on the major debates and challenges of our time, from global inequalities and regional development issues, to addressing climate change in fields like real estate or urban economics, and through public policy.

Our students should be ready to take-up the challenges. They will likely end up working at the frontline of our changing environment, and once finished with their studies they should be able to apply the concepts they have been taught to try and find potential solutions to the contemporary challenges faced by cities and regions.”

 

Dr Stefania Fiorentino

Who are we looking for?

There is no combination of A-Level subjects that is a prerequisite for studying Land Economy, although Mathematics, Geography and Economics would be useful.

What the College is looking for are students of the highest intellectual potential, regardless of the subjects that they are taking at A-Level.

Given the large number of applications we normally receive, we require to see two pieces of written work that relates to the subjects studied in Land Economy as a pre-interview written assessment.

At present, Land Economy applicants receive two interviews on the same day, each with two interviewers. Both interviews are largely subject-based, although more general questions may also be asked.

Further information on entry requirements can be found on the Land Economy subject page. There is no requirement to bring any material along to the interviews.

Further advice about entry requirements and interviews for all subjects can be found in the Apply to Downing section of this site.

Because of the small number of places for Land Economy in each College, the Directors of Studies keep in close contact with each other so that if one College has a large number of good quality applicants but cannot take them all, other Colleges might consider them.

How can you find out more about Land Economy?  

The Department also has its own departmental open day. Further information about the Land Economy Tripos and about future career paths can be found on the Department website.

The reading list on the Faculty website is given as a guide to help applicants gain a better understanding of the subject matter. They are not intended as preparatory reading and interviewers will not expect candidates necessarily to have read any of these titles.

Further details about the Land Economy course can be found at the University of Cambridge website.