Land Economy

Number of students

We typically admit five undergraduates per year.

The course

The relationship of law and economics to resource management and the natural and built environments forms the heart of the course, but other related topics are explored, such as principles of business regulation, financial aspects of real estate, public policy analysis and issues of international development.
The first year provides a foundation for the programme of study, including courses in economics, law and data analysis, and an introduction to elements of land economy and the determinants of land use patterns. The second and third years offer choices within a broad range of courses, dealing with basic principles and practical applications in both private and public land use decision-making.  Assessment is by written examination and course work, with a dissertation in the final year. Recent dissertation topics include land reform in Zimbabwe, housing policy in the Lake District, regeneration in Liverpool, environmental economic modelling, impacts of new planning laws in England, and ownership of the waves and foreshore in Fiji.

The benefits of Land Economy at Fitzwilliam College

Fitzwilliam's connections with Land Economy have a long and glorious history - Professor Gordon Cameron was an influential and modernising Professor of Land Economy from 1980 until his death in 1990, and was also Master of Fitzwilliam College from 1988. It is in his honour that the Fitzwilliam Land Economy Society is named. The Cameron Society provides a focus for extra-curricular academic and social events within College, bringing speakers to talk on issues of interest and offering subsidised field trips that are course-related. We are also delighted that Fitzwilliam Land Economists remain connected with The Cameron Society after graduation, offering our current students valuable contacts and advice.

Fitzwilliam has an excellent reputation in Land Economy. Our results are pleasingly impressive; in both 2015 and 2017, our final year students achieved a starred first and came top of the Tripos across the University.

Thanks to our well-stocked College library, and to the generosity of past students, we are able to give all our students their core text books to keep for the year.

Entry requirements

Our standard conditional offer for this subject is usually A*AA at A-level or 40-42 points overall and 7, 7, 6 at Higher Level in IB. We may modify offers to take account of individual circumstances.

The distinctive multi-disciplinary nature of the course attracts students with different interests and diverse backgrounds. Arts or sciences (or a mixture) are equally acceptable: previous study of law or economics is not required.

The admissions process

Students are required to provide one piece of marked school work as part of the admissions process.

The admissions process consists of two interviews. Applicants are also required to take the Land Economy admissions written assessment prior to being invited for interview. More information can be found on the University website.

Director of Studies

Dr Emma Lees

More information

Department of Land Economy >>