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Dr K Patel: Fellow and University Lecturer, specialist in real estate finance, also Director of Studies in Economics.
The current number of undergraduates is 8. We normally admit 2-3 new undergraduates per year. We receive an average of 10 applications for every 2 places..
Land Economy is a multi-disciplinary social science degree, focussing on the study of economics, business and law and, in particular, their relationship to the environment around us.
In the first year students are given a thorough grounding in the two primary disciplines (law and economics). In addition they study accounting and data evaluation.
In the second year students start to apply their economics and law to issues and problems relating to land and property, spatial analysis and the environment.
The third year offers greater scope for specialisation, particularly in the more vocational aspects of Land Economy: for example, real estate valuation, landlord and tenant law, urban and environmental planning, development economics, agriculture and rural development. In addition, there is a compulsory dissertation, carrying 20% of the examination marks.
Land Economy is primarily a three year degree. However, it is also possible to read it for one or two years, either before or after another Tripos subject (for example, Economics, Geography, Archaeology and Anthropology or Law). Equally, it is possible to transfer to another Tripos at the end of the first or second year course in Land Economy (for example, to Management Science). If you plan to combine Land Economy with another subject, you should indicate this on your application form.
Teaching is based on programmes of lectures and supervisions (small group tutorials). In addition some subjects require project work and role play.
Lectures are geared specifically to the requirements of the examination, with two lectures per subject per week. During supervisions (held fortnightly for each subject) students are encouraged to discuss the philosophy and underlying rationale of decisions and policies with respect to land, property and the environment, taking into account institutional, political and social influences as well as those derived from law, economics and business. Supervisions, in groups of between two and five, usually take place in the Department rather than the College, with University teachers and researchers who are often Fellows of other Colleges.
The Director of Studies in Land Economy sees students at the beginning, middle and end of every term, and is in college and available to help on Thursdays and Fridays during term.
Applicants for Land Economy are drawn from a wide variety of academic backgrounds. Students will find a mathematics A-level helpful and ideally students will be working towards an economics and/or geography A-level. Students can have a background in either the Arts or the Sciences, and some have both. What is required is a demonstration of numeracy and literacy, critical and analytical skills, the ability to learn and the determination to succeed.
A*AA at A2 assuming good A/S results already obtained. (IB normally 38+ points, Highers 7.7.6 in three subjects). Low offers (2 Es) are rare but not unheard of. Post A-level candidates are normally considered for an unconditional offer.
It is not unusual to accept applicants for deferred entry. Normally one or two of our admissions are in this category.
Re-applications will be considered along with those from other applicants. You are advised to consider carefully before giving up a place at another good university to pursue a Cambridge application.
The College is fortunate to have a benefaction (from Fred Cleary, an Honorary Fellow 1976-84) to support study of the subject (e.g. field trip and travel expenses). Scholarships are awarded on the basis of University exam results.
Candidates for Land Economy will be interviewed by the Director of Studies and usually one other specialist in the subject (taking approximately 20-30 minutes) as well as by the Admissions Tutor or another Fellow (10-15 minutes).
Candidates are normally asked to read a comprehension and discussion piece prior to their interview, upon which they may be questioned. They are also asked to submit an essay on any aspect of their A-Level (or equivalent) study.
The aim of the interview is not just to test your knowledge of a particular subject, but also to explore your ability to see, and argue, both sides of an issue.
Overseas candidates will normally be invited for interview either in Cambridge or, when arrangements can be made, in their home country. Those who are not able to attend interview may be required to submit additional material in connection with their application.
Land economists enter a variety of careers, in both public and private sectors. Career prospects are exceptionally good, with careers in management consultancy, property (surveying) and finance (commerce, banking, insurance) being especially popular. Graduates also go on to be lawyers, economists and civil servants, and work for international and national agencies, in conservation and environmental protection, in local authorities and financial institutions. The degree in Land Economy provides full exemptions from the written examinations of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and also exemptions from certain of the subjects for the Common Professional Examination offered under the auspices of the Law Society.
June 2010
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