Director of Studies
Dr Catherine MacKenzie
(approx. 4 students each year)
The course
The first year (Part IA) of Land Economy provides the framework for later specialisation. The overall aim of the first year is to ensure that you have experience of the core subjects of law and economics as well as a sound numerical base, computer literacy, and skills in oral presentation and report preparation. Assessment is by written examination and through course work and project completion, including computer skills and oral presentations. In the second year (Part IB) you can continue with a broad range of law, environment and economics or choose to specialise more closely in one of the three disciplines. There is a wide choice from which you choose five options (advanced economic applications, law and three others from a choice of finance and business, built environment, environmental policies, urban and regional studies, and the relationship between law and economics). Assessment is through written examinations and coursework. The third year (Part II) continues the work of the second year, with further opportunity for breadth or depth. Options in Years 2 and 3 are broadly interchangeable so you are able to tailor the pattern of your degree. In the third year, you choose four options from a wide range of topics. You will also write a dissertation of 10,000 words on any aspect of the Department's work.
The Land Economy Department has one of the strongest records for graduate employment across the University, undoubtedly a reflection of its strong practical base and emphasis on the development of critical employment skills. The Land Economy Tripos is recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors under a special partnership agreement, which allows graduates to proceed directly to the Institution's assessment of professional competence to become fully qualified professional chartered surveyors.
Homerton takes around four undergraduates each year to read Land Economy.Application and Interviews
There are no subject specific requirements for this course, although Economics and Geography are seen as useful subjects to have. If you are following an A-level curriculum, the usual conditions of the offer will be that you obtain specified grades at A-level: typically A*AA (without specifying which should be A*). We can certainly consider equivalent qualifications such as the International Baccalaureate, for example.
Those who are invited to attend for interview will have a general and a subject-specific interview as part of the admissions process: one interview will be with a Tutor or college officer who may well have an academic interest in one element of your subject, and your second with the Director of Studies in Land Economy. We try to conduct our interviews in a friendly and informal manner and no special preparation is necessary.We ask, in advance, for one piece of written work, composed as part of a school course. Send us the work you most enjoyed writing, the material which in your view shows your skills and potential to best advantage. Your work may form the basis for some discussion in interview.
