Details
Geography at Birmingham combines a sound academic training with an insight into practical, social, economic and environmental issues. You refine perspectives and develop skills in a degree programme that encourages the use of imagination and observation to resolve real problems affecting people and environments.
Economics asks crucial questions: Is European monetary union a simple choice or would it have far-reaching, unforeseen consequences for Britain whatever decision is taken? While governments and voters wrestle with such problems, the economist exercises the analytical skills needed to tackle many of the complexities of the modern world.
Whether the subject is exchange rates, trade agreements, income tax or international banking, we understand them all better with the insights of economics. The Economics programmes at Birmingham give you a sound training – in theory and in practice – for tackling a wide range of relevant problems.
Modules
First year
Geography
The modular structure allows you maximum flexibility in developing your own interests without channeling you into decisive choices too early. In the first year you will be exposed to the main principles of human and physical geography, to global environmental issues, and various practical skills. You will also explore contemporary urban issues using Birmingham as a real-world laboratory. The first semester includes residential fieldwork in human and physical geography.
Economics
You are introduced to the main facets of the discipline: quantitative methods, microeconomics and macroeconomics. You learn about computer-based methods for analysing economic data, and explore topics in applied economics, such as the European Union.
Second year
Geography
You are now introduced to specialist techniques such as computer cartography and the use of databases and spreadsheets. You learn how to develop a research proposal, which may be the starting point for your dissertation in the final year. Training in more advanced fieldwork skills is provided by courses held in European centres. You also choose from optional modules in many different branches of Geography.
Economics
In this year you consolidate the main areas of the subject and begin to explore the many optional modules on offer like Economic Development or Environmental Economics.
Third year
Geography
In your third year you select from a wide range of modules that provide the more specialised knowledge and skills in the areas of Geography that appeal to you.
Economics
The emphasis in your final year shifts towards the application of economic theory and how this impacts on policy-making. You also undertake your own research and produce an extended essay on a topic of your own choosing.
This course includes the unique opportunity to be supported with a work placement opportunity as part of your final year, undertaking a 'Professional Development' module as part of your optional module choices.
Fees and funding
Entry requirements
Number of A levels required: 3 Joint Honours BSc Economics/Geography entry grades are AAA (to include A in Geography) plus GCSE Maths grade A and GCSE English grade C
Typical offer: AAA (to include A in Geography) plus GCSE Maths grade A and GCSE English grade C. General Studies is NOT accepted
Required subjects and grades: AAA (to include A in Geography) plus GCSE Maths grade A and GCSE English grade C. General Studies is NOT accepted
General Studies: not accepted
Additional information:
Typical offer grades are for guidance only, and will depend on the subjects you are combining. Please read the entries for both subjects. Where there is a disparity between the typical offer for Subject A and the typical offer for Subject B, the higher offer should be taken as the usual offer for the combination of the two.
Other qualifications are considered – learn more about entry requirements
International students:
International Baccalaureate Diploma: 36–38 points
Learn more about international entry requirements
Depending on your chosen course of study, you may also be interested in the Birmingham Foundation Academy, a specially structured programme for international students whose qualifications are not accepted for direct entry to UK universities. Further details can be found on the foundation academy web pages.
How to apply
Key Information Set (KIS)
Key Information Sets (KIS) are comparable sets of information about full or part time undergraduate courses and are designed to meet the information needs of prospective students.
From September 2012 all KIS information will be published on the Unistats website and can also be accessed via the small advert, or ‘widget’, below. On the Unistats website you will be able to compare all the KIS data for each course with data for other courses.
The development of Key Information Sets (KIS) forms part of HEFCE’s work to enhance the information that is available about higher education. It will give you access to robust, reliable and comparable information in order to help you make informed decisions about what and where to study.
The KIS contains information which prospective students have identified as useful, such as student satisfaction, graduate outcomes, learning and teaching activities, assessment methods, tuition fees and student finance, accommodation and professional accreditation.