Land Economy Department Renames Degree Amid Student Concerns

The Land Economy Department at the University of Cambridge will officially change the name of its Bachelor of Arts degree from “Land Economy” to “Environment, Law, and Economics” starting in October 2027. This decision comes despite student criticisms that the new title does not accurately reflect the course’s content. Current students will graduate under the old name, while new enrollees will receive the updated designation on their degree certificates.

The department maintains that the change highlights the multifaceted nature of the program, emphasizing its three key components. According to departmental representatives, these topics were previously utilized as a subtitle for the degree. They expressed a desire for a title that better summarizes the program’s offerings, particularly for those unfamiliar with the department’s research and teaching focus.

Student Feedback on the Name Change

In an effort to gauge opinions on the renaming, the department consulted a range of stakeholders, including students, staff, alumni, and other faculties at Cambridge. All students enrolled in the tripos received a survey regarding the proposed change. The University’s General Board has since approved the new title.

Despite the consultations, several students have voiced their concerns regarding the new name. Dan, a third-year student from Pembroke College, conveyed frustration over the order of the title, stating, “While I am glad it is changing names, everyone is really annoyed they are putting environment first as it doesn’t represent the majority of the degree.”

Izzy, another third-year student from St John’s College, echoed similar sentiments, arguing that the new title “still struggles to capture the nature of the degree.” She pointed out that it fails to mention real estate, one of the primary topics covered.

A third student criticized the new title for misleadingly suggesting a straightforward combination of the three subjects. Instead, she emphasized the course’s “piecemeal” nature, noting that it encompasses a wide range of specific disciplines rather than conventional degree categories.

While students acknowledge the title may not be entirely accurate, some believe that using popular terms like “Environment” could attract more interest. They highlighted that prospective students often find it difficult to learn about the course, as it is unique to Cambridge and not widely recognized in many educational institutions.

Historical Context and Department Response

The BA in Land Economy has its roots in early 20th-century Estate Management courses aimed at landlords, with the current tripos established in 1961. In addressing student feedback, the department clarified that the term “environment” encompasses both natural and urban settings, which are integral to the program’s curriculum.

“The name encapsulates the core areas covered in the degree,” the department stated. “This has been the tagline explaining our degree for a number of years as it is the best explanation of its content.”

As the transition to the new title approaches, the Land Economy Department remains committed to preserving the integrity and quality of the educational experience while striving for greater clarity in how the program is presented to future students.