Cambridge University Renames Land Economy Degree to Enhance Clarity

The Land Economy Department at the University of Cambridge will officially rename its Bachelor of Arts degree from “Land Economy” to “Environment, Law, and Economics” starting in October 2027. This decision comes despite student concerns regarding the accuracy of the new title. Current students will still receive their degrees under the original name, but all incoming students will graduate with the revised title.

The department stated that the new name reflects the multi-faceted nature of the course, highlighting its three core components. Previously, these elements served as a subtitle for the degree, and the department believes the change will provide a clearer understanding for those unfamiliar with its curriculum.

In a statement to *Varsity*, the department outlined that the title change aimed to create a more descriptive summary of the programme. The decision followed consultations with students, staff, alumni, and other departments within Cambridge. A survey was distributed to all students enrolled in the tripos, seeking their opinions on the proposed name change. This shift has received formal approval from the University’s General Board.

While many students acknowledge that the current title may be outdated, they have expressed reservations about the new name. Dan, a third-year student at **Pembroke College**, articulated frustration over the emphasis on the environment, 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.”

The breadth of topics covered in the degree has led to further dissatisfaction among students. Izzy, another third-year student at **St John’s College**, argued that the title “still struggles to capture the nature of the degree,” noting the absence of a reference to real estate, a significant aspect of the curriculum.

Criticism has emerged regarding the perception that the new title inaccurately represents the course as a straightforward combination of its three mentioned areas. One student highlighted that the programme comprises “a really wide variety of things but they’re uber-specific,” emphasizing the complexity of its structure.

Despite the concerns, some students believe that including terms like “Environment” might attract more interest in the course. They noted that prospective students often find it challenging to discover this unique degree, as it is not offered elsewhere and is relatively unknown outside of Cambridge.

The Land Economy degree has its roots in “Estate Management” courses designed for landlords in the early 20th century, with the current tripos being established in 1961. Addressing the students’ feedback, the Land Economy Department reiterated that the new title encapsulates the core areas covered in the programme. They explained that “environment” encompasses not only the natural world but also built and urban environments, which are central to the department’s research and teaching focus.

As the department prepares for this transition, it remains clear that the evolution of the degree’s title is part of a broader effort to enhance understanding and engagement with a programme that has a rich historical legacy.