Geographies of Money, Finance, and Debt (012GA)

30 credits, Level 6

Autumn teaching

On this module, you’ll explore the role of money, finance and debt in today’s global crises. These crises include inequality, democracy and environmental sustainability.

The module positions money, finance and debt as an inherently political subject, long neglected by non-economists. You’ll address how money, finance and debt have geographical dimensions, including the:

  • power and wealth of cities such as London and New York
  • contrast of these cities with the decline of other regions in the UK and US
  • influence of financial centres in the Global North
  • contrast of these financial centres with regions in the Global South.

Despite assumptions that finance is now a ‘de-territorialized’ global phenomenon, you’ll learn how the impacts of finance and debt are still spatially constituted and experienced by real people in real places.

Topics include:

  • an introduction to where money comes from and the politics of money creation
  • the drivers and impacts of rising private household debt
  • the role of global financial institutions in fossil fuel investment and climate change
  • the proliferation of cryptocurrencies and money reform movements.

Understanding contemporary financial practices and patterns is critical in challenging inequality and injustice within society. As such, this module is accessible for all students, regardless of a background in economics.

Teaching

33%: Lecture
67%: Seminar

Assessment

25%: Coursework (Essay)
75%: Written assessment (Essay)

Contact hours and workload

This module is approximately 300 hours of work. This breaks down into about 30 hours of contact time and about 270 hours of independent study. The University may make minor variations to the contact hours for operational reasons, including timetabling requirements.

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2026/27. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum.

We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

Courses

This module is offered on the following courses: