Business Studies and Economics (3 Years) [BAEcon]

The Business Studies and Economics specialisation is part of the Business Studies stream within the wider BA(Economic and Social Studies) degree and is a modern interdisciplinary programme focused around relevant topics found in the Economics, Accounting, Finance, Politics and Sociology subject areas. It is run by the School of Social Sciences and Manchester Business School.

The First Year introduces the majority of the transferable and intellectual skills required as a base for progressing on the Business Studies stream. Subject-based material relating to different disciplines is also presented. Economics, for example, is essential in understanding business, whilst mathematics, statistics, computer applications, accounting and finance provide basic building blocks for many of the courses which follow in years two and three. While such topics are useful for analysing business performance, a knowledge of Politics is required to enable understanding of the political and institutional contexts in which business operates. This contextual understanding of the business environment is also enhanced by studying one of the qualitative social sciences, such as Sociology, since appreciation of the organisational and behavioural dimension of business is essential. The structure of the first year of the Business Studies stream of the BA (Economics and Social Studies) programme is flexible so that at the end of the first year it is possible for a student who had initially applied for the Business Studies and Economics pathway for instance to change within the stream, and perhaps change to the Business Studies or Business Studies and Politics specialisations, depending on their academic interests.

The Second Year allows you to extend this base as required, within the framework of this interdisciplinary stream. You could, for example, decide to pursue statistical or operations research options (extending numeracy) or undertake language courses (further transferable skills). It is, however, at this second level that options delivering subject-based outcomes focused towards the stream arise (business economics, business studies extended essay and presentations) it is also in the second year that you can specialise more with the other area of your specialisation. 

The  Third Year delivers a greater number of subject-based options, it also includes further development of generic skills (interpersonal and team environment) by the inclusion of a compulsory business analysis project. The flexible structure of this stream means that many other modules (inc. those in Accounting and/or Finance) are also available to you within the second and third years of the degree. These can be taken alongside classical Business Studies options such as Business Law, Marketing, Human Resource Management, and Management of Knowledge and Technology. All of these can also be taken together with newer options based around subjects such as Globalisation, Information Technologies, or dealing with aspects of appropriate European and international issues. In the final year students are able to choose from a wide range of different options from both areas of their specialisation.

Students may apply to spend one semester studying abroad during the second year of their degree. The Study Abroad website contains further information.

School of Social Sciences

See: School Disciplines

Contact name: Amanda Grimshaw

Telephone: +44 (0)161 275 1473

Facsimile: +44 (0)161 275 4751

Email: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk

Website: www.manchester.ac.uk/socialsciences

• Economics
• Business and Management
• Social Sciences

A-level:

Unit grade information: The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit grade information which, like all other available information, will inform the consideration of applications.  Unit grades will not normally form part of offer conditions, except for Mathematics programmes.

GCSE:

Minimum grade C in English Language and grade B in Mathematics.

Key Skills qualification: The University warmly welcomes applications from students studying the Key Skills qualification. However, as the opportunities to take these modules are not open to all applicants, currently this is not an essential requirement of the University.

International Baccalaureate: 35 points overall. 6,6,5 at Higher Level. No lower than 5 in any subject. (to include at least 2 of the following subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Philosophy, Politics, Religious Studies, Sociology and World Development. ).

Alternative entry requirements

Potential candidates are expected to demonstrate why they have chosen this particular discipline in their personal statement and express why the course interests them.

Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances.

Mitigating circumstances may be personal of family illness, other family circumstances, change of teachers during a course, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college. We recommend that information on mitigating circumstances that have affected or are likely to affect your academic performance will be included in the referee's report. We cannot usually take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application by the admitting school.

Applicants classed as overseas students who are studying Foundation Year Programmes, will be considered on the basis they have completed their High School education in full.

• Provide you with a broad introduction to social science disciplines.
• Through its unique structure, provide the flexibility to allow you to specialise in subject areas while offering you the support you need to develop a coherent programme of study.
• Provide an engaged and interactive learning and studying experience to encourage you to develop to your full potential and to develop knowledge and understanding appropriate to your specialisation.
• Offer teaching and learning experiences that are based on and informed by current research, both in teaching and learning methods and in specific subject areas.
• Help you develop an awareness of the contribution of the social sciences to understanding contemporary society.
• Help you develop generic transferable skills that will prepare you for employment
• Prepare you for further study in relevant areas at MA/MSc/PhD level should you wish to pursue such studies

• A Chair in Political Economy was founded at The University of Manchester in 1854, making it one of the oldest centres for the study of economics in the UK. Since then many famous names in economics have worked here, including three Nobel prize-winners.

Most course units make use of a series of formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars. These provide an excellent opportunity for you to explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading to a greater depth than would be possible on your own. Tutorials and seminars are also key elements in improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing and presentations.

To get an idea of what the teaching format is like for some courses taken by BA(Econ) students, why not view a webcast of one of our 1st year International Relations lectures?

Students are assigned an Academic Advisor, an academic member of staff to whom you can turn to for general advice and support during your studies. Academic Advisors take a friendly interest in your progress and can advise you on specific matters such as selecting course units and career opportunities.

Due to the multidisciplinary nature of the BA (Economics and Social Studies) programme and the Business Studies and Economics specialization in particular, a wide variety of course units are available to students. Due to this, the general format of assessment can vary between different course units and discipline areas.

The assessment in many Economics course units is made up primarily by a final examination. The School of Social Sciences is committed to providing continued academic development to students and as part of this Economics course units also include either summative or formative assessment such as essays, projects or midterm examinations so that students can use feedback to progress further in their studies.

The range of forms of assessment in the Business Studies and Economics specialization are designed to test and enhance students academically. Essays, coursework and other midterm evaluations allow fuller development of and feedback on students' knowledge and understanding. Coursework, essays and dissertations promote the development of argument and fuller understanding of academic material and test the extent to which students can carry out work independently. Others such as presentations or group projects promote the development of teamwork. The combination of assessment methods used is intended to promote in-depth learning and understanding.

For a general guide to the types of assessment for each course unit, please visit the  course module list for the School of Social Sciences

The structure of the first year of specialisations within the Business Studies stream is designed to give students a broad introduction to Business Studies. This is imbedded within the wider Social Sciences, both providing a wider context to the study of business and enabling you to make an informed choice of areas to study in your second and final years. At the end of the first year for instance it is possible for a student who had initially applied for the Business Studies and Economics pathway for instance to change within the stream, and perhaps change to the Business Studies or Business Studies and Politics specialisations, depending on their academic interests.

 To see what modules and options are available in Year One please see the BA Econ Modules and Options webpage.

Manchester University appealed to me not just because it's a fantastic UK university, but also because it's recognised globally as being world class. I loved having the opportunity to study such an excellent and broad variety of modules, moreover the teaching and support staff were all so friendly and readily approachable. Manchester`s social scene takes into account the enormous and diverse student population so there is a student night suited to every taste. Also, I take comfort in the fact that employer's regard my degree highly which only increases my future prospects. Manchester University is outstanding because it has offered me opportunity and choice; academically, socially and professionally across the world.

Peter Wilks - BA (Econ) - Economics and Politics specialist

 The course structure offered here gave me a clear introduction to the various disciplines of Social Science. Even though I have committed myself to study Economics, it is really helpful to be exposed to other fields of study as they help me to keep my options open. The structure of the BA Econ helps first year students to adapt, and learn various fields, before proceeding deeper into a particular area in second and third year. I've had the opportunity to meet students who are intending to specialise in other areas and are from all over the world. Lecturers are very helpful and passionate in educating us, and some even gave us extra non-assessed materials in case anyone is interested. The study facilities available are abundant, and are really helpful not only for exam preparation, but for general knowledge as well. It is hard to believe that anyone would not enjoy it here, as the students here will have the excitement and leisure of a city life, and the advantage of being in a world-class university. Who says that you can't have the cake and eat it?

Hariz Nazimuddin - BA (Econ) - Economics specialist

The School of Social Sciences operates tours which are available most days. These are tours of the south campus with a student ambassador who can tell you all about Social Sciences and life at The University of Manchester. It may also be possible to meet with admissions staff (subject to staff availability).These tours are open to anybody thinking of applying to us. Family and friends are welcome too.

To book, call +44 (0)161 275 4470 or +44 (0)161 275 1473 or alternatively email socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk The university also runs several open days per year, in which the School of Social Sciences takes part. The details of these open days can be found on the main university website.

All students to whom we make an offer to will be invited to attend a visit day,  A typical visit day would start at approx 1 pm and would be finished by 4pm.

• Extensive Library Facilities: With over 4 million books and manuscripts, as well as access to the largest collection of electronic resources of any UK institution students at the University of Manchester have access to one of the UK's largest academic libraries. Students can also take advantage of our extensive range of resources and services including provision for disabled and visually-impaired students.
• Accessible Computing Facilities:  With over 10,000 PCs across campus the University has one of the largest academic computing facilities in Europe. Accessibility of our IT facilities to students is key, with 24/7 access to computer facilities on campus (including a 24-hour cluster in the Owens Park halls of residence) and optional internet access and access to the University network in most halls of residence.
• Arts, Culture and Sport: Our campus has a wide range of facilities that students can take advantage of to pursue their extra-curricular interests; these include Whitworth Art Gallery and Manchester Museum which has recently undergone a £20m extension. There are a range of sporting facilities nearby, including the Sugden Sports Centre, the Armitage site and the Manchester Aquatics Centre which are all available for students to use.

For more information about what is avaialable for our students, please visit our Services and Facilities webpage.

The career options are as wide ranging as the choice of courses available. For example, if you take forecasting or operations research options you could pursue a career in strategic resource management in the Government Economic Service; while choosing to specialise in structural, political and governance topics (different aspects of globalisation for example) opens up the opportunity to work as a business development officer in an international charitable NGO. Recent graduates have pursued careers in management, accounting, consultancy, the Civil Service and the Bank of England, journalism and the media, social work, teaching and the law.

 79% of economics graduates and 80% of business studies graduates at the University of Manchester are in employment or further study within 6 months of graduation and 65% of those economics graduate and 64% of those business studies graduatesemployed are in graduate level jobs (Source: Unistats)

All students and recent graduates of the University of Manchester also have access to our Careers Service which has resources and a dedicated team of career advisers that can help guide students through their career options and also help students develop the skills to impress future employers. Our Careers Service is consistently voted best in the UK by both students and employers. For further information please visit our careers website.