Teach Economics
A free online programme aimed at adding to the stock of economics teachers in state sector schools and colleges.
Register your interestFree. Flexible. Future-focused.
Inspire the economic leaders of the future.
Teach Economics is an innovative, collaborative initiative by The University of Manchester and The Bank of England, designed to support current and aspiring economics teachers, with QTS, who do not hold a formal qualification in the subject.
This programme addresses the national shortage of qualified economics teachers, particularly in comprehensive schools.
Combining the expertise of The University of Manchester and The Bank of England, this new programme aims to upskill and develop teachers, online and part-time.
Innovative Partnership
This course has been developed in collaboration with The Bank of England. Combining the expertise of The University of Manchester and The Bank of England, two established organisations, you can expect world-leading education, insightful guest speakers and excellent resources.
What You Will Learn
The course focuses on subject pedagogy across microeconomics, market structures, macroeconomics, and economics curriculum development.
By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
- Assess the key pedagogical approaches to teaching core economic topics
- Analyse common misconceptions in economics and apply strategies to address them in the classroom
- Identify ways to diversify and develop the economics curriculum
- Evaluate effective teaching resources and design their own for classroom use
How You Will Learn
Teach Economics is delivered through four online modules hosted on the University website. Each module includes videos, podcasts, readings, and downloadable teaching resources.
After registration, members of the Programme Development Team of experienced economics teachers, including the University PGCE Economics and Business team, will be available for support throughout. They will also provide feedback on all assessments which include participants creating teaching resources for use in their classrooms.
Although numbers of A-Level economics students have doubled in the last 10 years, only 20 people took on a PGCE economics course in 2020/21. This course aims to address the shortfall of economics teachers across the UK.
Robert Hindle
Academic Lead
Teach Economics
Teaching Microeconomics
This 10 hour module covers some of the fundamentals of teaching economics including who studies economics and the rationale for this programme.
In this module, you will learn how to teach:
- Demand, supply and scarcity.
- Price mechanism and market failure, including social costs and benefits; externality diagrams and the welfare loss/gain.
- Quantitative skills in microeconomics.
- Understanding scarcity and the concave shape of the PPF.
Teaching Market Structures
This 10 hour module is an introduction to cost and revenue curves in economics.
In this module, you will learn how to teach topics such as:
- Perfect competition.
- Monopolistic competition.
- Oligopoly and monopoly.
- The labour market.
Macroeconomics
This module explores the fundamentals of macroeconomics and how this can best be taught to students.
In this module you will learn how to teach topics such as:
- New Classical and Keynesian economics.
- Key macro-objectives.
- Key government policy tools.
- International Economics.
- Quantitative skills in macroeconomics.
Developing the Economics Curriculum
This 10 hour module helps you navigate how to expand and develop an economics curriculum in your classroom.
This module covers topics including:
- Building an economics department.
- How to market the subject, including career options in economics and generating greater diversity among the student population.
- Co-curricular economics, visits and trips.
- Wider reading and historical context; preparation for undergraduate economics.
Assessment
Assessment Overview
This module includes both formative and summative assessment to support learning and application in practice.
Formative assessment
Formative assessment is embedded throughout the unit. Quizzes are built into each block to check understanding and online feedback supports consolidation of knowledge and skills.
Participants will also develop a teaching resource to cover 1.5 hours of classroom delivery, selecting one topic from each of the first three units. This task demonstrates the application of the pedagogy and skills learned and supports confidence in producing effective classroom materials. Resources are reviewed by course tutors.
Summative assessment
The summative assessment consists of a statement of intent in which participants summarise what they have learned and outline their future plans for applying this learning in practice. This includes how the school/college plans to develop the subject and encourage diversity in student participation. The statement should draw on learning from unit 4 and reflect the institutional priorities of the participant.
The statement of intent should be 500–750 words in length and will be assessed by course tutors against the relevant Intended Learning Outcomes.
What We're Looking For
Entry Requirements and Eligibility
We assess applications for Teach Economics based on the following qualities:
To apply you must:
- Hold qualified teacher status (QTS)
- Be teaching in a UK state school, sixth form or FE college
- Be based in the UK
Once you’ve filled out the form below to register your interest, you’ll receive an email with full details on how to apply.
Application deadline: 1 July 2026
Applicants will ideally have some background in economics, either through study or teaching experience, although this is not essential to be accepted onto the course.
Applicants will ideally be teaching Business or Economics in a secondary school, sixth form college, or further education setting; however, those teaching Maths or Geography may also be considered, particularly if they have an academic background in Economics.
Applicants working in comprehensive schools, sixth forms, further education colleges or areas of higher disadvantage will be given priority for a place on the course.
Applicants should have an interest in widening participation in economics, especially for under-represented groups.
Within their application, applicants should provide a clear and thoughtful reason for applying and explain how the course aligns with your goals within education.
Applicants should be able to give evidence that they will apply their learnings from the course into their work to improve their teaching and curriculum.
Applicants must provide a strong reference from their Headteacher or Principal.
Format, assessments and certification
Course format and certification details
Our online micro-credentials offer a flexible, self-paced format to fit your schedule. Each course includes an assessment designed to reflect real-world scenarios, ensuring relevant and practical learning. Upon completion, you'll earn a certificate detailing your achievement, validated by industry standards and recognised by employers.
This online programme combines the history and expertise of both The University of Manchester and The Bank of England to provide participants with an innovative and insightful education in teaching economics.
This approximately 50-hour course focuses on distinct learning outcomes (including assessment), delivering in-demand skills aligned with industry needs and regional priorities.
The flexible online format allows you to learn at your own pace and fit your studies around your other commitments.
These focused learning opportunities allow you to quickly gain expertise in key areas, enhancing your capabilities and preparing you to apply your skills and knowledge in the classroom.
Study this online programme at your own pace alongside your teaching or other studies.
Your learning is validated through detailed, verifiable information embedded in your digital certificate, ensuring transparency and credibility recognised by employers, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
Upon completion (and relevant assessment), you'll receive an official electronic certificate detailing your achievement, including:
- The total learning hours (typically 50, though individual learning paces may vary)
- Clear learning outcomes
- The certificate's validity period
- The awarding institution
- (Where applicable) Industry or professional body recognition
Why choose The University of Manchester?
50th in THE World Reputation Rankings 2025
Our University has been ranked the 50th most powerful global university brand in the Times Higher Education World Reputation Rankings 2025.
Teaching and Learning Excellence
Our award-winning, research-enhanced approach creates life-changing student experiences, inspires lifelong learning and shapes exceptional graduate outcomes for global citizens of the future.
7th Best University in the UK
We have been ranked as the 7th best university in the UK and the 11th best in Europe.
*(QS World University Rankings, 2026)
Learn from the world’s brightest minds and set yourself up for future success. You’ll benefit from our continuous investment in facilities and courses led by distinguished academics working at the forefront of their subjects.
Register your interest
Register your interest to find out more about this course and how you can apply.
Application deadline: 1 July 2026
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