BAEcon Development Studies

The BA(Econ) is an interdisciplinary course allowing you to specialise in Economics along with other social science units such as philosophy, politics, and sociology.

You have the flexibility to either delve into technical units in Economics such as Econometrics and Mathematical Economics or combine Economics units covering inequality and climate change with social science units. This will enable you to develop a well-rounded understanding on social issues.

The Development Studies pathway is taught by experts in Economics, Politics, Sociology, Social Anthropology, and Social Statistics.

The course offers a rich and coherent basis for understanding the processes and solutions to the problems of development.

It is an interdisciplinary field of study concerned with the issues, problems and policy options facing the development world, such as: 

• inequality;
• poverty; 
• hunger; 
• wellbeing.

Economics, Development Studies, and all joint social science pathways share a common first year, allowing you to switch to a different pathway should you discover interests in other social sciences.

Leading research

World-leading research and teaching in economics has been at the heart of higher education in Manchester since the early days of the University. Three winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics have worked at Manchester.

We are proud to be a leading centre for economic research, scholarship and research-led teaching in all areas of the discipline, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial economics, environmental and resource economics, development economics and industrial/business economics.

Study abroad

If you would like to broaden your horizons and your degree, you can apply to study overseas for a year at one of our partner universities. You apply in Year 2 to spend a year abroad in Year 3.

If successful, you will put together a programme of study at the host university in consultation with your Academic Exchange Advisor, to complement your studies at Manchester.

You will then come back to Manchester to study for a fourth year and graduate with a degree title including 'with International Study'.

See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.

Professional Experience Year

In year 1 you can apply to boost your employability through a paid Professional Experience Year.

If you meet the criteria, the Professional Experience Team and Careers Service will work with you to find a suitable placement in your 2nd year.

You will then complete your Professional Experience Year in your 3rd year extending your degree to four years, before returning to the University to finish your final year.

Your degree title will be extended to include 'with Professional Experience', giving you the added advantage of relevant work experience when entering the competitive graduate jobs market.

Course units feature formal lectures supported by smaller tutorials or seminars, where you explore the contents of lectures and recommended reading in greater depth. 

Tutorials and seminars are key in improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations. 

You are assigned an Academic Advisor who takes a friendly interest in your progress, and can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.

The way that you study and are assessed will depend on which course units you choose. Our methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including: 

• essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations; 
• dissertations; 
• presentations; 
• group projects; 
• exams.