
- UCAS course code
- LL14
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- BA (Econ and Social Studies) Hons
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAB
- Typical contextual A-level offer (what is this?)
-
ABB
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
6,6,5 at Higher level, 35 points overall. Applicants offering Mathematics or Maths Studies at Standard or Higher level must achieve a minimum of grade 5. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL and students must achieve a minimum of Grade 5
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- LL14
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Benefit from a broad, flexible and topical learning experience
- Learn from leaders in the development field
- Work on real-world research issues and gain practical skills and experience using a range of exciting datasets
- Enjoy the opportunity to complete a professional placement on a four-year optional course
Open days
The university organises open days every year in June, September and October.
These are an opportunity to learn about the course, meet students and staff, tour the campus, accommodation, finance, study abroad, and facilities.
If you receive an offer, we will invite you to a visit day where you learn about the School, teaching and learning, study opportunities and student life.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2021 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £23,500 per annum. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
Scholarships and bursaries are available to eligible home/EU students, including the Manchester Bursary . Approximately a third of all our undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.
You can get plenty of information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- Contact name
- Social Sciences Undergraduate Admissions
- Facsimile
- +44 (0)161 275 4751
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.manchester.ac.uk/socialsciences
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Compare this course
Entry requirements
A-level
- AAB
- We do not accept two A/S Levels grades in place of one A-level.
- Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Classics, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Use of Mathematics and World Development.
- We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept the combination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.
- We accept the Level 3 Diploma in Financial Studies (DipFS) as equivalent to an A-level if taken alongside two full A-levels from the list of acceptable subjects above.
AS-level
Unit grade information
The University of Manchester welcomes the provision of unit information where available. Like all other information provided by applicants this may be taken into consideration when assessing your application. Unit grades will not normally form part of an offer conditions.
GCSE
International Baccalaureate
6,6,5 at Higher level, 35 points overall. Applicants offering Mathematics or Maths Studies at Standard or Higher level must achieve a minimum of grade 5. Applicants taking English Language A must achieve grade 4 at Higher or Standard level. Applicants offering English Language B must achieve grade 5 at Higher level and grade 6 at Standard level.
Changes to International Baccalaureate Diploma Mathematics Courses from September 2019, first examination 2021. We are aware of the planned changes to the IB Mathematics curriculum. IB students will be able to choose from: Mathematics: analysis and approaches and Mathematics: applications and interpretation from September 2019.
For this programme of study we will accept: Mathematics: analysis and approaches or Mathematics: applications and interpretation at SL or HL and students must achieve a minimum of Grade 5
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For detailed information please refer to our country-specific requirements and requirements for foundation years .
For general requirements not listed above see Accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Still need help? Email us at socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .
Scottish requirements
We typically ask for grades of AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers at grades ABB.
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades AB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.
Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.
Welsh Baccalaureate
The University welcomes and recognises the value of the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate and usually requires two A Levels or equivalent to be included within this. We consider the Welsh Baccalaureate Advanced Diploma/Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate as equivalent to an A-level on a grade-for-grade basis.
European Baccalaureate
We typically require 80% overall in European Baccalaureate with a minimum of 80% in English Language.
AQA Baccalaureate
In making offers, the University will focus on the three A Levels taken within the AQA Baccalaureate. Students need to check the standard A Level requirements for their chosen course.
The units of broader study, enrichment activities and the Extended Project are considered to be valuable elements of the AQA Baccalaureate and we would therefore strongly encourage students to draw upon these experiences within their personal statement.
Foundation year
The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:
Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieve AAB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAB in academic subjects and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.
For all other foundation programmes please see our full list of approved UK foundation programmes .
Pearson BTEC qualifications
The School accepts Pearson BTEC Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma - accepted with grades DD in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma - accepted with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grade AB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AB in different subject areas to the diploma.
We do not accept the Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma and BTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new BTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
The School accepts OCR Cambridge Technical (CTEC) Level 3 qualifications for entry as long as it is in a relevant subject and taken alongside A-levels. The A-level you are taking must be included in the list of subjects found in the A-level entry requirements above.
Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma - accepted with grades DMM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Diploma - accepted with grades DD in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma - accepted with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade AB in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AB in different subject areas to the diploma.
We do not accept the Cambridge Technical Certificate.
The University of Manchester welcomes applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, and CTEC Subsidiary Diploma. The grades required are likely to be the same or vary similar to the new CTEC qualifications (first teaching 2016, awarded 2018). Please contact the Academic School for clarification.
Access to HE Diploma
We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.
- Typical applicant - A mature student returning to education after a number of years.
- Typical offer - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (39 Distinctions/6 Merits).
- Minimum Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics.
Contact: Tom McCunnie, tom.mccunnie@manchester.ac.uk.
Cambridge Pre-U
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
Core Maths
The University welcomes and recognises the value of Level 3 core mathematics qualifications (e.g. AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies).
Core Mathematics is not a compulsory element of post-16 study and as a result we will not normally include it in the conditions of any offer made to the student.
A Core Maths qualification does not satisfy the requirement of achieving A-level Mathematics for the School of Social Sciences.
Home-schooled applicants
Non-standard educational routes
English language
All applicants to the University (from the UK and Overseas) are required to show evidence of English Language proficiency. The minimum English Language requirement for this course is either:
- GCSE/iGCSE English Language grade C.
- IELTS 6.5 overall with no lower than 6 in any component.
- TOEFL (IBT) 92 overall with minimum of 21 in listening and speaking, 22 in reading and 23 in speaking.
- iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student from outside the UK and the EU must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language in order to be granted a UK visa (Tier 4 visa) to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. This level is often referred to as the 'B2 level'.
Additionally, our individual Schools may ask for specific English Language proficiency levels that are necessary for their academic programmes. In most cases these requirements are likely to be higher than the B2 level. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Application and selection
How to apply
Advice to applicants
Applicants submitting mitigating circumstances
If you are submitting information about mitigating circumstances that have affected, or are likely to affect, your academic performance, you should include this in the referee's report.
We cannot take into account information that is supplied after an adverse decision has been made on an application.
(Examples of mitigating circumstances include family illness, problems with school facilities or an unusual curriculum followed by your school of college.)
How your application is considered
Returning to education
Contact: Tom McCunnie tom.mccunnie@manchester.ac.uk
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
Deferrals
NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you can apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved. We may refer back to previous applications or registrations at the University.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should include additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you will need to meet the clearing requirements. In both UCAS Extra and clearing places will be subject to availability.
Course details
Course description
The BA (Hons) Development Studies and Social Statistics degree is a flexible, innovative course that brings together research-led teaching in accounting, business, economics, finance, politics and sociology and offers a considerable depth of insight into contemporary business.
This course offers advanced social statistics teaching for students with a grounding in maths and/or statistics.
Social statistics uses data, which can be numbers, text, sounds, images, memories or experiences; to study human behaviour and social environments.
We use it to ask questions about business environments, the ways they function and their impact.
You'll graduate able to understand and apply central concepts in social statistics, including the theory and method involved in using quantitative data in social science research.
You'll be able to take a critical approach to data sources and understand their strengths and weaknesses. You'll be able to demonstrate to employers that you have skills in complex problem solving, research, and making sense of statistical information in the workplace.
Each of your course units has been developed from the research of specialists in their fields.
Special features
Professional experience opportunity
You have the option of extending your studies and boosting your employability through a paid professional placement year.
You can apply in Year 1 or 2, complete your placement in Year 3, then return to University for Year 4.
The degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you the added advantage of relevant work experience when entering the competitive graduate jobs market.
Teaching and learning
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 to improving your written and oral communication skills through group discussions, essay-writing, and presentations.
You are assigned an Academic Advisor who can advise you on selecting course units and career opportunities.
Coursework and assessment
The range of methods is designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework and other mid-term evaluations that allow development of and feedback on your knowledge and understanding;
- dissertations promote the development of argument and understanding of academic material and test how you work independently; and
- presentations or group projects promote the development of teamwork.
Course content for year 1
The first year is designed to give you a solid foundation in the study of Business and a wider understanding of the business environment.
The Development Studies and Social Statistics pathway of the BA (Hons) Economic and Social Studies programme is a modular course and in your first year you take 120 credits overall (so between 10-12 individual course units) made up of:
- 40 credits of Economics
- 20 credits of Mathematics/Statistics
- 40 credits of Social Sciences - eg Sociology, Social Anthropology or Philosophy
- Remaining 20 credits from other disciplines - including Social Sciences, Finance, Development, Applied Statistics, Economic History or Study Skills.
At the end of your first year you can change onto another pathway, such as Economics or Economics and Politics, depending on your own academic interests, as they all share a common first year.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting A | BMAN10621A | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Management Accounting | BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional |
An Introduction to Development Studies | ECON10002 | 10 | Optional |
Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | 10 | Optional |
Adv Maths - BAEcon & BSc Econ | ECON10071 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Statistics | ECON10072 | 10 | Optional |
Computing for Social Scientists | ECON10151 | 10 | Optional |
Microeconomic Analysis 1 | ECON10171 | 10 | Optional |
Microeconomic Analysis 2 | ECON10172 | 10 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 47 course units for year 1 | |||
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Course content for year 2
In your second year you begin to study your chosen pathway in much greater depth and take 120 credits over the year.
Single pathway
If you specialise in one pathway, such as Business Studies, you can take a maximum of 80 credits (or two thirds of your courses) in that single pathway and up to 40 credits from other pathways from the BA (Econ).
Joint pathway
If you specialise on a joint pathway such as the Development Studies you also take a maximum of 80 credits in any one pathway, but you have the freedom to split these between the two disciplines depending on what you'd like to study.
Free choice units
In your second year you can also take 20 units from across the University.
- Go beyond the boundaries of your degree with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning
- Stand out from the crowd and give something back through the Manchester Leadership Programme
- Study a language and improve your career prospects
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
Development Economics IIA | ECON20321 | 10 | Mandatory |
Development Economics IIB | ECON20332 | 10 | Mandatory |
Essentials of survey design and analysis | SOST20022 | 20 | Mandatory |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting A | BMAN10621A | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Management Accounting | BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Statement Analysis | BMAN20081 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Markets and Institutions | BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Reporting and Accountability | BMAN21020 | 20 | Optional |
Foundations of Finance A | BMAN23000 | 20 | Optional |
Displaying 10 of 67 course units for year 2 | |||
Display all course units for year 2 |
Course content for year 3
In your final year you take 120 credits overall.
Single pathway
If you specialise in a single pathway, such as Business Studies, you can take a minimum of 80 credits in that single area and up to 40 credits from other pathways from the BA (Econ).
Joint pathway
If you specialise in a joint pathway such as Economics and Politics you take a minimum of 50 credits from each of the two disciplines, and choose the split between the two pathways that you prefer.
Course content for year 4
Facilities
- One of the UK's largest academic libraries .
- 24/7 access to computer facilities across campus.
- A wide variety of extra-curricular facilities all in the heart of the UK's most popular student city .
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
We have an excellent reputation for employability and we are currently the joint most targeted university by top graduate recruiters in the UK.
Graduates pursue a variety of careers including government, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing, accountancy, teaching, the law and postgraduate study. Recent examples include:
- Ernst and Young;
- PricewaterhouseCoopers;
- Grant Thornton;
- Bank of New York;
- Credit Suisse;
- National Audit Office;
- Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department of Health; FSA; Government Economics Service; and
- the BBC.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability .
We work with students and the careers service to embed employability into our courses through specific careers and networking events.
You can also boost your employability by choosing course units in Year 2 from the University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .Find out more on the careers and employability page.