Course description
The BA(Econ) in Economics and Finance 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 to develop a well-rounded understanding on social issues.
The Economics and Finance pathway in the BA(Econ) course features a broad range of internationally recognised and research-led teaching in accounting, finance, economics, and law.
You will develop an understanding of the relationship between economics, finance, and the social sciences.
You will benefit from experts in business and social sciences with this jointly delivered degree by the Alliance Manchester Business School and the School of Social Sciences.
We are well connected with the three main accounting bodies (ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA), along with international businesses, such as PricewaterhouseCoopers, Kellogg's and Rolls Royce.
The course offers a flexible and relevant learning experience for anyone considering a career in finance, accounting or banking.
Pathways in BA(Econ) share a common first year, allowing you to switch to a different pathway after Year 1 if you want to.
Special features
Leading research
The Economics Department is proud to be a leading centre for economic research, scholarship and research-led teaching in all areas of the discipline, including financial economics, economic theory and econometrics.
Three winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics have worked at Manchester: Sir John Hicks (1904 to 1989), Sir Arthur Lewis (1915 to 1991) and Joseph Stiglitz (Nobel Prize winner 2001) has led the Brooks World Poverty Institute.
The Manchester Accounting and Finance Group (MAFG) is one of the leading and largest accounting and finance units in Europe, with over 60 research staff and four BAFA (British Accounting and Finance Association) distinguished fellows: Professor Martin Walker, Professor Andy Stark, Professor Robert Scapens and Professor Chris Humphrey.
External surveys of recruiters in the field have consistently voted us in the UK's top three. We also have strong links with the three main UK accounting bodies: ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW, as well as the 'Big 4' accounting companies and other large employer organisations.
Study abroad
You can apply in Year 1 to spend a semester abroad in Year 2. If you are successful, you will put together a package of course units at your host university with your Academic Exchange Advisor in Manchester.
Professional Experience Year
You apply in Year 1 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 Year 2.
You will complete your Professional Experience Year in Year 3 extending your degree to four years, before returning to University to finish your final year.
Your degree title will include 'with Professional Experience', giving you an advantage of work experience when entering the 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 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.
Coursework and assessment
The way that you study and are assessed will depend on which course units you choose.
Our range of methods is carefully designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework and other mid-term evaluations;
- dissertations;
- presentations and group projects;
- Exams.
Course content for year 1
Year 1 is designed to give you a solid foundation in the study of Economics and Finance as well as the broader social sciences. This will help you decide what to study in your second and final year.
You take 120 credits overall made up of:
- 30 credits of Accounting and Finance;
- 40 credits of Economics;
- 20 credits of either Introductory or Advanced Mathematics/Statistics (depending on your A-level qualifications or equivalent);
- 10 credits of an introductory unit in social sciences;
- 20 credits from a list of social sciences optional units.
At the end of Year 1 you can change to another pathway depending on your own academic interests, as these 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Financial Reporting | BMAN10501 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Introductory Management Accounting | BMAN10512 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Financial Decision Making | BMAN10522 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Microeconomics 2 | ECON10232 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10241 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Macroeconomics 2 | ECON10262 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Microeconomics 1 | ECON10331 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Power and Value: Perspectives from Social Sciences | SOCS15001 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | 10 | Optional |
| Advanced Mathematics | ECON10071 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you study your chosen pathway in depth and take 120 credits over the year.
Single pathway
If you specialise in one pathway, you can take a maximum of 80 credits 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, you take a maximum of 80 credits in any one pathway and have the freedom to split these between the two disciplines depending on what you'd like to study.
Free choice units
You can also take 20 units from across the University, such as:
- Go beyond the boundaries of your degree with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Investment Analysis | BMAN20072 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Financial Statement Analysis | BMAN20081 | 10 | Mandatory |
| Foundations of Finance A | BMAN23000 | 20 | Mandatory |
| Foundations of Finance A | BMAN23000A | 20 | Mandatory |
| Financial Markets and Institutions | BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional |
| Financial Reporting and Accountability | BMAN21020 | 20 | Optional |
| Intermediate Management Accounting | BMAN21040 | 20 | Optional |
| Business Law 1: Law, Business Liabilities and the Consumer | BMAN24042 | 10 | Optional |
| Mergers & Acquisitions: Financial Perspectives | BMAN24102 | 10 | Optional |
| FinTech, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | BMAN24582 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
In your final year you take 120 credits overall.
Single pathway
If you specialise in a single pathway, you 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, you take a minimum of 50 credits from each of the two disciplines and choose the split between the two pathways that you prefer.
Free choice units
You can also take up to 20 credits from across the University, such as:
- Study a language and improve your career prospects.
- Go beyond the boundaries of your degree with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning
Course units for year 3
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empirical Finance | BMAN30190 | 40 | Mandatory |
| Business Law 2: Law and the Modern Corporation in an International Context | BMAN24052 | 10 | Optional |
| Contemporary Issues in Financial Reporting and Regulation | BMAN30030 | 20 | Optional |
| International Finance | BMAN30060 | 20 | Optional |
| Share Prices and Accounting Information | BMAN30071 | 10 | Optional |
| Financial Derivatives | BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional |
| Advanced Corporate Finance | BMAN30111 | 20 | Optional |
| Accountability and Auditing | BMAN30131 | 10 | Optional |
| Advanced Business Information Systems | BMAN30151 | 10 | Optional |
| Corporate Governance in Context | BMAN30211 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
Facilities
Our methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework and other mid-term evaluations;
- dissertations;
- presentations;
- group projects; and
- exams.