- UCAS course code
- V136
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Modern History with Economics
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- Refugee/care-experienced offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL including specific subjects
Overview
Course overview
- Learn about the political and economic impacts of industrialisation and globalisation.
- Develop and apply transferable skills drawn from studying related academic disciplines in history and the social sciences.
- Study at one of the top 10 universities in the UK for History and Economics (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 509 2871
- ug-hist@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/subjects/history/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
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Entry requirements
A-level
Grades AAA to include History, plus either Economics or Maths
General Studies is welcomed, but not included as part of the standard offer.
Contextual offer
Grades ABBto include grade A in History, plus eitherEconomics or Maths for applicants who meet our contextual offer criteria.
For further information and to check eligibility, visit our Contextual Offers page.
General Studies is welcomed, but not included as part of the standard offer.
Refugee/care-experienced offer
Applicants who have been in local authority care for more than three months or have refugee status may be eligible for an offer two grades below the standard requirements.
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
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Mathematics. GCSE/iGCSE English Literature will not be accepted in lieu of GCSE/iGCSE English Language.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects (including History, and Economics or Maths)
Other international entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country .
Scottish requirements
We normally require grades AABB in Scottish Highers, plus Advanced Higher at Grade A in distinct subjects. These achievements must include History, plus either Economics or Maths. The Advanced Higher must be in one of those three subjects.
English Language and Mathematics not taken at Higher/Advanced Higher must have been achieved at SCQF level 5 (minimum National 5 grade C / Intermediate 2 grade C / Standard Grade Credit level grade 3).
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
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 equivalentto be included within this.
The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in theA Levelentry requirements.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
European Baccalaureate
The University of Manchester welcomes applicants with the European Baccalaureate.
Acceptable on its own or in combination with other qualifications, applications from students studying for this qualification are welcome and all applicants will be considered on an individual basis.
We normally require 80%.Aminimum achievement of 8.0 in History,plus 7.5 ineither Economics or Mathsis essential.
AQA Baccalaureate
The University recognises the benefits of the AQA Baccalaureate and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
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. Please contact us for further advice.
Pearson BTEC qualifications
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma: we do not consider the National Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma: we do not consider the National Diploma for entry to this course.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma: we do not consider the National Foundation Diploma for entry to this course.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate ;we consider the National Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to this course.Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with a Distinction grade, PLUS two A-levels at Grades AA (one of these A-levels should be in History; the other either Economics or Maths).
The University of Manchester will considerapplications from students who have achieved legacy BTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the BTEC Extended Diploma, BTEC Diploma, BTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and BTEC Certificate.
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.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications
CambridgeLevel 3Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Diploma for entry to this course.
CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC): wedo not consider the Technical Diploma for entry to this course.
CambridgeLevel 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC): we do not consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry to this course.
Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC) : we consider the Technical Extended Certificate for entry, preferably in a subject relevant to the chosen course. Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade Distinction, plus two additional Level 3 qualifications such as A Levels at grades AA, one of which must be inHistory; the other must be in eitherEconomics or Maths.
The University of Manchester will consider applications from students who have achieved legacy CTEC qualifications (pre-2016) such as the CTEC Extended Diploma, CTEC Diploma, CTEC Subsidiary Diploma, and CTEC Certificate.
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.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) to which you plan to apply.
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.
The specific course requirements are a minimum of 45 credits with a Distinction grade, all in a Humanities-related subject. Where possible, 15 of the Distinction credits should be in the pre-requisite subject required for A-levels.
Cambridge Pre-U
We consider applicants offering Pre-U Principal Subjects, or a mix of Pre-U and A Level subjects, provided a minimum of three distinct subjects overall is taken.
We accept Pre-U grade D3 in place of A Level grade A or M2 in place of grade B.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification please contact the Academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.
Extended Project Qualification (EPQ)
The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills.
Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview.
A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Core Maths
The University recognises the value of Level 3 Core Mathematics qualifications. 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 we make.
However, if a student chooses to undertake a core mathematics qualification this may be taken into account when we consider a student's application, particularly for courses with a distinct mathematical or statistical element that does not require A Level Mathematics.
Academic Schools may also choose to take a student's performance in Core Mathematics into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.
Where a course requires applicants to have at least grade 6/B or higher in GCSE Mathematics we would be likely to consider a pass in Core Mathematics at a minimum grade C or B as an alternative way to fulfil this requirement. Where an A Level in Mathematics is required then Core Mathematics will not be accepted in lieu of an A Level.
A Level and GCSE Mathematics requirements for our courses vary according to subject so we advise students to contact the academic School, who will clarify whether a student's portfolio of qualifications is acceptable for entry onto the chosen course.
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Further information for mature students, can be found on our How to apply page.
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 gradeC/4 or;
- IELTS 7.0 overall with no less than 6.5 in any one component or;
- An acceptable equivalent qualification.
Please note that if you hold English as a second language iGCSE qualification, we may also require you to offer one of our acceptable equivalent English Language qualifications or achieve a higher grade in your iGCSE than the one stated above. Please contact the academic School for clarification.
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 on our English Language requirements page.
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years.
Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2025 will be £9,535 per annum (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £26,500 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
- Find out more from student finance
- Eligible UK students can apply for bursaries and scholarships
- Funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages
- Many students work part-time or complete a student internship
Application and selection
How to apply
How your application is considered
We read the personal statements and references of all applicants paying particular attention to A-level (or IB etc.) predictions or achieved grades.
Interview requirements
Normally, we only interview applicants who are applying with non-standard entry requirements.
Returning to education
Applications from mature students are welcomed and considered on an individual basis.
Such applicants will be required to produce a piece of written work, for assessment by the Admissions Tutor.
Once you have applied, the Admissions Administrator will contact you with a list of topics/questions.
You will be asked to choose one and produce a piece (1500 words) on that subject, for submission by the deadline given by the Administrator.
Deferrals
We welcome applications for deferred entry and feel a gap year benefits many students.
We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possibleif they are intending to defer.This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in orderto achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may 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 draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements.
In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.
We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.
Both of the above are subject toour having enough places to accommodate such applicants.
Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).
Course details
Course description
BA Modern History with Economics is a flexible course built around the study of modern history, economic history, economics and political economy.
A key feature of the course is the opportunity you have to develop and apply transferable skills drawn from studying related academic disciplines in history and the social sciences.
Broad course units in history and economics constitute the core of the degree in the first two years, leading to more specialist options (in history and economics/political economy) in Year 3, including an independent research project.
Special features
Placement year option
Apply your subject-specific knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study, enabling you to enhance your employment prospects, clarify your career goals and build your external networks.
Connect with like-minded students
Join the History Society, which plays a key role in building a community among History students at Manchester by organising trips (in the UK and on the continent) and hosting social events, and get involved with the student magazine, The Manchester Historian .
Study abroad
You can apply to spend one semester studying abroad during Year 2, with exchange partners including those in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Teaching and learning
You will learn through:
- lectures;
- seminars;
- web-based seminars;
- small group tutorials.
You will spend approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions. For every hour spent at University, you will be expected to complete a further two to three hours of independent study. You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
We will encourage you to undertake supervised, independent study and original research at every level of the course.
The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, or revising for examinations.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- coursework essays;
- research reports;
- practical tests;
- learning logs;
- web contributions.
Many course units are assessed through a mixture of techniques.
In your final year, you will write a dissertation which provides 22% of the final mark.
Course content for year 1
Students are introduced to the main issues in modern history and economic history through courses exploring the history of globalisation and Britain's economic development.
Students will also undertake core courses introducing them to the basic principles of modern economic theory.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Microeconomics 1 | ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory |
Macroeconomics 1 | ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory |
History in Practice | HIST10101 | 20 | Mandatory |
Capitalism in Historical Perspective: 1700-1913 | HIST10182 | 20 | Mandatory |
A Global Nation: Power, Politics, and Struggle Across the American Century, 1870-2020 | AMER10002 | 20 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Business Economics | BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Management Accounting | BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional |
Histories of Data | DIGI10082 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 2
Modules become increasingly specialist, and the programme offers significant choice and flexibility.
All Modern History with Economics students will complete an Independent Research Project, which is an extended piece of coursework supervised on a one-to-one basis on a history topic of the student's choice.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Independent Research Project | HIST20392 | 20 | Mandatory |
From Jamestown to James Brown: African-American History and Culture | AMER20141 | 20 | Optional |
The American Civil War | AMER21002 | 20 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Business Economics | BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
Introduction to Corporate Finance and Financial Instruments | BMAN20242 | 10 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN20832 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Markets and Institutions | BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional |
Firms and Management in Comparative Perspective | BMAN22000 | 20 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
Students in the final year of their degree programme will have the opportunity to undertake specialist courses in economics, modern history and/or economic history, as well as undertaking an extended dissertation project with one-to-one supervision.
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 |
---|---|---|---|
History Dissertation | HIST30970 | 40 | Mandatory |
Slavery and the Old South | AMER30021 | 20 | Optional |
Management of Knowledge and Innovation | BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional |
Marketing | BMAN30021 | 10 | Optional |
Investment Economics and Innovation | BMAN31212 | 10 | Optional |
The Roman Army and the North-West Frontiers | CAHE30881 | 20 | Optional |
Microeconomics 3 | ECON30021 | 10 | Optional |
Microeconomics 4 | ECON30022 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomics 3 | ECON30031 | 10 | Optional |
Macroeconomics 4 | ECON30032 | 10 | Optional |
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Facilities
Manchester is a living history book, from Peterloo to the anti-slavery and suffragette movements, from Roman and Anglo-Saxon forts to medieval monuments.
As a student in this historically rich and multi-ethnic city, you'll have the opportunity to draw on the abundant library, archive and museum holdings of the local area, including the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, Chetham's Library, The Museum of Science and Industry, The People's History Museum and the Working-Class Movement Library.
You'll also have access to one of only five National Research Libraries, including the special collections of The John Rylands Library, as well as the exclusive holdings of Manchester Museum.
The University of Manchester owns the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and Tabley House, giving you unique access to outstanding cultural and historical resources.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Study History at Manchester and you will come away with a degree that is well-regarded by employers for the outstanding analysis and critical thinking skills you will develop.
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Our graduates enjoy success in a wide range of careers, reflecting the high regard in which employers hold a History degree from Manchester, including the BBC - with whom we have well-established links - as well as KPMG, Deloitte, Marks and Spencer, Aviva, Accenture and Barclays.
Typical professions for History graduates include:
- teaching and academia;
- heritage and museums;
- the Civil Service;
- policy and thinktanks;
- creative industries;
- media and journalism;
- marketing and public relations;
- law and accountancy;
- finance;
- NGOs.
Many of our graduates go on to undertake further study such as master's and PhD degrees, PGCEs or law conversion courses before taking up their careers.