BAEcon Economics

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £33,100 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

We know that student finance can be complicated. The links below provide further information to help guide you.

Learn more about student finance options for UK students.

Learn more about fees and finance for international students.

As an international student you may be eligible for our Global Futures Scholarships. This is open to students starting their studies in September 2026.

AAA, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination 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

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken.

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

ABB, including at least one of the following A-Level subjects (preference will be given to applicants studying two of these subjects):

Accounting; Economics; Finance; Business Studies; Development Studies; Government and Politics; Economic and Social History; Mathematics; Anthropology; Sociology; Philosophy; Religious Studies; English Language; English Literature; Geography; Psychology; Classical Civilisation; History; Archaeology; Communication Studies; Environmental Studies; World Development; Biology; Chemistry; Physics; Modern Languages.

We accept native language A Levels providing they are taken in the same sitting as your other subjects. We will not accept thecombination of Mathematics, Further Mathematics and a native language.

Practical skills are a crucial part of science education and therefore will be a requirement to pass the practical element of any science A Level taken

Applicants taking A Levels are normally expected to offer three full A Levels. If you’re taking more than three A Levels, these won’t be included in your offer. We will only make offers consisting of three A Levels.

If you have studied an advanced curriculum, where the examinations are spread over three years or more, please contact the academic School/Department for clarification on acceptability prior to applying. For some courses, offer will normally be based on three A Levels taken in the same sitting (normally within a two-year period).

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

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.

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 Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE 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 admissions team in your academic School for clarification.

36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects

Applicants studying the International Baccalaureate Career Related Programme (IBCP) should contact the admissions team prior to applying so that their academic profile can be considered.

We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see Accepted entry qualifications from your country

We accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, 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.

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

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 achieveAAA in academic subjects, including Mathematics,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 AAA in academic subjects, including Mathematics,and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised   for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades   DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades   D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma

The University of Manchester welcomes applications 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 current BTEC qualifications. Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

If you require further clarification about the acceptability of this qualification, please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.

Cambridge   Level 3   Technical Extended Diploma (CTEC)

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge   Level 3 Technical Diploma (CTEC)

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades   D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Cambridge   Level 3 Technical Foundation Diploma (CTEC)

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

Cambridge Level 3 Technical Extended Certificate (CTEC)

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

Cambridge Advanced National (AAQ) Extended Certificate

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full CTEC Advanced National Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

The University of Manchester welcomes 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 current CTEC qualifications. Please contact the Academic School for clarification.

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 - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (45 at Distinction).

Applicants should typically be mature students returning to education after a minimum of 3 years.

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.

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.

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. 

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 here ( http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/mature-students/ )

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) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.
• iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B
• An acceptable equivalent qualification.

Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests.

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/Department for clarification.

The UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) requires that every student requiring a visa to study in the UK must show evidence of a minimum level of English Language (common European Framework (CEFR B2 level) to be granted a Student Route visa to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level.

In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above 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 .

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.

Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference and personal statement.

We do not interview.

We welcome applications from anyone who is returning to education.

Applicants classed as international students who are studying Foundation Year Programmes, will be considered on the basis they have completed their High School education in full. Please see our list of approved UK foundation programmes and entry requirements  for more information. We also accept a number of qualifications from around the globe. For further information please see our country-specific information pages. If you still need help please email us  socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk .

Applications for deferred entry are considered equally to other applications up to the point of confirmation. Deferred entry is granted on the discretion of admissions staff, and is normally granted for one year only.

NB Some English Language test results, such as IELTS of TOEFL, are only valid from two years from the test date.

We consider applicants who are resitting.

Contact: socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk

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.

In Year 1, you will focus on the core foundations of economics, studying the basics of microeconomics and macroeconomics while gaining a broad introduction to the social sciences. This first year is designed to give you the tools, concepts and confidence you need- before you start shaping the degree around your own interests in Years 2 and 3.

You will study a total of 120 credits, made up of:

• 40 credits in Economics: core micro and macro theory that underpins the rest of the degree;
• 20 credits in Mathematics/Statistics: introductory or advanced, depending on your A- levels (or equivalent);
• 10 credits in a core Social Sciences unit: introducing key ideas and ways of thinking across the social sciences;
• 40 credits from Economics or other Social Sciences options: choose from areas such as Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Social Anthropology and Data Science;
• 10 credits of additional optional units: for example Introduction to Mathematical Economics, Economic History, Development Studies, Accounting or Finance.

One of the big advantages of the BA (Econ) programme is flexibility. You may be able to switch to a different specialisation at the end of Year 1, such as, for example, Economics and Politics or Economics and Philosophy, if your interests change. Switching isn’t automatic, but your Academic Advisor and the Programme Director will talk you through whether it’s possible and what conditions apply, so you can make the choice that’s right for you.

In Year 2, you will build on the foundations from Year 1 and dive deeper into Economics, while still keeping flexibility to shape your degree around your interests and career goals. You will study 120 credits across the year, with a stronger focus on advanced economic thinking and real- world application.

Core Economics focus

As an Economics specialisation student, you will take key compulsory units in:

• microeconomics;
• macroeconomics;
• econometrics or quantitative methods.

These units develop the analytical, data and modelling skills expected of modern economists and are central to careers in policy, finance, consulting and data- driven roles.

If you studied introductory Mathematics and Statistics in Year 1, you will progress to advanced Mathematics and Statistics in Year 2, strengthening your quantitative toolkit and confidence with data.

Flexible options alongside Economics

Alongside your core Economics units, you can take up to 40 credits from other pathways, allowing you to broaden your perspective with subjects that complement economics and match your interests- without losing your Economics focus.

Free choice units

You can also take up to 20 credits from across the University. For example:

• Study a language and improve your career prospects.
• Go beyond the boundaries of your degree with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .
• Expand your business and entrepreneurship skills with Business and Management for all Programmes .

In Year 3, you will take 120 credits and fully focus on Economics, shaping your final year around the areas that interest you most and the career path you’re aiming for.

Advanced Economics options

There are no compulsory units in Year 3, giving you maximum flexibility. You will choose at least 80 credits of advanced Economics units, allowing you to specialise in topics you care about- whether that’s environmental and development economics, financial economics, applied econometrics, policy analysis or other cutting- edge areas.

Optional applied Economics dissertation

You will have the option to complete an applied Economics dissertation, where you will work closely with an Economics Supervisor to design and carry out your own research project. This is a great opportunity to:

• Explore a topic you’re passionate about.
• Apply economic theory and data to real- world issues.
• Build strong research and analytical skills valued by employers and postgraduate programmes.

Free choice units

You can also take up to 20 credits from across the University. For example:

• Study a language and improve your career prospects.
• Go beyond the boundaries of your degree with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .
• Expand your business and entrepreneurship skills with Business and Management for all Programmes .

If you are selected for the Professional Experience opportunity in Year 3, then you will take Year 3 course content in Year 4.

If completing a year abroad, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.

Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk