- UCAS course code
- LV15
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Overview
- Degree awarded
- Bachelor of Arts (BA)
- Duration
- 3 or 4 years
- Typical A-level offer
-
AAA
- Typical contextual A-level offer
-
AABFind out more about contextual admissions.
- 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.Find out more about contextual admissions.
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer
-
6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall.
- How to apply
- Apply through UCAS .
- UCAS course code
- LV15
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Course overview
- Develop a rounded understanding of social issues with economics and social sciences units.
- Specialise in either economics, or economics plus another social science.
- Enjoy the opportunity to study abroad or complete a professional placement.
Open days
We are pleased to announce that we are returning to hosting on-campus open days in the summer and autumn.
Please see open days for the dates, registration, and other information.
If you're a prospective student, you can also find out more about student life by chatting with our student ambassadors at a time that suits you, and ask any questions you may have about life at Manchester.
Please check our Coronavirus FAQs for the most up to date information regarding events.
You can also look at our virtual open day content to help you learn more about the University.
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2024 will be £9,250 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £28,500 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, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.
Some 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 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
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0100
- ug.baecon@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- https://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/about-baecon/
- 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
- AAA
- 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
6,6,6 at Higher level, 36 points overall.
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 AAABB in Scottish Highers. In addition, 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.
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 85% 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 AAA 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 AAA 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 DDM 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 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 - accepted with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grade AA 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 AA 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 DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Diploma - accepted with grades D*D 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 AA in different subject areas to the diploma.
Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate - accepted with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA 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 (45 Distinctions).
- Minimum Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics.
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
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/ )
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) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.
- 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
Interview requirements
Returning to education
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
It has been so wonderful and there are always ways to feel involved, meet people, engage with staff, and with the outside community.
I really do feel a part of Manchester - and not just as a student!
Sammun Mumtaz / Economics student
The BA(Econ) is an interdisciplinary course allowing you to specialise in Economics plus 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.
Our Philosophy department covers a wide range of specialisms and choice of optional units, so you can tailor your studies to suit your interests.
Economics and all joint social science pathways share a common first year, allowing you to switch to a different pathway after Year 1, if you want to.
Special features
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.
The Manchester Accounting and Finance Group is one of the leading and largest accounting and finance units in Europe and rated among top three in the UK. We have strong links with the three main UK accounting bodies: ACCA, CIMA and ICAEW, as well as the 'Big 4' accounting companies.
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.
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 methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding, including:
- essays, coursework, and other mid-term evaluations;
- dissertations;
- presentations;
- group projects;
- exams.
Course content for year 1
Year 1 gives you a broad introduction to Economics and Social Sciences. This will help you decide what to study in Years 2 and 3.You will take 120 credits overall made up of:
- 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 core unit in Social Sciences;
- 40 credits from a list of Social Sciences optional units (eg, Politics, Philosophy, Sociology, Social Anthropology and Data Analytics);
- 10 credits other optional courses (e.g., Introduction to Mathematical Economics, Economic History, Development Studies, accounting and Finance).
At the end of your Year 1, you have the option to switch to a different pathway.
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 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 |
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Financial Reporting B | BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional |
An Introduction to Development Studies | ECON10002 | 10 | Optional |
Introductory Mathematics | ECON10061 | 10 | Optional |
Advanced Mathematics | ECON10071A | 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
You take a maximum of 80 credits in your single pathway and up to 40 credits from other pathways from the BA(Econ).
Joint pathway
You also take a maximum of 80 credits in any one pathway but have the freedom to split these between the two disciplines depending on what you would like to study.
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
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 |
---|---|---|---|
Fundamentals of Finance | BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional |
Fundamentals of Management Accounting | BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional |
Investment Analysis | BMAN20072 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Markets and Institutions | BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Reporting and Accountability | BMAN21020A | 20 | Optional |
Intermediate Management Accounting | BMAN21040A | 20 | Optional |
Foundations of Finance A | BMAN23000A | 20 | Optional |
Mergers & Acquisitions: Financial Perspectives | BMAN24102 | 10 | Optional |
FinTech, Blockchain and Cryptocurrencies | BMAN24582 | 20 | Optional |
An Introduction to Development Studies | ECON10002 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 3
In Year 3, you take 120 credits depending on your chosen pathway.
Single pathway
You will take a minimum of 80 credits in your single area and up to 40 credits from other pathways from the BA (Econ).
Joint pathway
You will choose a selection of units in each of the two pathways to fulfil your credit requirements. You will also have an option to do a 20-credit dissertation working with a Philosophy Supervisor to develop your thesis.
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
- Expand your business and entrepreneurship skills with Business and Management for all Programmes
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 |
---|---|---|---|
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 | BMAN30111A | 20 | Optional |
Accountability and Auditing | BMAN30131 | 10 | Optional |
Corporate Governance in Context | BMAN30211 | 10 | Optional |
Financial Engineering | BMAN30242 | 10 | Optional |
Corporate Contracting and Managerial Behaviour | BMAN30702 | 10 | Optional |
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Course content for year 4
If completing a year abroad, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
We offer a high-quality, research-led student experience that will prepare you for a career as a professional economist, employment in a range of economics-related areas or for further study in economics, business and finance.
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability, and we are the most targeted university by the nation's top employers (The Graduate Market in 2023, High Fliers Research).
Economics and Philosophy graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including accountancy and professional services, finance and banking, and government. Recent graduates are now working at:
- Morgan Stanley;
- KPMG;
- the House of Lords;
- the Government Economics Service;
- the BBC.
Other popular avenues include journalism and the media, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing and PR, social work, teaching, law and postgraduate study.
Postgraduate study is also a popular option for progression, and we offer a wide variety of specialist taught master's courses.
For more information, visit our careers and employability page.
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 .