BSc Economics

The BSc Economics course is for quantitative economics specialists with a strong mathematical background.

You will discover a range of economics branches before specialising, benefitting from an engaging and interactive learning experience at one of the UK's most historic centres for economic study.

You will also receive training for the compulsory stream units in economic principles, mathematical modelling and econometric techniques.

Modern professional economists need to have a clear understanding of economic principles in order to recognise and model relevant economic problems.

We will ensure you'll be equipped with the mathematical and econometric tools to solve and analyse such problems.

Our carefully designed degree combines compulsory units in core economics and quantitative methods and the opportunity to specialise in a particular area of interest through optional course units.

Employers look for candidates who can produce sound and clear reports that make sense of the available data using advanced quantitative skills in analysis and modelling.

The analytical reasoning, essay writing and quantitative techniques we'll provide you with will give you the best employment prospects and a healthy start in your career. These skills can be developed and sharpened by choosing an optional dissertation in Year 3.

The BSc Economics is a quantitative economics degree designed for those who have already chosen to specialise in economics and have a good mathematical background.

Modern professional economists need skills in economic principles, mathematical modelling and econometric analysis of economic data, together with a detailed knowledge of their chosen specialism.

In line with this requirement, the BSc Economics degree has at its core a compulsory stream of courses in economic principles and quantitative methods.

Together with a range of optional courses this allows students to develop their specialist interests in most areas of modern economics.

Specifically the main aims of the BSc Economics degree are:

• to provide a specialist training in the approach and methods of modern economics;
• to develop the skills necessary to apply a quantitative perspective to the analysis of economic and business problems;
• to equip students with the expertise necessary to develop an understanding of contemporary economic issues;
• to help students develop a range of skills including communication, numeracy, computer literacy, problem-solving, analytical ability and logical argument;
• to provide a sound preparation for a subsequent career in economics (whether in the public or private sector) or business;
• to provide a sound preparation for further study in economics or related areas.

Leading research

World-leading research and teaching in economics has been at the heart of higher education in Manchester since the early days of the University.

Manchester professor William Stanley Jevons (1835-1882) helped build the foundations of modern economics.

Three winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics have worked at Manchester:

• Sir John Hicks (1904-1989) wrote his most important works on welfare economics during his time at Manchester.
• Sir Arthur Lewis (1915-1991) for his pioneering work in development economics.
• Joseph Stiglitz (Nobel Prize winner 2001) has led the Brooks World Poverty Institute.

We are proud to be a leading centre for economic research, scholarship and research-led teaching in all areas of the discipline, including microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial economics, environmental and resource economics, development economics and industrial/business economics.

Study abroad

Apply in Year 2 to spend Year 3 studying overseas at one of our partner universities. Consult with your Academic Exchange Advisor to create a study program that complements your Manchester studies. Return for Year 4 and graduate with a degree title including “with International Study

See The University of Manchester Study Abroad pages for more information, including eligibility criteria, destinations, costs and funding.

Professional Experience Year

In addition to its regular curriculum, this course also offers an exciting option for a professional experience year. Imagine spending 9 to 12 months immersed in a real-world work environment, applying your classroom knowledge, and gaining practical skills. As a result, you’ll build connections, enhance your resume, and stand out to potential employers.

The content in your units will be delivered through a combination of online material, guided reading, lectures as well as review and Q&A sessions. Different units use these elements in different combinations optimised to the respective material. Lectures are supported by smaller tutorials or seminars where you explore the unit content in 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.

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.