- UCAS course code
- N300
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BAEcon)
BAEcon Finance
Gain a varied and flexible learning experience in Finance.
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL, including specific subjects
Book an open day
Explore our campus, meet lecturers and current students, and learn more about what it's like to study at Manchester.
Meet us
Join us online or in person to learn more about the University and our courses.
Discover more about the BAEcon
Learn about your subject of interest and what you'll experience as a student in that community.
Discover more about the BAEcon
Download our course brochure
Get to know us better with our guide to studying your subject of choice.
Download our course brochure
Overview
Course overview
- Study at a UK Top 5 university for Accounting and Finance (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2025).
- Focus on finance, investment and risk and combine economic theory with applied financial analysis, preparing you for careers in the global financial industry.
- Develop expertise in investment analysis, financial markets, corporate finance and risk management, supported by rigorous quantitative and empirical training.
- Finance and accounting units taught in collaboration with the Alliance Manchester Business School, ensuring close alignment with industry practice and professional standards.
- Exemptions from professional examinations with leading bodies available, including ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA, supporting pathways into chartered accountancy and finance roles (unit dependent).
- World-leading teaching at a university ranked Top 10 in the UK and Top 50 globally for Business and Economics (THE World University Rankings by Subject, 2026).
- Enjoy the opportunity to study abroad or gain practical experience on a professional placement.
Open days
Join us on campus to learn more about your course, grab a chat with current students and academics, and explore our campus with its fantastic facilities.
It’s an invaluable opportunity to explore, discover, and enjoy some of the vibes that attract so many students to Manchester.
Find out more about our upcoming open days .
Not in the UK or can’t make it? Not a problem. Check out our virtual open day content .
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, 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.
A-level contextual offer
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.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
BBB, 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.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
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.
GCSE/IGCSE
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.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific 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 .
English language requirements
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 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.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
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 (previously known as a Tier 4 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 .
English language test validity
Fees and funding
Fees
Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2026 will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval). Tuition fees for international students will be £33,100 for the 2026/27 academic year. For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.
In England and Wales, tuition fees for home undergraduate students are subject to the Government fee cap, which the Government has announced will be £9,790 for the 2026/27 academic year and £10,050 for the 2027/28 academic year (subject to Parliamentary approval).
The Government has also announced that the fee cap will then increase on an annual basis to reflect inflation (i.e. increasing costs), and the tuition fee you pay in subsequent academic years will reflect any increases in the Government fee cap (which we will communicate to you as soon as we can in advance of the relevant academic year).
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
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.
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.)
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 .
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
This versatile degree enabled me to develop analytical skills, business acumen and a strong grasp of financial concepts.
It was considerably helpful when approaching CFA Level 1. A lot of the material I felt was covered by the course units. I completed internships at a venture capital firm, IP valuations, outsourcing, and at a real estate company.
Danniella Nasir / Accounting and Finance graduate
In today’s turbulent economy the importance of understanding global financial markets and risk management has never been more important.
The BA (Economic and Social Studies), known as the BA (Econ), is a flagship interdisciplinary degree designed for students who want to understand Finance in its full social, political and technical context. The programme’s Finance specialisation provides a rigorous education in core economic and finance theory and practice, and quantitative methods, while equipping students with the broader perspectives needed to address today’s most complex global challenges.
The BA (Econ) is the parent programme to eight distinctive specialisations:
Economics; Economics and Politics; Economics and Philosophy; Economics and Sociology; Economics and Finance; Data Science and Economics; Accounting and Finance; and Finance. This structure allows students to gain a strong shared foundation in economics while benefiting from the intellectual richness of other social science disciplines.
The BA (Economic and Social Studies) with specialisation in Finance is designed for students seeking a strong academic foundation for careers in finance, investment, accounting and financial services.
The programme combines core economic theory with applied finance, financial reporting and empirical analysis. You will study how financial markets operate, how firms and investors make decisions under uncertainty, and how risk is measured, priced and managed.
A defining feature of the Finance pathway is its collaboration with Alliance Manchester Business School. Finance and accounting units are taught by AMBS academics, ensuring your studies are informed by current research, professional practice and employer expectations.
Throughout the degree, you will develop expertise in:
- investment analysis and portfolio decision- making;
- financial markets and institutions;
- corporate finance and valuation;
- risk measurement and risk management;
- financial reporting and statement analysis;
- empirical finance and data- driven decision- making.
Depending on your optional unit choices, the degree offers exemptions from selected professional examinations with ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA, making it particularly attractive for students aiming to qualify as accountants or finance professionals.
By integrating economics with finance, the programme ensures you understand not only financial instruments and techniques, but also the wider economic forces shaping financial markets and investment outcomes.
Special features
Learn from the best in the field
Economics at Manchester means learning in a department with a global reputation for excellence. We are ranked Top 10 in the UK and Top 50 globally for Business and Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026), reflecting the strength of our teaching, research and real- world impact.
The department has been home to four Nobel Prize winners in Economics most recently, Professor Simon Johnson, who received the Nobel Prize in 2024 for his groundbreaking research on global inequality and wealth disparities between nations. You will be taught by internationally recognised academics who are shaping debates in microeconomics, macroeconomics, econometrics, financial economics, and especially environmental and development economics, where Manchester is a founding and world- leading institution.
Utilise industry links
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 finance in an economic and institutional context
This pathway places finance firmly within its economic, institutional and regulatory context. You will examine how interest rates, inflation, growth and policy decisions affect asset prices, investment strategies and financial stability. You will also explore how financial risk is managed by firms, financial institutions and regulators, preparing you to operate in complex and uncertain financial environments.
Shape your degree for finance careers
While specialising in Finance, you retain flexibility to tailor your degree through optional units in economics, finance and quantitative methods. Allowing you to focus on investment and asset management, align your studies with professional accreditation requirements and prepare for postgraduate study in finance.
Broaden your horizons with a Year Abroad
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.
Enhance your employability with a Professional Experience Year
You can 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
Your learning experience combines lectures with interactive tutorials and seminars, giving you the best of both structure and discussion. Lectures introduce key ideas and tools, while smaller group sessions let you dig deeper into the material, debate real- world issues, and make sense of core readings together.
Tutorials and seminars are where you build confidence. Through group discussions, presentations and essay- based work, you will sharpen your communication, critical thinking and problem- solving skills- skills that matter just as much as technical knowledge in today’s job market.
You will also be supported by a dedicated Academic Advisor who gets to know you as an individual. They will help you make smart choices about course unit
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 provides a strong foundation in core economics, financial accounting and quantitative methods. You will study 120 credits in total.
You will take:
- introductory microeconomics and macroeconomics;
- core units in financial reporting, management accounting and financial decision- making;
- mathematics and statistics for economists, at introductory or advanced level depending on prior study;
- a core social sciences unit focused on power and value.
These units establish the analytical and financial foundations needed for advanced study in investment and risk.
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 Finance or Economics, 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.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMAN10501 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN10512 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN10522 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10232 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10241 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10262 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10331 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| SOCS15001 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10002 | 10 | Optional | |
| ECON10061 | 10 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 40 course units for year 1 | |||
| Display all course units for year 1 | |||
Course content for year 2
In Year 2, you develop deeper expertise in finance and economics, completing 120 credits.
You will take compulsory finance units including:
- Foundations of Finance (year- long), covering asset pricing, portfolio theory and risk;
- Financial Statement Analysis;
- Investment Analysis.
You will also choose optional units in areas such as:
- financial markets and institutions;
- corporate finance;
- econometrics and quantitative methods;
- intermediate microeconomics and macroeconomics.
Your choices allow you to build towards careers in investment, banking, accounting or financial analysis.
Free choice units
You can also take 20 units from across the University, such as:
- Going beyond the boundaries of your course with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .
- Studying a language and improving your career prospects.
Year 2 is where your Finance degree really comes into its own- deepening your technical skills while letting you explore what matters most to you.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMAN20072 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN20081 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN23000A | 20 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN21020A | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN21040A | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN24102 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN24582 | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN24761 | 10 | Optional | |
| ECON10002 | 10 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 72 course units for year 2 | |||
| Display all course units for year 2 | |||
Course content for year 3
Year 3 focuses on advanced finance, empirical analysis and specialisation, with 120 credits in total.
You will take a core year- long unit in:
- Empirical Finance, applying data- driven methods to financial markets and investment decisions.
You must also select at least 40 credits of advanced finance units, with options including:
- advanced corporate finance;
- financial derivatives and risk management;
- international finance;
- financial market analysis;
- applied investment and valuation.
Optional unit choices at this stage may contribute to professional accreditation exemptions, subject to ICAEW, CIMA and ACCA requirements.
Free choice units
- You can also take up to 20 credits from across the University, such as:
- Studying a language and improving your career prospects;
- Going beyond the boundaries of your course with University College for Interdisciplinary Learning .
Year 3 is all about owning your degree- developing advanced finance expertise, showcasing your interests, and graduating with a profile that sets you apart.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMAN30190 | 40 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN24052 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN24761 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30030 | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN30060 | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN30071 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30111A | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN30131 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30211 | 10 | Optional | |
| Displaying 10 of 96 course units for year 3 | |||
| Display all course units for year 3 | |||
Course content for year 4
If you are selected to take up 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.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability. For the past 6 years, we have been in the UK's Top Two most targeted universities by the UK's top 100 employers (High Fliers Graduate Market Report, 2020- 2026).
The Finance pathway is designed to prepare graduates for careers across the financial industry.
Graduates develop strong skills in financial analysis, investment evaluation and risk management, and go on to roles in:
- investment banking and asset management;
- accounting and professional services;
- corporate finance and consultancy;
- financial regulation and policy;
- risk analysis and financial analytics.
Manchester is consistently ranked among the UK’s most targeted universities by leading employers, including major banks, accounting firms and financial institutions.
Accreditation and accountancy exam exemptions
The BA (Economic and Social Studies) Accounting and Finance, Finance, and Economics and Finance pathways are accredited with a number of professional accountancy bodies, including:
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants;
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants;
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants.
Depending on the course units you choose you may be eligible for exemptions from Chartered Accountant qualifying exams, giving you a head start in your future career. Please note that the above professional bodies are currently undergoing substantial changes to their qualification structures. Consequently, any academic exemptions offered may be subject to change in the future.
Recent graduates have gone on to the following careers:
- Accountancy and professional services - Ernst and Young, KPMG, Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers - as well as other graduate level employers such as Grant Thornton and BDO.
- Finance and banking - Alliance and Leicester, American Express, Bloomberg, Bank of America, Bank of New York, Cooperative Bank, Credit Suisse, Deutsche Bank, Merrill Lynch, Morgan Stanley, Royal Bank of Canada, Royal Bank of Scotland, Santander, UBS.
- Government - National Audit Office, Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, Department of Health, FSA, Government Economics Service, HMRC, H M Treasury, House of Lords, Ministry of Justice, NHS, Welsh Assembly.
- Plus - BAE Systems, BBC, BT, Centre for Economics and Business Research, IBM, New Economy, Thomson Reuters.
Careers support that’s with you all the way
You will have access to our award- winning Careers Service from day one- and for two years after you graduate. The service offers tailored advice, employer insights, skills workshops and networking opportunities, including specialist support for careers in economics, finance and professional services.
You can also boost your CV through optional personal development programmes like The Stellify Award and the Manchester Leadership Programme, helping you stand out in a competitive graduate job market.
Ready to shape your future with a Finance degree from one of the UK’s most employable universities?
Your journey starts here.
Accrediting organisations
Accountancy exam exemptions
Accounting and Finance related pathways are accredited with a number of professional accountancy bodies including:
- The Institute of Chartered Accountants
- Association of Chartered Certified Accountants
- Chartered Institute of Management Accountants
Depending on your course units, you may be eligible for exemptions for professional examinations .
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.
