- UCAS course code
- L102
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Science (BSc)
BSc Economics
Duration: 3 or 4 years
Year of entry: 2026
UCAS course code: L102 / Institution code: M20
- Key features:
Study abroad
Industrial experience
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including Mathematics
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including A in Mathematics
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: ABC including A in Mathematics
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL including Mathematics
Overview
Course overview
- Learn about economic principles, mathematical modelling and econometric techniques.
- Develop analytical reasoning and quantitative techniques that prepare you for the world of work.
- Explore the opportunity of study abroad in Year 3.
- We're ranked 6th in the UK, and in the world's Top 40 universities for Economics (Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
- Our Economics department has been home to four Nobel Laureates. Our latest Nobel Prize winner, Simon Johnson, received his award in 2024 for his groundbreaking research into understanding wealth disparities between different nations.
A study experience that makes a difference
We place social responsibility at the heart of your learning which means you can take advantage of unique ways to make a difference while studying with us, through your course or through extra-curricular activities.
- Complete our Ethical Grand Challenges to learn how you can create a better world and become more socially responsible.
- Work with an external organisation to tackle real-world sustainability problems through our University Living Lab.
- Discover subjects that broaden your horizon with our interdisciplinary learning opportunities.
Explore how you'll make your mark
Every course at Manchester contributes towards the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, so no matter what you're studying you'll be playing an active role in the protection of people and planet.
You will explore the following goals in your course:
- Goal 8: Decent work and economic growth
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.
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Social Sciences
- Contact name
- School of Social Sciences Admissions Office
- Telephone
- +44 (0) 161 306 0100
- socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.socialsciences.manchester.ac.uk/economics/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: School Subjects
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA, including Mathematics (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 A-level Mathematics at grade A and one more A-level from the list 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. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
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 grade A in Mathematics (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
ABC, including grade A in Mathematics (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 including Mathematics.
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 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
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
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.
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
I enjoy studying Econometrics the most, I believe it's the most practical application of Economics in real-life scenarios.
More so, I like the use of programming languages in analysing data in Econometrics.
Aryaman Talukdar / 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.
Aims
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.
Special features
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.
Four winners of the Nobel Prize in Economics have studied and 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.
- Simon Johnson (Nobel Prize winner 2024) studied Economics at Manchester and received his award for his work on how institutions and the rule of law shape national prosperity.
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.
Teaching and learning
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
In Year 1 you will follow a highly structured course with 90 out of 120 credits being specially tailored core units, including:
- Principles of Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Analysis;
- Advanced Mathematics;
- Advanced Statistics;
- Applied Economics;
- Studying Economics;
- Introduction to Mathematical Economics.
Further options include units in Social Sciences, Business and Finance.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| ECON10011 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10071A | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10072A | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10162 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10171 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10172 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10181 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10182 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON10192 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN10522 | 10 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 2
- Intermediate Microeconomic Theory and Macroeconomic Analysis;
- Econometrics;
- Mathematical Economics.
You also have 40 credits to pursue interests including further Economics units and units in Social Sciences, Business and Finance.
Upon completing your training in the core of Economics, you are ready to pursue your interests in a more specialised way in Year 3.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Econometrics | ECON20110 | 20 | Mandatory |
| ECON20120 | 20 | Mandatory | |
| ECON20501 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON20512 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON20521 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| ECON20532 | 10 | Mandatory | |
| BMAN20072 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN23000A | 20 | Optional | |
| ECON20101 | 10 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 3
In Year 3 there are no compulsory units.
You choose from a range of specialised course units, including the option to produce a dissertation in applied economics.
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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BMAN30060 | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN30091 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30111A | 20 | Optional | |
| BMAN30242 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN30702 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN31792 | 10 | Optional | |
| BMAN32082 | 10 | Optional | |
| ECON30001 | 20 | Optional | |
| ECON30002 | 20 | Optional | |
| ECON30041 | 20 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 4
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
We offer you a high-quality, research-led student experience that prepares you for a career as a professional economist, employment in a range of economics-related areas, or further study in economics, business and finance.
Our graduates have gone on to successful careers in areas including accountancy and professional services, finance and banking, and government. Other avenues include journalism and the media, charities, consultancy, civil service, finance, marketing and PR, social work, teaching, law and postgraduate study (including all of the top 10 universities in the UK).
Another popular option is postgraduate study, we offer a variety of specialist taught master's courses. For more information, see careers and employability
The University also has its own dedicated Careers Service that you will have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. You will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability
By joining BSc Economics, you also become a member of the BSc Economics Society. The BSc Economics Society provides a platform to interact with students in all years of their degree. Various social events and other activities are arranged throughout the course.
The Society encourages engagement with current affairs, economic discussions and debates and organises events to connect with employers, including prestigious BSc Economics Alumni now placed in economic, finance and consulting careers.
Many Economics students are also members of the Manchester University Trading and Investment Society (MUTIS) - a large society dedicated to understanding financial investment and developing careers in that area.
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.