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
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.
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
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.
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
Applications are considered on the basis of an assessment of past and predicted academic achievements, the academic reference and personal statement.
Interview requirements
We do not interview.
Returning to education
We welcome applications from anyone who is returning to education.
Overseas (non-UK) applicants
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
.
Deferrals
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.
Policy for applicants who resit their qualifications
We consider applicants who are resitting.
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
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
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.
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
In Year 2 you will follow a highly structured approach, with specially tailored units that complete your training in the core of Economics, including:
- 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
If completing a year abroad, you will take the Year 3 course content in Year 4.
Disability support
Practical support and advice for current students and applicants is available from the Disability Advisory and Support Service. Email: dass@manchester.ac.uk
