Program Overview
BSc Economics
Overview
The BSc Economics course is for quantitative economics specialists with a strong mathematical background.
You will discover a range of economics branches before specialising, benefiting 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.
- 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”
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, benefiting 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.
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 the combination 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.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below.
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 the combination 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.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below.
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 the combination 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.
Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements below.
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.
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
Apply through UCAS.
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.)
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, benefiting 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.
- 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”
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 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 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.
Careers
Career Opportunities
The University of Manchester has an excellent reputation for employability.
For the past 5 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 - 2024).
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.