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The BA (Econ) Economics and Sociology is an interdisciplinary degree that allows you to specialize in Economics while integrating coursework from other social sciences such as Sociology, Philosophy, and Politics. It offers flexibility to pursue technical units in areas like Econometrics and Mathematical Economics, or to explore applied modules covering inequality, climate change, and public policy through a sociological lens.
In Year 1, all BA(Econ) students follow a common curriculum, which allows for pathway mobility—meaning you can switch to another social science specialization (e.g., Economics and Politics, or Economics and Philosophy) at the end of the first year, depending on your evolving interests.
Year 2, you begin to specialize in your chosen pathway — Economics, Sociology, or both. Economics modules include Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, Econometrics, and Applied Economics, while Sociology covers social theory, global inequality, and migration. You can also take free-choice electives from across the university.
Year 3, You take advanced modules in Economics (e.g., International Trade, Public Economics, Advanced Econometrics) and Sociology (e.g., Race, Gender, Urban Society). Students can choose to write a 20-credit dissertation, and still have room for interdisciplinary or language electives.
Learning and Assessment Methods
The University of Manchester is ranked 6th in the UK and within the top 40 globally for Economics, according to the Times Higher Education Ranking by Subject 2024. The department boasts a rich history of excellence, having been home to four Nobel Laureates, including the most recent recipient, Simon Johnson, awarded in 2024 for his research on wealth disparities between nations.
Q-Step Centre: Offers paid summer internships in quantitative research for second-year students.
Final-Year Dissertation: Opportunity to work on a research topic (supervised by Sociology faculty).
Professional Experience Year
Study Abroad (International Exchange)
Graduate Employability
Top sectors:
Employers Hiring Grads: Morgan Stanley, KPMG, BBC, Government Economics Service, House of Lords.
Postgraduate Pathways: Economics, Financial Economics, Public Policy, Data Analytics, PhD, Research-Oriented Careers
Career Services
IB: 6,6,6 at Higher levelAt least Grade C or 4 in GCSE/iGCSE English Language and Grade B or 6 in GCSE/iGCSE Mathematics. .Applicants must be studying at least one of the following A-level subjects: Accounting, Anthropology, Business Studies, Classics, Economics, English Language/Literature, Further Mathematics, Geography, History, Law, Mathematics, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Politics, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Use of Mathematics and World Development.TOEFL (IBT) 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.Policy Analyst – Examine how economic policies impact social groups and institutionsSocial Researcher – Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies on economic and social trendsNGO Program Manager – Design and evaluate development programs with a socio economic lensUrban Planner – Address housing transport and community development using social economicsPublic Sector Economist – Assess social spending and welfare impactsCommunity Development Officer – Implement programs that tackle inequality unemployment and povertyThink Tank Researcher – Explore social justice education or labor issuesAcademic – Teach or research in economic sociology or related fieldsSocial Impact Analyst – Measure the outcomes of social and economic initiativesRegulatory Analyst – Evaluate the effects of regulation on various demographic groupsSocial Policy Advisor – Shape public policy informed by social theory and economic modelsData Analyst – Use social survey data to guide policy or strategyMarket Research Analyst – Study how social behavior influences consumer marketsEntrepreneur – Start social enterprises or ventures focused on inclusion or accessPublic Affairs Officer – Manage communications related to social and economic policy
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University of Manchester
