BAEcon Economics

3 Years On Campus Bachelors Program

University of Manchester

Program Overview

The BA (Econ) in Economics at The University of Manchester blends rigorous economic theory with a broad social sciences perspective, helping you build analytical, quantitative and research skills. It’s designed for curious thinkers who enjoy maths and statistics and want to tackle major societal and economic challenges while preparing for careers in business, policy, or academia.

Curriculum Structure

Year 1: You’ll begin with core units such as Microeconomics 1, Macroeconomics 1, Introductory Mathematics/Statistics for Economists and a Core Social Science module like Power & Value: Perspectives for Social Sciences. This first year lays a strong foundation in economics, mathematics and the social context of economic issues.

Year 2: You will deepen your economics understanding through modules like Microeconomics 2, Macroeconomics 2, and you’ll choose optional units from social sciences such as Philosophy or Politics to broaden your perspective—this year is where you start specialising within the BA(Econ) framework.

Year 3: In the final year you’ll select advanced units from economics, possibly including Econometrics, Mathematical Economics, Inequality, Growth & Climate Change, and complete a project or dissertation. This is your time to apply all your learning to complex real-world issues or research questions and tailor your degree to your future path.

Focus areas: Economics, Econometrics, Mathematical & Statistical Methods, Social Sciences, Policy & Development

Learning outcomes: You will learn to model economic behaviour quantitatively, interpret empirical data, evaluate economic policy and understand social context—equipping you to communicate robust economic insight.

Professional alignment (accreditation): The degree is awarded by The University of Manchester’s School of Social Sciences and is widely recognised by industry and academics; offers flexible pathways with data or social sciences options.

Reputation (employability rankings): The University of Manchester is ranked in the UK Top 10 for Economics and Econometrics (Times Higher Education by Subject 2025); and the BA(Econ) degree is noted for strong graduate outcomes.

Experiential Learning (Research, Projects, Internships etc.)

At The University of Manchester’s BAEcon Economics programme, you’ll go beyond lectures to apply economics in real-world settings—using data, software and placements to build the kinds of practical skills employers value. The School of Social Sciences makes sure you’re not just learning theories but also working with current research, analysing economic issues, and gaining exposure to professional environments. Here are some of the hands-on experiences you’ll have:

Professional Experience Year: Eligible students may apply in Year 1 to take a paid Professional Experience Year (placement) in Year 3, extending the degree to 4 years and returning to finish final year.
Optional Study Abroad: After Year 2 you may spend a year at one of Manchester’s partner universities abroad, then return to graduate with an international-study enhanced title.
Software & Data Tools: Modules include work with statistical software and data sets (econometrics, modelling, networks) to prepare you for quantitative economic analysis.
Interactive Group Projects & Tutorials: The department emphasises small-group tutorials, seminars, and group work (presentations, essays, projects) across course units.
Research-Led Teaching & Facilities: You’ll learn in a department with strong empirical and policy research, supported by Manchester’s libraries and social sciences infrastructure.

Progression & Future Opportunities

Graduates of the BAEcon Economics programme at The University of Manchester often step into demanding roles such as economist, financial analyst, data analyst and policy analyst — thanks to their strong quantitative skills and research-based training. With around 80% of graduates in work or study within 15 months and average earnings of £31,000 at that point, this programme offers proven outcomes:

Here’s how Manchester supports your career journey:

Employment support services: The University’s award-winning Careers Service and the Faculty of Humanities’ “Careers & Employability” team provide dedicated guidance, employer-links and workshops for Economics students.
Employment stats & salary figures: Graduates typically earn about £31,000 fifteen months after graduation; 65% were in “highly skilled work”.
University–industry partnerships: Recent graduates have gone on to work at firms such as Morgan Stanley, KPMG, the Government Economics Service and the BBC.
Long-term accreditation value: A degree from Manchester’s largest UK economics department provides recognised, transferable skills across finance, policy, research and data sectors.
Graduation outcomes: For the BAEcon Economics programme, recent data shows 80% of graduates are employed or in further study 15 months afterwards.

Additional Information & Requirements

GCSE : 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.
For non-UK applicants, evidence of English language proficiency is required—e.g., IELTS 6.5 overall with no sub-component below 6.0. & TOEFL iBT 90 overall, with minimum 20 in each subtest.
American Curriculum: USA High School Diploma with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0/4.0 including grade B in English Language and Mathematics and 555 in 3 AP's. For BSc Economics we require 5 in Calculus BC AP.
A Level Subject: 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.
IB Requirement: 36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects
CBSE: Overall average grade of 85% in India Standard XII awarded by CBSE/ISCE national boards with no lower than 80% in any subject including English, and a minimum of 85% in Mathematics.