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Data Science and Economics

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics
  • 3 Years
  • Full-Time
  • 21 September 2027
  • Undergraduate
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Course options

2026-20272027-2028
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Course summary

Our BA (Economic and Social Studies), known as the BA (Econ), is a flagship interdisciplinary degree designed for students who want to understand data science and economics in their full social, political and technical context. The programme’s Data Science and Economics specialisation provides you with a rigorous education in core economic theory and quantitative methods, while equipping you with the broader perspectives needed to address today’s most complex global challenges.

The BA (Econ) is the parent programme to eight distinctive specialisations:

Economics; Economics and Politics; Economics and Philosophy; Economics and Sociology; Economics and Finance; Data Science and Economics; Accounting and Finance; and Finance. This structure allows students to gain a strong shared foundation in economics while benefiting from the intellectual richness of other social science disciplines.

The BA (Economic and Social Studies) with specialisation in Data Science and Economics is designed for students who want to combine economic reasoning with advanced data science techniques to address complex, data- rich problems.

Data increasingly drives decision- making across economics, finance, government, policy and industry. This programme equips you with both strong foundations in core economic principles and cutting- edge data science expertise, allowing you to go beyond numbers to discover patterns, build predictive models and generate evidence- based insights.

You will learn how to apply data science to economic and social questions, including collecting and managing diverse forms of data (from traditional datasets to Big Data), visualising and modelling economic relationships, evaluating the impact of public policies, predicting and classifying economic outcomes, and analysing complex networks of relationships between economic and social actors.

The pathway places equal emphasis on economics and data science. Through core and optional units, you will develop highly sought- after quantitative and analytical skills, including:

  • collecting, describing and visualising empirical evidence;

  • building data- driven models to explain real- world phenomena;

  • evaluating policy effectiveness using quantitative methods;

  • mapping and analysing complex social and economic networks;

  • applying machine learning and algorithmic techniques;

  • using AI tools, programming languages and statistical software responsibly and effectively.

You will be taught by experts across economics, social statistics and the wider social sciences, ensuring a genuinely interdisciplinary learning experience.

The programme also provides strong theoretical foundations, preparing you for competitive careers in policy and industry, or for advanced postgraduate study in economics, data science and related fields.

Modules

https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/courses/2027/21873/baecon-data-science-and-economics/

Ways to study this course

Campuses

  • Main Site

Study options

  • Bachelor of Arts in Economics • Full-Time • 3 Years

Start dates

  • 21 September 2027

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the equal consideration deadline. You can still apply after this date, but your application may not receive guaranteed consideration.

Application codes

Course code:
LL15
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site
Points of Entry:
Year 1

University of Manchester has participated in the Teaching Excellence Framework. These ratings were awarded in 2023, for four years.

See why these ratings were awarded
What does this TEF outcome mean?

How to apply

Apply by
13 January 2027

This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.

Application codes

Course code:
LL15
Institution code:
M20
Campus name:
Main Site

Points of entry

The following entry points are available for this course:

  • Year 1

Entry requirements

Typical qualification requirements

A level
AAA

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.

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 two full A-levels from the list of 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.

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.

Typical Contextual Offer: ABB, 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.

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.

Please check for specific GCSE/IGCSE subject entry requirements.

UCAS Tariff
Not accepted

Scottish Higher

We accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

AS

AS level results are not considered as part of the standard admissions process at The University of Manchester.

Access to HE Diploma

We require a QAA-recognised Access to HE Diploma (a minimum of 60 credits overall with at least 45 at Level 3), with merit or distinction in a subject area relevant to the chosen course.

The specific course requirements are - Pass Access to HE Diploma with 45 level 3 credits (45 at Distinction).

Applicants should typically be mature students returning to education after a minimum of 3 years.

GCSE/National 4/National 5

Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 4 or C in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and Grade 6 or B in 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/Department for clarification.

Scottish Advanced Higher

We accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:

Three Advanced Highers at grades AAB.

or

Two Advanced Highers at grades AA, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.

Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.uk for further advice. Applicants not taking English language or Mathematics at Higher level must achieve grade C in English language and Grade B in Mathematics at SCQF Level 5.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D*D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Diploma with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Extended Project

The University recognises the benefits of the Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) and the opportunities it provides for applicants to develop independent study and research skills. Although the Extended Project will not be included in the conditions of your offer, we strongly encourage you to provide information about the EPQ in your personal statement and at interview. A number of our academic Schools may also choose to take your performance in the EPQ into account should places be available in August for applicants who narrowly miss the entry grades for their chosen course.

OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
D*D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Diploma with grades D*D in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
Offer: 36

36 points overall. 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects

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.

WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales

We welcome and recognise the value of the Baccalaureate Wales and accept the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales (replacing the Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate from September 2023)

The minimum grade required will normally be the same as the lowest grade listed in the A Level entry requirements.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
DDM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Diploma with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
M

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Foundation Diploma with grade M in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
DDM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Diploma with grades DDM in combination with an A-level at grade A in a different subject area to the diploma.

Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full National Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grades AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
MM

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Foundation Diploma with grades MM in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
D

Entry requirements are based on achievement of the full Technical Extended Certificate with grade D in combination with two A-levels at grade AA in different subject areas to the diploma.

The University recognises a number of foundation programmes as suitable for entry to this undergraduate programme:

Applicants completing the INTO Manchester in partnership with The University of Manchester international foundation programme are required to achieveAAA in academic subjects, including Mathematics,and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants completing the NCUK International Foundation year are required to achieve AAA in academic subjects, including Mathematics,and grade B in the EAP with writing and speaking grade B and listening and reading grade C.

Applicants studying other Foundation programmes should contact the academic School to check if their qualification is recognised   for entry to this programme and for specific entry requirements.

Additional entry requirements

Interview

English language requirements

TestGradeAdditional details
IELTS (Academic)6.56.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each subtest.
TOEFL (iBT)9090 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.

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 a minimum of 20 in each subset. - iGCSE English (Second Language) grade B - An acceptable equivalent qualification. Please note we accept in-person IELTS tests taken in official IELTS test centres only. You should review our English Language requirements page for a list of acceptable IELTS tests. 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/Department for clarification. 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 to study at undergraduate or postgraduate level. In addition, our academic Schools/Departments may require applicants to demonstrate English proficiency above the B2 level.http://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/admissions/language-requirements/

Contextual admissions

Universities and colleges consider more than grades when assessing applications and may make offers based on a range of criteria. Learn more about contextual offers.

We operate contextual admissions meaning many applicants receive an offer and are admitted at least one grade below standard entry requirements. Entry requirements for applicants meeting contextual admissions criteria are listed next to the standard entry requirements on course profiles.

Contextual admissions means we consider your application in context helping us to ensure everyone has a fair chance of getting into Manchester. The data we use is automatically provided on your UCAS form.

Learn more on the University of Manchester website

International entry requirements

The University welcomes applications from appropriately qualified candidates across the world. We value global talent and are proud to receive applications from a wide range of educational systems and national backgrounds.

Because international qualifications vary widely, it is not possible for us to list entry information for every country on this page. If your country is not listed below, please contact us and a member of our team will be happy to assist you: https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/contact-international-team/ https://www.manchester.ac.uk/study/international/country-specific-information/

Historical entry grades data

This section shows the range of grades that students who received offers were previously accepted on to this course with (learn more).

It is designed to support your research but does not guarantee whether you will or won't get a place.

Admissions teams consider various factors, including interviews, subject requirements, and entrance tests. Check all course entry requirements for eligibility.

Not enough data available

We are unable to show previous accepted grades for this course. This could be because the course is new, it's a postgraduate course, there isn't enough historical data, or the provider has opted out of sharing their entry grades data for this course - learn more.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website.

Additional fee information

The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed.

Related courses

At University of Manchester

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