Course contact details
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University of Manchester
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Manchester
M13 9PL
Economics and Sociology
- Bachelor of Arts in Economics
- 3 Years
- Full-Time
- 21 September 2027
- Undergraduate
- Main Site
Course summary
The sociology of economic activity is a diverse and rich field. Our Economics and Sociology BAEcon uncovers the role of global economies as agents of power and the influence they have on society.
The BA (Economic and Social Studies), known as the BA (Econ), is a flagship interdisciplinary degree designed for students who want to understand economics in its full social, political and technical context. The programme’s Economics and Sociology specialisation is designed for students who want to understand economic issues within their wider social context. The programme combines rigorous training in economics with the conceptual and analytical tools of sociology, equipping you to analyse how economic systems interact with social structures, institutions and lived experience.
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.
As part of the BA (Econ), you will benefit from a shared foundation in economics while specialising in a second discipline that deepens and broadens your perspective. Sociology brings critical insight into inequality, power, social change, culture, identity and institutions- essential for understanding how economic outcomes are produced and experienced in society.
In a world shaped by globalisation, inequality, demographic change and technological disruption, purely technical approaches are not enough. This programme recognises the importance of human judgement, social context and interdisciplinary thinking alongside data and emerging technologies such as generative AI.
Our Sociology department is one of the UK’s largest and most influential groups of sociologists. The University of Manchester has a rich history of sociological research, and our city has been a hotbed for new, radical thinking for centuries, particularly during the Industrial Revolution, making this an ideal place to study Economics within wider social contexts.
Graduates stand out for their ability to analyse economic and social problems together, design socially informed policies, and understand how economic decisions affect different groups and communities. The programme prepares students for careers in public policy, government, research, NGOs, consultancy, international development, data analysis, and postgraduate study in economics, sociology and related fields.
Modules
Assessment method
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.
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:
- LL13
- Institution code:
- M20
- Campus name:
- Main Site
- Points of Entry:
- Year 1
Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF)
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:
- LL13
- 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 levelAAA
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.
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 TariffNot 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.
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
We typically ask for grades of AABBB in Scottish Highers. In addition, we accept Scottish Advanced Highers and Highers in one of the following combinations:
Three Advanced Highers at grades ABB.
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades AB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.
Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.ukfor 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.
Three Advanced Highers at grades ABB.
or
Two Advanced Highers at grades AB, plus two additional Highers at grades BB.
Applicants taking a different combination of Highers and Advanced Highers should contact socialsciences@manchester.ac.ukfor 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.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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 DiplomaD*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 ProgrammeOffer: 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.
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.
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 DiplomaDDM
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 DiplomaMM
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 CertificateD
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.
T Level
We do not accept T Levels as entry onto this programme. The University does accept T Level qualifications on a number of courses. Please review our T Level information page for a full list.
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
| Test | Grade | Additional details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each subtest. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 90 | 90 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.
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.
Historical entry grades report
This report uses your grades to show how students with similar results have done when applying to this course in the past. Sometimes, there isn’t data for every possible set of grades. When that happens, universities and colleges occasionally fill in the gaps for sets of grades that are typically accepted.
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.
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