The BA (Economic and Social Studies) with specialisation in Economics and Philosophy is designed for students who want to understand economics not only as a technical discipline, but also as a field grounded in ethical reasoning, conceptual clarity and critical reflection. 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 provides a shared foundation in economics while allowing students to develop deep expertise in complementary disciplines. You will receive rigorous training in economic theory, quantitative methods and policy analysis, alongside sustained engagement with philosophy. Philosophy units develop your skills in logic, argumentation, ethics and conceptual analysis, helping you to interrogate the assumptions, values and implications underlying economic models and policy choices. The programme places strong emphasis on critical thinking and ethical judgement. You will learn not only how economic models work, but also when they should be used, what their limitations are, and how economic decisions affect justice, welfare and human wellbeing. In an era of rapid technological change, data- driven decision- making and growing reliance on algorithms and AI, philosophical skills are increasingly important. While the programme ensures students understand how data and models inform economic decisions, it also highlights the role of human judgement, ethical reasoning and philosophical reflection in shaping responsible policy and institutional design. Graduates of the Economics and Philosophy specialisation stand out for their ability to combine technical economic competence with clarity of thought, ethical awareness and strong reasoning skills, qualities valued across public policy, law, consultancy, finance, research and postgraduate study.
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. | 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 | Access to HE Diploma | 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 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. | 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: 36 UCAS points | 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. | 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.
6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in each subtest. 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subset.
The tuition fees for 2027 are yet to be confirmed. — UG Holding Statement
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