- UCAS course code
- V136
- UCAS institution code
- M20
Bachelor of Arts (BA)
BA Modern History with Economics
- Typical A-level offer: AAA including specific subjects
- Typical contextual A-level offer: ABB including specific subjects
- UK refugee/care-experienced offer: BBB including specific subjects
- Typical International Baccalaureate offer: 36 points overall with 6,6,6 at HL including specific subjects
Overview
Course overview
- Learn about the political and economic impacts of industrialisation and globalisation.
- Develop and apply transferable skills drawn from studying related academic disciplines in history and the social sciences.
- Study at one of the top 10 universities in the UK for History and Economics (QS World University Rankings 2024).
Contact details
- School/Faculty
- School of Arts, Languages and Cultures
- Telephone
- +44 (0)161 509 2871
- ug-hist@manchester.ac.uk
- Website
- http://www.alc.manchester.ac.uk/history/
- School/Faculty overview
-
See: About us
Related courses
Courses in related subject areas
Use the links below to view lists of courses in related subject areas.
Entry requirements
A-level
AAA including History.
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. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
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.
A-level contextual offer
ABB including A in History.
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. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
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.
Contextual offers are available for applicants who:
- live in the UK and will be under the age of 21 on 1 September of the year they will start their course; and
- live in an area of disadvantage or with low progression into higher education; and
- have attended a UK school or college for their GCSEs or A-levels (or equivalent qualifications) that has performed below the national average over multiple years.
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
UK refugee/care-experienced offer
ABC including A in History.
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. Where applicants are applying for science and related degrees, this is likely to be made explicit in the offer you will receive.
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.
UK refugee/care-experienced offers are available for applicants who:
- have been looked after in care for more than three months; or
- have been granted refugee status by the UK government or have been issued a UK visa under one of the Ukrainian schemes (Homes for Ukraine, Ukraine Family Scheme or Ukraine Extension Scheme).
See our contextual admissions page for full details and to check your eligibility.
International Baccalaureate
36 points overall, 6,6,6 in Higher Level subjects including History.
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.
GCSE/IGCSE
Applicants must demonstrate a broad general education including acceptable levels of Literacy and Numeracy, equivalent to at least Grade 6 or B in GCSE/IGCSE English Language and 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.
Other entry requirements
Other entry requirements exist for this course. You may view these by selecting from the list below.
Country-specific entry requirements
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries. For these and general requirements including English language see accepted entry qualifications from your country .
English language requirements
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 6/B, or;
IELTS 7.0 overall with 6.5 in each sub-test, or;
An acceptable equivalent qualification.
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 academic School for clarification.
If you need to improve your English language skills to meet the entry requirements for your academic course, the University Centre for Academic English (UCAE) summer pre-sessional courses can help. Check if your academic course offers the option of taking a pre-sessional course on the UCAE page .
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 (previously known as a Tier 4 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. Further information about our English Language policy, including a list of some of the English Language qualifications we accept, can be found here .
English language test validity
Some English Language test results are only valid for two years.
Your English Language test report must be valid on the start date of the course.
Fees and funding
Fees
Fees for entry in 2026 have not yet been set. For entry in 2025 the tuition fees were £9,535 per annum for home students, and are expected to increase slightly for 2026 entry.
Policy on additional costs
All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).
Scholarships/sponsorships
- Find out more from student finance
- Eligible UK students can apply for bursaries and scholarships
- Funding for EU and international students is on our country-specific pages
- Many students work part-time or complete a student internship
Application and selection
How to apply
Home-schooled applicants
If you are a student who has followed a non-standard educational route, e.g. you have been educated at home; your application will be considered against the standard entry criteria of the course for which you are applying.
You will be required to demonstrate that you meet the specified academic entry requirements of the course.
We will also require a reference from somebody who knows you well enough, in an official capacity, to write about you and your suitability for higher education.
If you are a home schooled student and would like further information or advice please contact the academic School for your chosen course who will be able to help you.
Non-standard educational routes
Mature students are some of our most well-equipped learners, bringing skills and attributes gained from work, family and other life experiences.
Students come from a whole array of backgrounds, study every kind of course, undertake full-time and part-time learning and are motivated by career intentions as well as personal interest. There is no such thing as a typical mature student at Manchester.
The application process is the same as for other prospective undergraduates.
If you require further clarification about the acceptability of the qualifications you hold please contact the academic School(s) you plan to apply to.
Further information for mature students, can be found on our How to apply page.
How your application is considered
We read the personal statements and references of all applicants paying particular attention to A-level (or IB etc.) predictions or achieved grades.
Interview requirements
Normally, we only interview applicants who are applying with non-standard entry requirements.
Returning to education
Applications from mature students are welcomed and considered on an individual basis.
Such applicants will be required to produce a piece of written work, for assessment by the Admissions Tutor.
Once you have applied, the Admissions Administrator will contact you with a list of topics/questions.
You will be asked to choose one and produce a piece (1500 words) on that subject, for submission by the deadline given by the Administrator.
Deferrals
We welcome applications for deferred entry and feel a gap year benefits many students.
We do ask applicants to let us know as early as possibleif they are intending to defer.This helps us to adjust the number of offers we make, in orderto achieve the required number of students in a given year.
Re-applications
If you applied in the previous year and your application was not successful you may apply again. Your application will be considered against the standard course entry criteria for that year of entry.
In your new application you should demonstrate how your application has improved.
We may draw upon all information from your previous applications or any previous registrations at the University as a student when assessing your suitability for your chosen course.
If you are applying for a place for the same year of entry through UCAS Extra, you should provide additional evidence of your suitability for the course.
If you are applying through clearing you are required to meet the clearing requirements.
In both UCAS Extra and clearing the places will be subject to availability.
Transfers
We will consider applications to transfer to Manchester from other universities and would normally ask for a letter explaining why a transfer was needed, relevant transcripts, a copy of the applicant's UCAS form and a confidential reference from one of the applicant's current university tutors.
We will consider applications to transfer from other degrees within the University of Manchester but applicants are required to have the A-level grades (or other qualifications) needed for entry to that degree programme.
Both of the above are subject toour having enough places to accommodate such applicants.
Enquiries should be made to the admissions administrator for the subject (see contact details).
Course details
Course description
BA Modern History with Economics is a flexible course built around the study of modern history, economic history, economics and political economy.
A key feature of the course is the opportunity you have to develop and apply transferable skills drawn from studying related academic disciplines in history and the social sciences.
Broad course units in history and economics constitute the core of the degree in the first two years, leading to more specialist options (in history and economics/political economy) in Year 3, including an independent research project.
Special features
Placement year option
Apply your subject-specific knowledge in a real-world context through a placement year in your third year of study, enabling you to enhance your employment prospects, clarify your career goals and build your external networks.
Connect with like-minded students
Join the History Society, which plays a key role in building a community among History students at Manchester by organising trips (in the UK and on the continent) and hosting social events, and get involved with the student magazine, The Manchester Historian .
Study abroad
You can apply to spend one semester studying abroad during Year 2, with exchange partners including those in Europe as well as the USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Hong Kong and Singapore.
Teaching and learning
You will learn through:
- lectures;
- seminars;
- web-based seminars;
- small group tutorials.
You will spend approximately 12 hours a week in formal study sessions. For every hour spent at University, you will be expected to complete a further two to three hours of independent study. You will also need to study during the holiday periods.
We will encourage you to undertake supervised, independent study and original research at every level of the course.
The individual study component could be spent reading, producing written work, or revising for examinations.
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in various ways, including:
- written and oral examinations;
- coursework essays;
- research reports;
- practical tests;
- learning logs;
- web contributions.
Many course units are assessed through a mixture of techniques.
In your final year, you will write a dissertation which provides 22% of the final mark.
Course content for year 1
Students are introduced to the main issues in modern history and economic history through courses exploring the history of globalisation and Britain's economic development.
Students will also undertake core courses introducing them to the basic principles of modern economic theory.
Course units for year 1
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
ECON10221 | 10 | Mandatory | |
ECON10252 | 10 | Mandatory | |
HIST10101 | 20 | Mandatory | |
HIST10182 | 20 | Mandatory | |
AMER10002 | 20 | Optional | |
BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN10632 | 10 | Optional | |
DIGI10082 | 20 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 2
Modules become increasingly specialist, and the programme offers significant choice and flexibility.
All Modern History with Economics students will complete an Independent Research Project, which is an extended piece of coursework supervised on a one-to-one basis on a history topic of the student's choice.
Course units for year 2
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
HIST20392 | 20 | Mandatory | |
AMER20141 | 20 | Optional | |
AMER21002 | 20 | Optional | |
BMAN10552 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN10612 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN10621B | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN20242 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN20832 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN21011 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN22000 | 20 | Optional | |
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Course content for year 3
Students in the final year of their degree programme will have the opportunity to undertake specialist courses in economics, modern history and/or economic history, as well as undertaking an extended dissertation project with one-to-one supervision.
Course units for year 3
The course unit details given below are subject to change, and are the latest example of the curriculum available on this course of study.
Title | Code | Credit rating | Mandatory/optional |
---|---|---|---|
HIST30970 | 40 | Mandatory | |
AMER30021 | 20 | Optional | |
BMAN30010 | 20 | Optional | |
BMAN30021 | 10 | Optional | |
BMAN31212 | 10 | Optional | |
CAHE30881 | 20 | Optional | |
ECON30021 | 10 | Optional | |
ECON30022 | 10 | Optional | |
ECON30031 | 10 | Optional | |
ECON30032 | 10 | Optional | |
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Facilities
Manchester is a living history book, from Peterloo to the anti-slavery and suffragette movements, from Roman and Anglo-Saxon forts to medieval monuments.
As a student in this historically rich and multi-ethnic city, you'll have the opportunity to draw on the abundant library, archive and museum holdings of the local area, including the Ahmed Iqbal Ullah Race Relations Resource Centre, Chetham's Library, The Museum of Science and Industry, The People's History Museum and the Working-Class Movement Library.
You'll also have access to one of only five National Research Libraries, including the special collections of The John Rylands Library, as well as the exclusive holdings of Manchester Museum.
The University of Manchester owns the Whitworth Art Gallery, Manchester Museum and Tabley House, giving you unique access to outstanding cultural and historical resources.
Disability support
Careers
Career opportunities
Study History at Manchester and you will come away with a degree that is well-regarded by employers for the outstanding analysis and critical thinking skills you will develop.
The University of Manchester is the second most targeted university in the UK for top graduate employers (High Fliers Research, 2024).
Our graduates enjoy success in a wide range of careers, reflecting the high regard in which employers hold a History degree from Manchester, including the BBC - with whom we have well-established links - as well as KPMG, Deloitte, Marks and Spencer, Aviva, Accenture and Barclays.
Typical professions for History graduates include:
- teaching and academia;
- heritage and museums;
- the Civil Service;
- policy and thinktanks;
- creative industries;
- media and journalism;
- marketing and public relations;
- law and accountancy;
- finance;
- NGOs.
Many of our graduates go on to undertake further study such as master's and PhD degrees, PGCEs or law conversion courses before taking up their careers.
Regulated by the Office for Students
The University of Manchester is regulated by the Office for Students (OfS). The OfS aims to help students succeed in Higher Education by ensuring they receive excellent information and guidance, get high quality education that prepares them for the future and by protecting their interests. More information can be found at the OfS website.
You can find regulations and policies relating to student life at The University of Manchester, including our Degree Regulations and Complaints Procedure, on our regulations website.