BAEcon Economics and Finance

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed their secondary education with a minimum overall score of 80% or equivalent in their respective country's grading system.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 90.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 70.
• Some programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Manchester offers a range of scholarships to support international students in funding their education and making their academic journey more accessible. These scholarships are designed to reward academic excellence, support students from diverse backgrounds, and help ease the financial challenges of studying abroad.

Global Futures Scholarship: The Global Futures Scholarship is a prestigious award for international students who demonstrate academic excellence and potential. This scholarship offers a £5,000 contribution towards tuition fees, providing financial assistance for undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship is open to students from specific countries and disciplines, so it is essential to check eligibility criteria and deadlines.

Undergraduate Scholarships: The university also offers various undergraduate scholarships for international students applying to programs such as law, business, engineering, and the humanities. These scholarships are based on academic achievement and help ease the burden of tuition fees. Some specific subject areas may have unique scholarships based on the department's needs and goals.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Many departments at the University of Manchester offer subject-specific scholarships for students enrolling in their programs. For example, students applying for programs in engineering, business, life sciences, and the arts may be eligible for additional funding based on academic performance and their future potential. These scholarships are often offered to high-achieving students who demonstrate exceptional skills and dedication to their field of study.

Chevening Scholarships: The Chevening Scholarship is a fully-funded award provided by the UK government, open to outstanding international students from over 160 countries. The scholarship covers tuition fees, living costs, travel expenses, and other related costs. The University of Manchester is a proud participant in this global program and welcomes applications from students wishing to pursue a master's degree in a variety of disciplines.

Regional Scholarships: The university also offers regional scholarships for students from specific countries or regions, including Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas. These scholarships are designed to make studying at the University of Manchester more accessible to students from these regions and offer both partial and full financial support depending on the scholarship type.

Graduates of the BAEcon Economics and Finance program at the University of Manchester are well-equipped to pursue a wide range of careers in finance, economics, and business. The combination of economic theory and financial analysis offers graduates the flexibility to work across multiple sectors. 

Financial Analyst: One of the most common career paths for BAEcon Economics and Finance graduates is that of a financial analyst. In this role, individuals analyze financial data, assess market trends, and create financial models to provide valuable insights for businesses, banks, and investment firms. Graduates typically work in roles such as equity analysts, credit analysts, and investment analysts, offering support in decision-making processes regarding investments and financial strategies.

Investment Banker: With a solid understanding of financial markets, graduates can pursue careers in investment banking, where they help clients raise capital, provide advisory services, and manage investment portfolios. Investment bankers work with corporations, governments, and private clients on mergers, acquisitions, and capital-raising activities. The skills learned in the program, including financial modeling and understanding of capital markets, are highly relevant to this field.

Corporate Finance Professional: Graduates can work in corporate finance departments of multinational companies, assisting with financial planning, budgeting, and investment decisions. They analyze the company’s financial performance, optimize capital structures, and manage corporate investment strategies. Roles include corporate treasurers, financial controllers, and management accountants, where graduates help organizations achieve financial stability and growth.

Risk Manager: As a risk manager, graduates evaluate the potential risks that businesses or financial institutions face in areas such as credit, market fluctuations, or operational risks. They use quantitative techniques learned during their studies to predict and mitigate financial risks, making this an ideal career for graduates interested in working in banking, insurance, or investment firms.

Economic Consultant: Economic consultants advise clients on economic policies, market trends, and financial matters. This could involve assessing the economic impact of government regulations, advising companies on pricing strategies, or assisting in economic forecasting. With their strong foundation in both economics and finance, graduates are well-equipped for this role, whether in private consulting firms or government agencies.

Management Consultant: Graduates can work as management consultants, offering strategic and financial advice to businesses and organizations. In this role, they help improve operational efficiency, financial performance, and long-term growth. Consultants often analyze business performance, identify areas for improvement, and provide recommendations based on their financial expertise.

Portfolio Manager: Portfolio managers are responsible for overseeing investment portfolios, typically for institutional clients or high-net-worth individuals. Graduates with an interest in finance and investment may become portfolio managers, where they make decisions on asset allocation, manage risks, and optimize returns for clients. The knowledge gained in financial markets and investment analysis is critical in this career.

Financial Planner/Advisor: Graduates interested in personal finance may choose to become financial planners or advisors, helping individuals manage their finances, investments, and retirement planning. Financial advisors analyze clients’ financial situations, develop investment strategies, and provide advice on savings, insurance, and tax planning.

Government Economist/Policy Analyst: Graduates with an interest in public policy may work as government economists or policy analysts. In these roles, they conduct research and analyze data to advise on economic policy, fiscal planning, and public expenditure. This may involve working in government departments, central banks, or international organizations, such as the United Nations or the World Bank.

Banking Professional: Many graduates pursue careers in retail or commercial banking. Roles include relationship managers, credit analysts, or branch managers, where they provide services such as loans, mortgages, and investment advice to clients. The financial knowledge and analytical skills learned during the program are valuable for navigating the complex banking sector.

Financial Auditor: Graduates can also pursue careers as financial auditors, where they assess the financial records of businesses to ensure compliance with regulatory standards and best practices. Financial auditors are in demand across various industries, including accounting firms, large corporations, and government agencies, as they ensure that financial reports are accurate and transparent.

Actuary: Actuaries specialize in analyzing financial risks using mathematics, statistics, and economic theory. Graduates of the BAEcon Economics and Finance program can enter the actuarial profession, where they evaluate the financial implications of risk and uncertainty in areas such as insurance, pensions, and investment.