Written by Reshab Siddique, A Second Year BA Economics and Finance Student

BA Econ (Accounting and Finance) is a degree that appealed to me as it incorporated all three disciplines of Economics, Accounting, and Finance. I chose this course as Economics gave me a fundamental understanding of the economy on both a micro and macro scale in my first year through my compulsory economics modules. Something that concerned me was not having taken any A-levels in mathematics or statistics as this is typically a requirement for most economics’ courses at many universities, however, I was able to take introductory mathematics and statistics courses which allowed me to be successful during the rigorous economic modules. The accounting modules were insightful and added a practical element to my learning as I was taught how to create and analyse key financial statements, and the management accounting modules gave me key insights into costing and how companies use accounting internally. The finance modules were exceptionally useful as they introduced me to vital industry processes such as valuation methods, bond valuations and time value of money.

In my first year, my favourite module was a politics module which I took as an optional choice, this module offered a unique learning opportunity as it introduced me to a new discipline and exposed me to tools such as Excel and SPSS, both of which are tools used in industry, therefore it was exiting to gain some practical experience with them. One aspect I particularly enjoy is the flexibility of module choices in later years. While the core subjects provide a strong foundation, the ability to specialise in areas like financial reporting or investment analysis helps me tailor my degree to my career interests or explore another discipline entirely to broaden my experiences. The thing I enjoy most about studying BA Economics (Accounting and Finance) is how the course challenges me to think critically. Whether it’s analysing market trends or understanding financial statements, I’m constantly learning how to make informed decisions based on data and theory. The course offers a perfect blend of intellectual challenge and practical application, which keeps me motivated and engaged.

The University provides fantastic academic support with approachable lecturers who will always discuss complex topics, additionally, all my modules have drop-in hours available which students can attend to solve any unresolved questions from previous lectures. As University of Manchester students, we also have access to financial databases and many pieces of literature for free through the University portal. Coupled with the excellent academic support, the University also provides substantial advice through the careers service, from CV and cover letter reviews to help getting a part time job to allow students to develop their transferable skills. I personally benefited from this service which led me to being selected for some spring internship programmes. Outside of lectures, I’ve had the opportunity to participate in various society events, allowing me to connect with like-minded individuals, some of whom have become close friends. I also joined a few sports societies, which not only kept me active but also allowed me to enjoy time with people who share similar interests.

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