Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies
Course Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies is a UK Level 5 senior-track qualification of 12 to 15 months for applicants with a Diploma or comparable experience in politics, economics or public policy. The syllabus is aligned with the applied competencies referenced by the Political Studies Association, the Royal Economic Society and the applied research programmes of the Institute for Fiscal Studies and Chatham House.
By graduation you will have produced case studies on fiscal reform politics, drafted policy analysis briefs, run comparative political-economy exercises, and completed a Diploma project on a chosen political-economy question.
Key Features
- Aligned with PSA and Royal Economic Society competencies.
- Structured case-study writing on fiscal reform, trade politics and regulatory capture.
- Applied policy analysis draw on IFS, NIESR and Chatham House research.
- Practitioner sessions from Treasury alumni and think tank fellows.
- Three parallel study modes: on-campus, live online and distance.
- Credit transfer into Bachelor's top-ups in politics, economics or PPE.
- Diploma project of 6,000 to 8,000 words.
What You Will Learn
- Analyse fiscal reform politics using public choice and coalition theory.
- Interpret UK budget cycles and OBR forecasts through political lenses.
- Compare political-economy regimes across UK, EU and G20 polities.
- Evaluate regulatory politics and capture in a chosen sector.
- Draft a political-economy case study for a think tank audience.
- Model distributional politics of a proposed reform.
- Present findings in the select-committee tradition.
- Deliver a Diploma project reading politics and economics together.
Who This Course Is For
- Diploma holders in politics, economics or PPE stepping into a senior track.
- Working policy officers and analysts in public affairs and NGOs.
- Think tank staff moving into research fellow roles.
- International applicants seeking a UK Level 5 anchor in political economy.
- Career changers building a formal political-economy foundation.
Career Pathways
- Political Analyst in a public affairs firm.
- Economic Policy Analyst in a think tank.
- Public Sector Consultant on political-economy files.
- Public Affairs Consultant in an advisory practice.
- Parliamentary Researcher on political-economy select committee work.
- Government Affairs Manager in a corporate team.
- Development Analyst in a bilateral agency.
- Strategy Adviser in a public leadership team.
The LSLPE careers service maintains introductions to public affairs firms, think tanks and NGO research teams.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience in politics, economics or public policy.
- GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
- One academic or professional reference.
- Applicants with case-study, policy-brief or research portfolios are encouraged to include them.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE reads politics and economics as two of its three interlocking disciplines and teaches the Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies as the applied meeting point. Central London places the Treasury, Chatham House, the IFS and the LSE-adjacent think tank ecosystem within a short tube ride of the classroom.
Every intake shares the same weekly case-room seminar with a named tutor. The careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against PSA and Royal Economic Society guidance so Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies graduates step into senior policy and analyst work with a current, credible base.
Apply for Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies
The Advanced Diploma in Political Economy Studies is a senior-track credential for analysts reading politics and economics together. Enrol on a UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma at LSLPE, credit transfer into Bachelor top-ups confirmed in writing at enrolment. Enrol Now.
