Advanced Diploma in Political Science
Course Overview
The Advanced Diploma in Political Science is a UK Level 5 senior-track qualification of 12 to 15 months for applicants with a Diploma or equivalent professional experience. The syllabus is aligned with the applied competencies referenced by the Political Studies Association and the British International Studies Association and draws on the applied research programmes of Chatham House, the Institute for Government and the Institute for Fiscal Studies.
By graduation you will have designed and delivered a small research project, produced applied theory papers on democratic institutions, drafted policy briefs on live UK questions, and completed a Diploma project on a political science research question.
Key Features
- Aligned with PSA and BISA senior competencies.
- Structured training in political theory, empirical methods and applied policy analysis.
- Live study of UK democratic institutions and party systems.
- Practitioner briefings from think tank fellows and Institute for Government alumni.
- Three parallel study modes: on-campus, live online and distance.
- Credit transfer into Bachelor's top-ups in politics or IR.
- Diploma project of 6,000 to 8,000 words.
What You Will Learn
- Analyse democratic theory and its application to UK politics.
- Design a small research project with survey, interview or archival elements.
- Interpret election, opinion and administrative datasets.
- Evaluate party competition and coalition formation.
- Draft policy briefs on live democratic reform questions.
- Compare UK, EU and US political systems.
- Produce a case study on a chosen political institution.
- Present findings in the case-room seminar tradition.
Who This Course Is For
- Diploma holders in politics, IR or public policy stepping into a senior track.
- Working policy officers and parliamentary researchers.
- Public affairs consultants and campaign analysts.
- NGO and think tank staff moving into research-led roles.
- International applicants seeking a UK Level 5 anchor.
Career Pathways
- Political Analyst in a public affairs firm.
- Think Tank Researcher on democratic reform programmes.
- Parliamentary Researcher on a select committee or MP's office.
- Policy Adviser in a government department.
- Election Analyst at a broadcaster or polling firm.
- Political Communications Officer in a campaign team.
- Public Affairs Consultant in an advisory practice.
- Political Consultant in a specialist firm.
The LSLPE careers service maintains introductions to Westminster public affairs firms, think tanks and campaign teams.
Entry Requirements
- A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Foundation Year, or at least two years of relevant professional experience in politics 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 research portfolios or campaign case work are encouraged to include them.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE places the Advanced Diploma in Political Science within a short walk of Parliament, Whitehall, the Institute for Government and Chatham House. Live briefings and guest sessions from working researchers keep the programme anchored in current UK political science practice.
Every intake shares the same weekly case-room seminar with a named tutor. The careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against PSA and BISA guidance so Advanced Diploma in Political Science graduates step into senior policy and analyst work with a credible, current base.
Apply for Advanced Diploma in Political Science
The Advanced Diploma in Political Science is a senior-track credential for applied political analysts. Enrol on a UK Level 5 Advanced Diploma at LSLPE, credit transfer into Bachelor top-ups confirmed in writing at enrolment. Enrol Now.
