How is the Certificate in Economics Introduction delivered?

The Certificate in Economics Introduction is taught on-campus in central London, live online and by structured distance learning. All three modes share the same seminar calendar.

Is the Certificate in Economics Introduction recognised in the UK?

The Certificate in Economics Introduction is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification aligned with Royal Economic Society and CIPFA publication conventions. It articulates directly into LSLPE Diploma routes.

What are the entry requirements for the Certificate in Economics Introduction?

GCSE English at 4/C, IELTS 5.5 for non-native speakers, and a 250-word statement. No prior study is required to enrol on the Certificate in Economics Introduction; mature applicants are welcomed on open access.

What does the Certificate in Economics Introduction cost and is funding available?

Fees for the Certificate in Economics Introduction are published on the LSLPE fees page. Staged payment plans are available for domestic students and international applicants can apply for the current scholarship window.

Certificate in Economics Introduction | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Economics Introduction at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory course running 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance modes. It gives new entrants the working economic literacy needed to read Bank of England releases, HM Treasury announcements and the leading UK economic-affairs journalism with confidence. The syllabus covers demand and supply, elasticity, market failure, GDP and inflation, monetary and fiscal policy in outline, and the elementary anatomy of the UK economy.

By the end of the Certificate you will have written short data-brief case notes, produced a short guided market analysis, drafted a beginner-level policy note, and prepared a reading log ready for progression into an LSLPE Diploma in Economics.

Key Features

UK Level 3 Certificate designed as a first-entry route into economics.
Reading list aligned with Royal Economic Society (RES), Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and CIPFA publications.
Weekly seminars in central London or live online with named tutor support.
Applied assignments in data-brief, market-analysis and policy-note format.
Direct articulation into LSLPE Diploma in Economics and Diploma in Business Economics.
International-applicant support with visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.

What You Will Learn

Read demand, supply and elasticity in a live UK market.
Interpret Bank of England MPC minutes in outline.
Distinguish GDP, GNP, GNI and their headline UK series.
Read inflation, unemployment and trade-balance data.
Analyse a UK market for competition or externality issues.
Draft an entry-level policy note using published data.
Use spreadsheet tools for basic economic analysis.
Prepare a personal reading and progression plan.

Who This Course Is For

New entrants exploring an economics career.
Career-changers moving from operations or administration into analytical roles.
Small-business owners wanting economics literacy.
International applicants preparing for LSLPE Diploma-level study.
Mature applicants entering study through open-access admissions.

Career Pathways

Research Economist (trainee)
Investment Analyst (trainee)
Public Finance Analyst (trainee)
Labour Market Analyst (trainee)
Economic Policy Analyst (trainee)

The LSLPE careers service supports Certificate in Economics Introduction leavers with progression planning into Diploma routes and introductions to graduate research schemes across the City and the public sector.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
No prior study of economics required — the Certificate is designed as a first-entry route.
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers, or equivalent.
A short personal statement of 250 words describing your interest in economics.
International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE reads economics as inseparable from the political and legal frame that shapes it, and even at Certificate level students are asked to notice how monetary and fiscal policy sit inside real UK institutions. The Certificate is taught in small tutor-visible cohorts by staff drawn from academic, City and public-service backgrounds.

Central London puts the Bank of England, HM Treasury, IFS and the leading economic-research houses within a short tube ride of every classroom. Three parallel study modes let full-time workers and international applicants complete the Certificate without dislocation, and the careers service refreshes curriculum alignment annually against RES guidance.

Apply for Certificate in Economics Introduction

Places are offered on rolling intakes. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE, rolling intakes, early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now.