Certificate in Governance and Society
Course Overview
The Certificate in Governance and Society is a 3 to 6 month UK Level 3 introductory programme reading the relationships between state, civil society and citizen in the UK. Students study the constitutional order, the role of Parliament and government, the third sector, campaigns and social movements, and the mechanics of public participation. The syllabus is aligned with Political Studies Association introductory guidance.
By graduation you will have written short case studies on public participation, produced a briefing on a live campaigning question, drafted an introductory analysis of a civil society organisation, and completed a Certificate essay on a chosen governance and society theme.
Key Features
- Introductory curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association guidance.
- Case-room seminars set against live UK campaigning and civil society material.
- Structured reading of parliamentary petitions, consultations and citizen assemblies.
- Guided writing of short case studies and briefings.
- Articulates into an LSLPE Diploma in politics, PPE or public policy.
- Three parallel study modes suitable for career changers and international applicants.
- Careers service introduces students to NGO, community and public affairs employers.
What You Will Learn
- Map the constitutional relationships between state, Parliament and citizen.
- Read UK third-sector organisations and their governance.
- Trace a campaign from grassroots to policy adoption.
- Assess parliamentary petitions and public consultations.
- Analyse a UK citizen assembly output.
- Write an introductory case study on public participation.
- Prepare a first briefing on a live campaigning question.
Who This Course Is For
- Career changers moving into civil society and public affairs.
- Recent school leavers considering politics, PPE or sociology degrees.
- Working professionals in charities, unions and campaigns.
- Local government administrators exploring policy careers.
- International applicants preparing for UK Level 4 study.
Career Pathways
- Junior Programme Officer at a UK charity.
- Public Affairs Officer at an NGO or trade association.
- Community Engagement Officer at a local authority.
- Political Communications Assistant for a campaign.
- Research assistant at a UK think tank on civic questions.
The LSLPE careers service introduces Certificate students to civil society, campaigning and public affairs employers each year.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study of governance required — the Certificate in Governance and Society 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 governance and society.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE reads law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines, and the Certificate in Governance and Society is a natural first step into that view. Central London places Parliament, the third sector's national bodies and the LSE-adjacent think-tank ecosystem within a short tube ride of the seminar room, and cohorts are kept small enough for tutors to know each student by name.
Three parallel study modes let career changers, working professionals and international applicants complete the Certificate in Governance and Society without leaving employment.
Apply for Certificate in Governance and Society
Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE with rolling intakes. Early applications to the Certificate in Governance and Society receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now
