Certificate in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Course Overview
The Certificate in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification running 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. Sitting within the PPE and Interdisciplinary Studies department, the programme introduces the working vocabulary and methods of politics, economics and social research so first-entry candidates can move confidently into a Diploma across any LSLPE department.
By graduation you will have written a short interdisciplinary brief, produced a summary note on a social-science reading, drafted a research-question canvas, presented a seminar argument, and completed a written portfolio suitable for Diploma progression.
Key Features
- Introductory syllabus aligned with Political Studies Association, Royal Economic Society and Institute of Development Studies public-education standards.
- Modules on political ideas, economic reasoning and social-research methods.
- Case-room readings drawn from Chatham House, IFS and IDS working papers.
- Workshops in reading policy documents, briefings and short research notes.
- Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
- Clear articulation into LSLPE Diploma routes in PPE and social sciences.
What You Will Learn
- Read and summarise short political and economic arguments.
- Build a research-question canvas at introductory level.
- Understand how empirical evidence supports social-science claims.
- Discuss ethical and methodological trade-offs in social research.
- Interpret basic descriptive statistics from social-science datasets.
- Compare two interdisciplinary frameworks against a common criterion.
- Write a short interdisciplinary brief.
- Present findings orally in seminar format.
Who This Course Is For
- New entrants and school leavers exploring the social sciences for the first time.
- Career changers moving into policy, research or campaigning roles.
- International applicants seeking a UK-based first credential in social sciences.
- Working professionals in NGO and public-sector support roles.
- Applicants planning to progress into a Diploma in PPE or interdisciplinary studies.
Career Pathways
- Trainee policy adviser or research assistant.
- Junior programme officer in an NGO.
- Think tank research assistant.
- Public affairs assistant at entry level.
- Civic innovation analyst at entry level.
- Development analyst at entry level.
The LSLPE careers service points Certificate students to Level 4 Diploma routes and to entry-level social-science roles across think tanks and public-affairs practices.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study required; the Certificate in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences is 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 social sciences.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE is a specialist division of Harold International College of London reading law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London places Chatham House, the IFS, the ODI, the Institute for Government and the LSE-adjacent research ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Every intake joins the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support. Certificate students are actively briefed on progression routes and part-time working options.
Apply for Certificate in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions responds within one working day. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE where rolling intakes mean early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now.
