Certificate in Political Economy Foundations
Course Overview
The Certificate in Political Economy Foundations is a UK Level 3 introductory programme running between three and six months, designed for applicants who want a serious first grounding in why economies and states behave the way they do. Delivered on-campus, online and by distance learning, the Certificate reads political economy in the tradition that runs from Smith and Ricardo through to modern Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) and Overseas Development Institute (ODI) analysis.
By the closing weeks you will be writing short political-economy briefs on live UK and international questions, comparing policy choices across at least two countries, and defending a position in a seminar-style discussion run in the select-committee tradition.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association (PSA) and Royal Economic Society (RES) themes.
- Case discussions drawing on IFS and Chatham House working papers.
- Weekly tutor-led seminars with named programme-tutor contact throughout.
- Three parallel study modes so working applicants can complete the Certificate without leaving employment.
- Direct articulation into the LSLPE Diploma in Political Economy and wider PPE routes.
- Central London base within reach of Whitehall, Parliament and the LSE-adjacent think-tank corridor.
What You Will Learn
- The classical, neoclassical, Keynesian and institutionalist traditions in political economy.
- How markets, states and civil society interact in shaping distribution and growth.
- How to read a budget statement, a Spending Review document and an OBR forecast at surface level.
- Comparative political economy across the UK, EU, US and emerging economies.
- Introductory public-choice reasoning and the mechanics of collective action.
- How labour markets, taxation and welfare interact to produce distributional outcomes.
- The political economy of trade, tariffs and industrial policy.
- How to structure a two-page political-economy brief for a policy audience.
Who This Course Is For
- New entrants and career changers wanting a credible first qualification in political economy.
- Undergraduates and gap-year applicants preparing for PPE, Economics or Politics degrees.
- Working professionals in NGOs, charities, journalism or public-facing roles.
- International applicants planning a longer UK route in policy and governance.
- Civil-service administrators, campaigners and researchers building an analytical base.
Career Pathways
- Junior Policy Adviser in a research or advocacy team
- Public Affairs Consultant trainee at a government-relations firm
- Think Tank Researcher assistant on a public-finance or trade brief
- Programme Assistant in an international development organisation
- Political Communications Officer trainee in a campaigning organisation
- Development Analyst trainee at an NGO or foundation
- Political Analyst assistant in media or consultancy
The LSLPE careers service supports Certificate students with a dedicated careers day, CV clinics, and warm introductions to entry-level opportunities across NGOs, think tanks and public affairs.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study of political economy required, the Certificate 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 political economy.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.
Why Study at LSLPE
The London School of Law, Politics and Economics teaches political economy as an argued discipline in small, tutor-visible cohorts. Reading political and economic questions together is central to the LSLPE house method, and central London puts the Treasury, Parliament, Chatham House and the LSE-adjacent think-tank ecosystem within a short tube journey of every classroom.
Every intake, on-campus or remote, follows the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes its curriculum alignment each year against Political Studies Association and Royal Economic Society-informed guidance.
Apply for Certificate in Political Economy Foundations
Applications for the Certificate in Political Economy Foundations are reviewed on a rolling basis. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE and enter political economy on a serious analytical footing. Enrol Now
