Certificate in Political Research Skills
Course Overview
The Certificate in Political Research Skills at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification running 3 to 6 months on-campus, online and by distance learning. The programme is aligned with Political Studies Association guidance and provides new entrants with a first structured pass at the research methods, source-critical reading and briefing formats used inside parliamentary offices, campaigns and think tanks.
By graduation you will have written short briefing notes, mapped a policy question against primary sources and produced a reflective piece on evidence use in politics. The Certificate is a first-entry route and a clean progression into LSLPE's Diploma routes in politics and public policy.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association guidance on research and evidence.
- Introductory case sequences from Hansard, House of Commons Library research briefings and select-committee reports.
- Writing workshops on briefing notes, memos and one-pagers.
- Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
- Structured progression into LSLPE Diploma routes.
- Weekly seminars in the case-room tradition.
What You Will Learn
- Where to find UK political primary sources — statutes, Hansard, select-committee reports.
- How to read a political brief critically.
- Introductory qualitative and quantitative literacy.
- Referencing and evidence tracing.
- Writing briefing notes for parliamentary and campaign audiences.
- Managing bias and misinformation in political material.
- Introductory interview and stakeholder-mapping technique.
- Ethics of research in political contexts.
Who This Course Is For
- New entrants to parliamentary research and campaigning.
- Career changers moving into political research from adjacent fields.
- Volunteers seeking a structured first credential.
- International applicants preparing for research roles at home.
- Mature applicants exploring political research as a second career.
Career Pathways
- Parliamentary Researcher (support tier)
- Political Analyst (entry level)
- Political Communications Officer
- Public Affairs Officer
- Election Analyst (support tier)
- Think Tank Research Assistant
- Campaign Research Assistant
- Policy Research Assistant
The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year for Certificate in Political Research Skills students, connecting them with parliamentary offices, think tanks and campaigning organisations.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study of political research required — the Certificate in Political Research Skills 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 research.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance for the Certificate in Political Research Skills.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE reads political research inside a wider law-politics-economics conversation, because good political research reads statutes, budget lines and political incentives at once. Central London places Parliament, Whitehall, Chatham House and the LSE-adjacent think-tank ecosystem a short tube ride from every classroom.
Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Certificate in Political Research Skills without leaving employment. Rolling intakes and named tutor support keep the cohort small and visible.
Apply for Certificate in Political Research Skills
Applications for the Certificate in Political Research Skills open on rolling intakes and admissions responds within one working day. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE. Early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules. Enrol Now
