How long is the Certificate in Public Policy Basics at LSLPE?

The Certificate in Public Policy Basics runs 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. All three modes complete the same policy note exercise for the Certificate in Public Policy Basics.

How is the Certificate in Public Policy Basics delivered?

The Certificate in Public Policy Basics is delivered on-campus in London, online and by distance learning. Every mode uses guided document reading, seminars and short briefs.

Is the Certificate in Public Policy Basics UK-recognised?

Yes, the Certificate in Public Policy Basics is a UK Level 3 introductory award aligned with Institute for Government policy craft guidance and Political Studies Association benchmarks.

What are the entry requirements for the Certificate in Public Policy Basics?

The Certificate in Public Policy Basics is open access for mature applicants and requires GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent. No prior study of policy is required.

What does the Certificate in Public Policy Basics cost and is funding available?

The Certificate in Public Policy Basics is quoted on the LSLPE fees page with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation. Admissions issues a personalised funding letter on request.

Certificate in Public Policy Basics | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Certificate in Public Policy Basics at LSLPE is a UK Level 3 introductory qualification running 3 to 6 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes. The programme is aligned with Institute for Government guidance on policy craft, Political Studies Association benchmarks on policy studies, and Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy standards on public sector literacy. It is a first-entry route for those exploring careers in Whitehall, local government and the third sector.

By graduation you will have annotated a green paper, walked through a live consultation exercise, drafted a short policy note and completed an awareness case study on a recent policy implementation.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Institute for Government policy craft guidance and PSA policy studies benchmarks.
Case-room seminars using UK green and white papers, Institute for Government blog analyses and Chatham House policy briefs.
Introduction to the Cabinet Office consultation principles.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Guest sessions with former civil servants and think-tank researchers.
Articulation into LSLPE Diploma and Advanced Diploma routes across politics and PPE.

What You Will Learn

The UK policy cycle from agenda-setting to evaluation.
The structure of Whitehall departments, arms-length bodies and delivery partners.
Consultation practice under the Cabinet Office consultation principles.
Evidence hierarchies and the What Works network.
Policy instrument choice including regulation, incentive and information.
Impact assessment and the Better Regulation Framework.
Policy communication and stakeholder mapping.
Introduction to policy evaluation methods.

Who This Course Is For

New entrants exploring public policy careers.
Career changers moving from teaching, the third sector or the private sector.
Working practitioners in charities and campaign groups engaging with government.
International applicants studying UK policy for domestic reform work.
Aspiring civil servants preparing for the fast-stream.

Career Pathways

Policy Adviser entry role
Political Analyst support role
Public Affairs Officer entry role
Parliamentary Researcher entry role
Government Affairs Manager support role
International Relations Analyst support role
Political Consultant support role
Political Communications Officer

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year connecting Certificate in Public Policy Basics students with Whitehall, Parliament, Westminster think tanks and campaign organisations.

Entry Requirements

GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
No prior study of the subject required, the Certificate in Public Policy Basics 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 public policy.
International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE is the specialist law, politics and economics division of Harold International College of London, teaching in small tutor-visible cohorts within a short tube ride of Whitehall, Parliament and the Institute for Government. The Certificate in Public Policy Basics teaches its subject by working through the actual green papers, consultations and impact assessments the UK Government publishes.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Certificate without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum annually against Political Studies Association and Institute for Government guidance.

Apply for Certificate in Public Policy Basics

Applications for the Certificate in Public Policy Basics open with rolling intakes. Start with a UK Level 3 Certificate at LSLPE with rolling intakes, early applications receive the widest choice of tutors and elective modules, and take a credentialed UK step into policy literacy. Enrol Now