Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics
Course Overview
The Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics 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 Royal Economic Society reference frames and gives new entrants a first structured pass at the data, regression and applied-statistics techniques that underpin modern economic analysis.
By graduation you will have worked with UK Office for National Statistics datasets, produced basic descriptive analyses, run introductory regressions and completed a short quantitative-economics project. The Certificate is a first-entry route and a clean progression into LSLPE's Diploma routes in economics.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with Royal Economic Society introductory quantitative guidance.
- Data workshops using UK ONS, HMRC and Bank of England datasets.
- Introductory work in R, Python or Excel — no prior coding required.
- Weekly seminars in the case-room tradition.
- Structured progression into LSLPE Diploma routes in economics.
- Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
What You Will Learn
- Descriptive statistics for economic data.
- Introductory probability and sampling.
- Simple and multiple regression basics.
- Reading and interpreting UK ONS releases.
- Data cleaning and preparation for economic questions.
- Working with time-series and cross-sectional data.
- Introduction to R, Python or Excel for economics.
- Communicating quantitative results to a lay audience.
Who This Course Is For
- New entrants to economics and analytics roles.
- Career changers moving into analyst-support work.
- Working professionals in adjacent fields needing quantitative literacy.
- International applicants preparing for UK-facing analytical roles.
- Mature applicants exploring quantitative economics as a second career.
Career Pathways
- Research Assistant in economic analysis
- Trainee Econometrician
- Analyst Support in the City
- Public Sector Analyst (entry level)
- Trainee Investment Analyst
- Junior Research Economist
- Data Assistant in a think tank
- Regulatory Assistant
The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year for Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics students, connecting them with analytical teams in the City, government and think tanks.
Entry Requirements
- GCSE English at grade 4/C or equivalent; open access for mature applicants at admissions review.
- No prior study of quantitative economics required — the Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics 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 quantitative economics.
- International applicants supported through visa, accommodation and English-language guidance for the Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE reads quantitative economics inside a wider law-politics-economics conversation because good economic evidence is read by policymakers, argued in politics and constrained by data quality. Central London places the ONS Data Science Campus and City analytical teams a short tube ride from every classroom.
Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics without leaving employment. Rolling intakes and named tutor support keep the cohort small and visible.
Apply for Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics
Applications for the Certificate in Quantitative Economics Basics 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
