Diploma in Global Development
Course Overview
The Diploma in Global Development at LSLPE is a UK Level 4 practitioner-foundation qualification running 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. Sitting within the PPE and Interdisciplinary Studies department, the programme covers development theory, the Sustainable Development Goals framework, programme design and multilateral delivery, aligned with ODI, Institute of Development Studies and Chatham House research practice.
By graduation you will have written a short development brief, produced an SDG-aligned programme outline, drafted a theory-of-change note, prepared a case study on a multilateral programme, and completed a written portfolio suitable for Advanced Diploma progression.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with ODI and Institute of Development Studies research standards.
- Modules on development theory, poverty measurement, humanitarian action and programme design.
- Case-room teaching on FCDO-legacy programmes and multilateral evaluations.
- Workshops in theory-of-change drafting, log-frame writing and stakeholder analysis.
- Institute for Government-aligned strand on delivery.
- Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
- Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.
What You Will Learn
- Explain the main development-theory traditions.
- Read a Sustainable Development Goals indicator framework.
- Draft a theory-of-change note for a mock donor programme.
- Interpret programme evaluations from ODI-adjacent bodies.
- Analyse a humanitarian-response coordination structure.
- Design a small stakeholder-mapping exercise.
- Write a short development brief in the ODI house style.
- Present findings orally in seminar and simulation formats.
Who This Course Is For
- NGO programme assistants moving into design roles.
- Career changers moving into development from commercial or academic backgrounds.
- International applicants seeking a UK-based development credential.
- Working professionals in humanitarian and public-health support roles.
- Applicants preparing for a Bachelor's in development or international relations.
Career Pathways
- NGO programme officer at Level 4-articulated entry.
- Development analyst in a research or advisory firm.
- International development officer for a UK-based charity.
- Programme manager in a delivery body.
- Public affairs officer with a development brief.
- Development analyst in a donor department.
- Political analyst on a development-focused portfolio.
The LSLPE careers service points Diploma students to Advanced Diploma progression and to entry-level roles across the ODI-adjacent NGO ecosystem.
Entry Requirements
- A Level 3 qualification (A-levels, BTEC, Access to HE) or equivalent, OR a relevant Certificate at LSLPE.
- GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
- IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers, or equivalent.
- A personal statement outlining your progression aims in development.
- Applicants with NGO, campaigning or humanitarian experience are encouraged to reference it at application.
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 the ODI, Chatham House, the FCDO and the LSE-adjacent development ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom.
Every intake joins the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support. The LSLPE careers service runs at least one careers day each academic year and briefs Diploma candidates individually on progression routes.
Apply for Diploma in Global Development
Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions responds within one working day. Step up to a UK Level 4 Diploma at LSLPE with three intake windows a year. Enrol Now.
