Diploma in Global Politics
Course Overview
The Diploma in Global Politics at LSLPE is a UK Level 4 practitioner-foundation qualification running 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. The programme gives candidates a working command of international-relations theory, comparative politics, foreign-policy analysis and current global affairs, aligned with Political Studies Association and British International Studies Association scholarship and Chatham House research practice.
By graduation you will have written a foreign-policy brief on a live UK question, produced a comparative-politics case study, prepared a mock Chatham House research note, argued a Model UN debate, and completed a written portfolio suitable for progression into an Advanced Diploma in politics or international relations.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association and British International Studies Association research standards.
- Modules on IR theory, comparative politics, foreign-policy analysis and international political economy.
- Case-room debates modelled on Chatham House and the United Nations Association UK research events.
- Structured workshops on writing policy briefs, submissions and lines-to-take.
- Regular practitioner masterclasses from FCDO-adjacent and think-tank speakers.
- Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three delivery modes.
- Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes in politics.
What You Will Learn
- Apply IR theory including realism, liberalism, constructivism and critical approaches.
- Analyse UK foreign-policy documents, including Integrated Review updates.
- Write structured foreign-policy briefs and country notes.
- Evaluate comparative-politics data across democratic and non-democratic regimes.
- Interpret international political-economy questions using core frameworks.
- Prepare a Model UN position paper and defend it in committee.
- Draft submissions to select committees on international affairs.
- Present research findings orally in seminar and simulation formats.
Who This Course Is For
- Public-affairs assistants and parliamentary researchers building foundations in global politics.
- Career changers moving from communications or commercial roles into international affairs.
- International applicants seeking a UK-based foundation credential.
- Working professionals in NGOs or embassies who want a structured taught programme.
- Applicants preparing for a Bachelor's degree in international relations or politics.
Career Pathways
- Political analyst in a public-affairs practice or think tank.
- Parliamentary researcher on an international affairs portfolio.
- International affairs officer in an NGO or professional body.
- Public affairs officer with an international brief.
- Government relations manager for a multinational organisation.
- Political communications officer for a global campaign.
- Election analyst for a comparative-politics research firm.
The LSLPE careers service maintains introductions with think tanks, government-relations practices and international bodies, and briefs candidates on progression into Advanced Diploma or Bachelor's routes.
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 global politics.
- Applicants with policy, research or campaigning experience are encouraged to reference it at application.
Why Study at LSLPE
LSLPE is a specialist division of Harold International College of London that reads law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London places Chatham House, the FCDO, Whitehall, Parliament and the LSE-adjacent think-tank 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 the next progression step.
Apply for Diploma in Global Politics
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.
