How long does the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy take to complete?

The Diploma in Governance and Public Policy runs 9 to 12 months on rolling intake windows. Full-time and part-time paces are available for the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy.

Which delivery modes are available for the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy?

The Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is offered on-campus, fully online and by distance learning. All three modes of the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy use the same weekly seminar structure.

Is the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy recognised in the UK?

Yes, the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy is a UK Level 4 qualification. The Diploma in Governance and Public Policy articulates into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.

What are the entry requirements for the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy?

A Level 3 qualification or relevant LSLPE Certificate is the baseline. IELTS 5.5 is required for non-native English speakers applying to the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy.

How much does the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy cost and is funding available?

Fees for the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy are published on the LSLPE fees page and can be paid by instalment. Employer sponsorship for the Diploma in Governance and Public Policy can be discussed with admissions.

Diploma in Governance and Public Policy | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Governance and Public Policy at LSLPE is a UK Level 4 practitioner-foundation qualification running 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. The programme trains candidates in policy-cycle thinking, governance frameworks, public-sector delivery and evidence-informed decision-making, aligned with Political Studies Association, Institute for Government and CIPFA guidance.

By graduation you will have written a Green Paper-style options analysis, produced a submission to a fictional minister, drafted a stakeholder-mapping note, prepared an evidence memorandum for a select committee, and completed a written portfolio suitable for Advanced Diploma progression.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association and CIPFA public-policy standards.
Modules on the policy cycle, governance frameworks, public value and delivery.
Case-room teaching on Institute for Government analyses of Whitehall delivery.
Workshops in Green Paper drafting, submissions and stakeholder mapping.
Chatham House and ODI-aligned strand on comparative governance.
Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.

What You Will Learn

Apply the policy cycle from problem definition to evaluation.
Read and interpret Green Papers, White Papers and consultation responses.
Advise on evidence hierarchies for public policy.
Draft submissions to a minister and lines-to-take.
Analyse governance frameworks across central and local government.
Prepare a stakeholder-mapping note for a delivery programme.
Write an evidence memorandum to a select-committee format.
Present findings orally in a mock-committee setting.

Who This Course Is For

Local-authority officers and civil servants moving into policy roles.
Public-affairs professionals building governance depth.
Career changers moving into public-sector delivery from consultancy or academia.
International applicants seeking a UK-based governance credential.
Applicants preparing for a Bachelor's in politics, PPE or public policy.

Career Pathways

Policy adviser in a government department or non-departmental public body.
Public affairs consultant advising on governance and delivery.
Programme manager in a delivery body.
Public sector consultant on operating-model design.
Strategy adviser to a local-authority senior team.
Political analyst in a governance-focused think tank.
Parliamentary researcher on public-policy committees.

The LSLPE careers service points Diploma students to Advanced Diploma progression and to entry-level policy and governance roles.

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 governance and public policy.
Applicants with policy, delivery or public-sector 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 Institute for Government, the Institute for Fiscal Studies, the National Audit Office, Whitehall and Parliament 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 Governance and Public Policy

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.