Diploma in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
Course Overview
The Diploma in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences 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 takes candidates through political-science method, economic reasoning and social-science research practice, aligned with Political Studies Association, Royal Economic Society and Institute of Development Studies scholarship.
By graduation you will have produced a short interdisciplinary research brief, written a critical review of two rival methodologies, drafted a policy note grounded in social-science evidence, presented a research proposal in a mock committee, and completed a portfolio suitable for Advanced Diploma progression.
Key Features
- Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association, Royal Economic Society and Institute of Development Studies standards.
- Modules on political-science method, economic reasoning and mixed-methods research.
- Case-room readings from Chatham House, IFS and ODI research notes.
- Workshops on research design, ethics and reproducibility.
- Institute for Government-aligned strand on evidence-informed policy.
- Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
- Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.
What You Will Learn
- Design a small interdisciplinary research study.
- Interpret descriptive and inferential statistics from social-science datasets.
- Compare quantitative and qualitative methods against a common question.
- Draft a policy note grounded in social-science evidence.
- Read comparative policy research critically.
- Prepare a research-ethics submission.
- Present a research proposal in a mock committee setting.
- Write a critical review of rival methodological approaches.
Who This Course Is For
- Research assistants and policy officers building methodological depth.
- Career changers moving into policy or research from other sectors.
- International applicants seeking a UK-based interdisciplinary credential.
- Working professionals in NGO, campaign and public-sector support roles.
- Applicants preparing for a Bachelor's in PPE or public policy.
Career Pathways
- Think tank researcher on an interdisciplinary portfolio.
- Policy adviser with a research brief.
- Public sector consultant on evidence-informed policy.
- Programme manager in a delivery body.
- Development analyst in an NGO or advisory firm.
- Civic innovation analyst.
- Public leadership fellow at entry level.
The LSLPE careers service points Diploma students to Advanced Diploma progression and to entry-level interdisciplinary 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 interdisciplinary social sciences.
- Applicants with research, policy 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 reading law, politics and economics as three interlocking disciplines. Central London places Chatham House, the IFS, the ODI, the Institute for Government and the LSE-adjacent research 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 year and briefs Diploma candidates individually on progression routes.
Apply for Diploma in Interdisciplinary Social Sciences
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.
