How long is the Diploma in Political Economy at LSLPE?

The Diploma in Political Economy runs 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. All three modes complete the same comparative essay portfolio for the Diploma in Political Economy.

How is the Diploma in Political Economy delivered?

The Diploma in Political Economy is delivered on-campus in London, online and by distance learning. Every mode uses weekly case-room seminars and comparative institutional case work.

Is the Diploma in Political Economy UK-recognised?

Yes, the Diploma in Political Economy is a UK Level 4 practitioner foundation aligned with Royal Economic Society applied training standards and Political Studies Association benchmarks.

What are the entry requirements for the Diploma in Political Economy?

The Diploma in Political Economy expects a Level 3 qualification such as A-levels, BTEC or Access to HE, or a relevant Certificate at LSLPE. Prior policy experience is welcomed.

What does the Diploma in Political Economy cost and is funding available?

The Diploma in Political Economy is quoted on the LSLPE fees page with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation. Admissions issues a personalised funding letter on request.

Diploma in Political Economy | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Political Economy at LSLPE is a UK Level 4 practitioner-foundation qualification running 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes. The programme is aligned with Royal Economic Society applied training standards on political economy, Political Studies Association benchmarks on institutional analysis, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy standards on public sector economics, and Institute for Government analytical practice.

By graduation you will have produced a comparative political economy essay on two OECD economies, drafted a policy paper on a UK regulatory reform, run an interest-group analysis on a live piece of UK legislation and completed a short institutional case study.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Royal Economic Society applied training standards, PSA institutional benchmarks and Institute for Government analytical practice.
Case-room seminars using IFS Green Budget material, Institute for Government reports and Chatham House policy briefs.
Introduction to formal political economy methods.
Comparative case work across UK, US, German and Nordic political economies.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes.

What You Will Learn

Classical political economy from Smith and Ricardo through to Marx and Keynes.
Public choice theory and the economic analysis of politics.
Varieties of capitalism and comparative institutional analysis.
Interest groups, lobbying and regulatory capture.
Fiscal politics and the political economy of tax and spending.
Central bank independence and monetary politics.
Trade politics and the political economy of protection.
The political economy of welfare states.

Who This Course Is For

Junior policy analysts and civil servants.
Journalists and communicators covering economics and politics.
Working practitioners in NGOs and campaign groups.
Aspiring GES candidates and think-tank researchers.
International applicants studying UK political economy.

Career Pathways

Economic Policy Analyst
Research Economist
Government Economist entry role
Public Finance Analyst
Regulatory Economist
Economic Consultant
Investment Analyst on political-economy risk
Trade Economist

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year connecting Diploma in Political Economy students with employers across the Government Economic Service, IFS-adjacent think tanks, City policy research teams and campaign organisations.

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 progression aims in political economy.
Applicants with relevant policy or research experience are encouraged to reference it at application.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE is the specialist law, politics and economics division of Harold International College of London, teaching in small tutor-visible cohorts within a short tube ride of HM Treasury, the Institute for Government and Chatham House. The Diploma in Political Economy reads its subject through the working papers, IFS analyses and Chatham House briefings that shape how live UK reform is understood.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Diploma without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes curriculum annually against Royal Economic Society and Political Studies Association guidance.

Apply for Diploma in Political Economy

Applications for the Diploma in Political Economy open with rolling intakes and admissions responds within one working day. Step up to a UK Level 4 Diploma at LSLPE with three intake windows a year, and take a credentialed UK step into political economy analysis. Enrol Now