How long is the Diploma in Trade and Economics at LSLPE?

The Diploma in Trade and Economics runs 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. All three modes complete the same tariff-modelling portfolio for the Diploma in Trade and Economics.

How is the Diploma in Trade and Economics delivered?

The Diploma in Trade and Economics is delivered on-campus in London, online and by distance learning. Every mode uses weekly case-room seminars and applied trade data workshops.

Is the Diploma in Trade and Economics UK-recognised?

Yes, the Diploma in Trade and Economics is a UK Level 4 practitioner foundation aligned with Royal Economic Society and Government Economic Service trade guidance.

What are the entry requirements for the Diploma in Trade and Economics?

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

What does the Diploma in Trade and Economics cost and is funding available?

The Diploma in Trade and Economics 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 Trade and Economics | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Trade and Economics 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, Government Economic Service entry competencies on trade and Chatham House research practice on international trade policy. It is a working-level introduction to the UK's post-Brexit trade footprint and the WTO disciplines that constrain it.

By graduation you will have modelled a tariff change, produced a rules-of-origin analysis, drafted a market-access brief and completed a case study on a live UK free trade agreement.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Royal Economic Society applied training standards and GES trade entry competencies.
Case-room seminars using UK Department for Business and Trade explanatory memoranda and Chatham House trade briefings.
Applied workshops using UN COMTRADE data and WITS tariff data.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.
Guest sessions with practising trade analysts from Whitehall and the City.
Articulation into LSLPE Advanced Diploma and Higher Diploma routes in economics.

What You Will Learn

Trade theory including comparative advantage, Heckscher-Ohlin and new trade theory.
Tariff and non-tariff measures and their empirical estimation.
WTO disciplines including MFN, national treatment and safeguards.
Free trade agreements and the UK's post-Brexit agreement portfolio.
Rules of origin, preference utilisation and Incoterms.
Global value chains, offshoring and services trade.
Trade remedies including anti-dumping and countervailing duties.
Market access analysis for exporters into major partner markets.

Who This Course Is For

Analysts in trade bodies, exporters and Chambers of Commerce.
Civil servants in the Department for Business and Trade or the Cabinet Office.
Working practitioners in freight, logistics and customs brokerage.
International applicants studying UK trade policy for domestic reform work.
Aspiring Government Economic Service candidates specialising in trade.

Career Pathways

Trade Economist
Economic Policy Analyst
Government Economist on trade
Economic Consultant on export projects
Regulatory Economist on trade remedies
Research Economist
Investment Analyst on trade-exposed sectors
Public Finance Analyst on customs revenue

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year connecting Diploma in Trade and Economics students with employers across the Department for Business and Trade, trade bodies, Chatham House-adjacent think tanks and City trade research teams.

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 trade policy.
Applicants with relevant policy or trade analysis 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 the Department for Business and Trade, the Cabinet Office and the international economic institutions with London footprints. The Diploma in Trade and Economics reads its subject through the working data and negotiating texts that shape live UK trade policy.

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 GES trade guidance.

Apply for Diploma in Trade and Economics

Applications for the Diploma in Trade and Economics 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 applied trade analysis. Enrol Now