How long does the Higher Diploma in Development Economics take to complete?

The Higher Diploma in Development Economics runs 15 to 18 months across on-campus, online and distance routes. Part-time study extends the Higher Diploma in Development Economics where field commitments require it.

Can I study the Higher Diploma in Development Economics online?

Yes. The Higher Diploma in Development Economics is delivered on-campus in central London, online and by distance learning, and each mode shares the same weekly seminar structure.

Is the Higher Diploma in Development Economics UK recognised?

The Higher Diploma in Development Economics is a UK Level 5 award aligned with ODI and IDS analytical traditions, with confirmed credit transfer into a Bachelor's top-up.

What are the entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Development Economics?

Applicants need a Level 4 Diploma or comparable qualification, GCSE English and Maths at grade 4/C, and IELTS 6.0 where required. Donor or NGO experience supports the Higher Diploma in Development Economics application.

How much does the Higher Diploma in Development Economics cost and is funding available?

Tuition varies by mode. LSLPE admissions publishes current fees at offer stage and discusses instalment plans and employer sponsorship for the Higher Diploma in Development Economics on request.

Higher Diploma in Development Economics | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Development Economics at LSLPE is a UK Level 5 programme running 15 to 18 months across on-campus, online and distance modes. It reads development economics as a working practice in donor agencies, ministries of finance in low and middle-income countries, and international bodies such as the World Bank and IMF. The syllabus is aligned with the Overseas Development Institute and Institute of Development Studies analytical traditions and closes with a supervised capstone project.

By graduation you will have built country diagnostic reports, produced project appraisal notes to Treasury Green Book and DAC guidance, run impact-evaluation analyses on public microdata, and defended a supervised capstone on a development question.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Overseas Development Institute (ODI) and Institute of Development Studies (IDS) frameworks.
Applied appraisal training against Treasury Green Book and OECD DAC guidance.
Confirmed credit transfer into an articulated UK Bachelor's top-up.
Impact-evaluation practice using publicly available datasets from LMICs.
Guest sessions with practitioners aligned to the Government Economic Service and multilateral donors.
Careers day links to bilateral donors, multilateral bodies and development NGOs.

What You Will Learn

Growth theory and its application to development trajectories.
Poverty measurement and household survey analysis.
Aid, debt and multilateral finance architecture.
Development microeconomics: education, health, agriculture and labour markets.
Impact evaluation with randomised and quasi-experimental designs.
Project appraisal to Treasury Green Book and DAC standards.
Political economy of development, state capacity and institutions.
Capstone project design and defence.

Who This Course Is For

Diploma holders in economics or international development progressing to Level 5.
NGO and donor staff moving into economics-heavy programme roles.
Public-sector analysts in LMIC ministries of finance and planning.
International applicants working across development contexts.
Working professionals studying part-time through the distance route.

Career Pathways

Development Economist at ODI, IDS or a bilateral donor.
Development Analyst at the World Bank, IMF or regional development bank.
Public Finance Analyst inside an LMIC ministry of finance.
NGO Programme Officer running economics-heavy programmes.
International Development Officer inside FCDO development directorates.
Research Economist at a development think tank.
Economic Consultant serving donor and government clients.

The LSLPE careers service links Higher Diploma students to bilateral donors, multilateral bodies and specialist development NGOs through the careers day programme.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification in economics, development studies or a cognate discipline.
GCSE English at grade 4/C and Mathematics at grade 4/C or equivalent.
IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
One academic or professional reference.
Working professionals moving from NGO, donor or ministry roles are welcomed.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE is a specialist division of Harold International College of London that reads development economics as an applied discipline embedded in politics and law. The Higher Diploma in Development Economics is delivered in small, tutor-visible cohorts using the case-room and select-committee tradition, so evidence is argued rather than absorbed.

Central London places the FCDO, ODI, Chatham House and the LSE-adjacent development ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom. Online and distance students join the same weekly seminar structure with named programme-tutor support, so field practitioners complete the Higher Diploma in Development Economics without leaving posting.

Apply for Higher Diploma in Development Economics

Complete a Higher Diploma at LSLPE and articulate into a UK Bachelor's top-up in the same discipline. Credit transfer is confirmed at enrolment. Enrol Now