How long does the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods take to complete?

The Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods runs 15 to 18 months on rolling intake windows. Part-time paces are available on the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods.

Which delivery modes are available for the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods?

The Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods is offered on-campus, fully online and by distance learning. Weekly seminars run in every mode of the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods.

Is the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods recognised in the UK?

Yes, the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods is a UK Level 5 qualification with structured articulation into a UK Bachelor's top-up. The Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods is aligned with Royal Economic Society standards.

What are the entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods?

A Level 4 Diploma, Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification is the standard route. IELTS 6.0 is required for non-native English speakers applying to the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods.

How much does the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods cost and is funding available?

Fees for the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods are published on the LSLPE fees page and can be paid by instalment. Employer sponsorship for the Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods can be discussed with admissions.

Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods at LSLPE is a UK Level 5 qualification running 15 to 18 months across on-campus, online and distance routes, with structured articulation into a UK Bachelor's top-up in Economics. The programme is aligned with Royal Economic Society, Society of Professional Economists and Government Economic Service research-competence standards and prepares candidates for research-intensive analytic roles.

By graduation you will have designed a research protocol for a small applied study, produced an econometric estimation on real data, drafted a systematic literature review, prepared a workplace capstone against a live employer question, and defended a Level 5 portfolio ready for Bachelor's articulation.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Royal Economic Society and Government Economic Service standards.
Modules on causal inference, econometrics, survey design and structured literature review.
Case-room teaching on IFS, NIESR and Bank of England research outputs.
Workshops in R, Stata and Python for economic analysis.
CIPFA-aligned strand on public-sector research standards.
Named programme-tutor support with weekly seminars in all three modes.
Structured articulation into a UK Bachelor's top-up in Economics.

What You Will Learn

Design a research question that maps to available data.
Interpret and apply causal-inference frameworks including difference-in-differences and instrumental variables.
Build a small econometric model in R, Stata or Python.
Produce a systematic literature review to a documented protocol.
Draft a research ethics submission.
Present research findings orally in a workplace or committee setting.
Write a technical report suitable for a research supervisor.
Handle survey and administrative data ethically and reproducibly.

Who This Course Is For

Research assistants in think tanks and consultancies moving into senior analyst roles.
Analysts in Government Economic Service teams.
Working professionals moving from paralegal, policy officer, research assistant or public administration roles into economic research.
International applicants planning a Bachelor's articulation in the UK.
Applicants preparing for a Master's programme in economics.

Career Pathways

Research economist in a think tank or academic centre.
Econometrician in a public-sector or consulting team.
Economic consultant with a research-led brief.
Economic policy analyst in a government department.
Labour market analyst in a research institute.
Central bank analyst on macro-econometric modelling.
Investment analyst on macro research desks.
Behavioural economist in a research-led team.

The LSLPE careers service maintains introductions with IFS-adjacent research groups, City research desks and Government Economic Service employers.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification in economics or a quantitative 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 paralegal, policy officer, research assistant or public administration roles are welcomed.

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 Bank of England, the IFS, NIESR, the Royal Economic Society and the LSE-adjacent research ecosystem within a short tube ride of every classroom.

Cohorts are small, tutor-visible and taught in the case-room and select-committee tradition. The LSLPE careers service runs at least one careers day each year and refreshes syllabus alignment annually against Royal Economic Society guidance.

Apply for Higher Diploma in Economic Research Methods

Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis and admissions responds within one working day. Complete a Higher Diploma at LSLPE and articulate into a UK Bachelor's top-up in Economics with credit transfer confirmed at enrolment. Enrol Now.