How long does the Higher Diploma in Economics take?

The Higher Diploma in Economics runs 15 to 18 months at Level 5. Full-time, part-time and distance routes are available so the Higher Diploma in Economics can be completed alongside analyst, Treasury or City work.

In what modes is the Higher Diploma in Economics delivered?

The Higher Diploma in Economics is delivered on-campus in London, online with live seminars, and by distance learning. Every mode of the Higher Diploma in Economics shares the same weekly seminar rhythm and tutor support.

Is the Higher Diploma in Economics UK-recognised?

Yes. The Higher Diploma in Economics is a UK Level 5 qualification aligned with Royal Economic Society guidance and it articulates into an LSLPE Bachelor's top-up in economics.

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

Applicants to the Higher Diploma in Economics need a relevant Diploma at Level 4, GCSE English and Mathematics at 4/C, and IELTS 6.0 for international candidates.

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

Fees for the Higher Diploma in Economics are quoted on your written offer letter. LSLPE offers instalment plans, employer sponsorship options and early-application bursaries to Higher Diploma in Economics applicants.

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

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Economics is a 15 to 18 month UK Level 5 programme that takes students from applied microeconomics and macroeconomics through to policy-facing econometrics and public finance. The syllabus is aligned with Royal Economic Society guidance and with the working conventions of Government Economic Service, IFS and NIESR-style research, and it articulates cleanly into a UK Bachelor's top-up in economics at LSLPE.

By graduation you will have produced a set of applied briefings on UK output, inflation and labour market data, run supervised regression exercises on published ONS series, built a defensible fiscal-costing note in CIPFA style, and completed a substantial capstone project on a live UK policy question.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Royal Economic Society undergraduate benchmarks.
Applied briefings written to Government Economic Service and IFS-style conventions.
Econometric workshops using published Bank of England, ONS and OBR data.
Public finance training aligned to Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy standards.
Capstone supervised by tutors with policy, central bank and City backgrounds.
Confirmed credit transfer into an LSLPE Bachelor's top-up in economics.
Three parallel study modes so working analysts can complete without leaving employment.

What You Will Learn

Model consumer and producer decisions using intermediate microeconomic tools.
Read Bank of England Monetary Policy Reports and OBR fiscal forecasts critically.
Run and interpret linear regression models on UK time-series data.
Cost a public spending decision to CIPFA-style fiscal standards.
Assess UK labour market data at national and regional level.
Write a Treasury-style economic briefing note fit for a senior audience.
Present econometric results defensibly to a mixed policy audience.
Structure a Level 5 capstone on a live UK economic policy question.

Who This Course Is For

Economics Diploma holders progressing towards an honours Bachelor's degree.
Public sector analysts working in Whitehall, local government or agencies.
Bank, insurance and asset management staff building applied economics skills.
Researchers at trade associations, unions and think tanks.
International applicants preparing for a UK undergraduate top-up in economics.

Career Pathways

Economist in a UK think tank, Whitehall department or regulator.
Government Economist within the Government Economic Service progression pool.
Public Finance Analyst in a local authority, NHS body or CIPFA-aligned team.
Research Economist supporting IFS-style or NIESR-style projects.
Investment Analyst in the City on a graduate track.
Economic Policy Analyst at a trade association or industry body.
Labour Market Analyst for a regulator or research institute.

The LSLPE careers service links Higher Diploma students to graduate-entry employers across the Treasury, the Bank of England, City firms and think tanks each year.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4) in economics, finance, PPE or a comparable qualification.
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 from a tutor, line manager or research supervisor.
Working professionals moving from analyst, research assistant or public administration roles are welcomed onto the Higher Diploma in Economics.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE places the Bank of England, the Treasury, the IFS and the City within a short tube ride of the seminar room, so the Higher Diploma in Economics is taught with live UK policy material in the room. Cohorts are small, tutors are visible, and every session runs in the case-room and select-committee tradition.

Three parallel study modes let progressors and working analysts complete the Higher Diploma in Economics without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service refreshes its Royal Economic Society-aligned curriculum links annually.

Apply for Higher Diploma in 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 for the Higher Diploma in Economics, and admissions responds within one working day. Enrol Now