How long is the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis?

The Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis runs for 15 to 18 months across all three study modes. Distance-learning students complete the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis at the same pace as on-campus cohorts.

How is the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis delivered?

The Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis is offered on-campus in central London, online and by distance learning. All three routes share the same select-committee style seminars and capstone dossier.

Is the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis recognised in the UK?

Yes, the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis is a UK Level 5 credential with structured articulation into a Bachelor's top-up. It aligns with Political Studies Association and Institute for Government policy-analysis guidance.

What are the entry requirements for the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis?

The Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis expects a relevant Level 4 Diploma or comparable qualification, plus GCSE English and Maths. Policy officers with equivalent professional experience are welcomed onto the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis.

How much does the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis cost?

Fees for the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis are set out on the LSLPE fees page, with staged payment plans and employer sponsorship documentation available. Personalised funding letters for the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis are provided on request.

Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis | LSLPE | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis at LSLPE is a UK Level 5 qualification running 15 to 18 months, delivered on-campus, online and by distance learning. The programme is designed for policy officers, parliamentary researchers and civil-service administrators who want a structured analytical route into graduate-level policy practice, with the syllabus aligned with the Political Studies Association and Institute for Government reference frames.

By graduation you will have written costed policy briefs, produced impact assessments, drafted select-committee style options papers and completed a capstone in which you evaluate a live UK policy question end to end. The Higher Diploma articulates into a UK Bachelor's top-up in policy or politics, with credit transfer confirmed in writing at enrolment.

Key Features

Curriculum aligned with Political Studies Association and Institute for Government guidance on policy analysis.
Case sequences drawn from the work of Whitehall departments, the IFS and Chatham House.
Weekly seminars in the select-committee tradition, with brief-writing and cross-examination workshops.
A capstone policy dossier presented to a mixed academic and practitioner panel.
Structured articulation into a Bachelor's top-up in the same discipline.
Named programme-tutor support across all three study modes.

What You Will Learn

The policy cycle from problem definition through options appraisal to evaluation.
Cost-benefit and cost-effectiveness analysis suitable for Green Book and Magenta Book standards.
Impact assessment techniques including distributional, regulatory and equalities analysis.
Quantitative and qualitative evidence synthesis for policy briefs.
Stakeholder mapping and consultation design for Whitehall and local-government audiences.
Drafting for ministers, select committees and think-tank briefings.
Ethics and public accountability in policy advice.
Research methods for a Level 5 capstone dossier.

Who This Course Is For

Policy officers and parliamentary researchers building an analytical portfolio.
Civil-service administrators progressing towards fast-stream and senior grades.
Local government officers and think-tank associates working on policy briefs.
Graduates targeting policy roles in Whitehall or NGO settings.
International applicants preparing for policy roles in their home administrations.

Career Pathways

Policy Adviser
Public Affairs Consultant
Government Affairs Manager
Think Tank Researcher
Public Sector Consultant
Strategy Adviser
Programme Manager in a policy team
Political Analyst

The LSLPE careers service holds at least one careers day each academic year for Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis students, connecting them with policy teams across government departments, think tanks and international bodies.

Entry Requirements

A relevant Diploma (Level 4), Advanced Diploma or comparable qualification in politics, policy or a related subject.
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 policy officer, parliamentary researcher or civil-service administrator roles are welcomed to the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis.

Why Study at LSLPE

LSLPE reads policy analysis as an interlocking discipline of law, politics and economics rather than a standalone specialism. Our central London location places the Treasury, Whitehall departments, Parliament, Chatham House and the IFS a short tube ride from every classroom, and every seminar is run in the case-room and select-committee tradition — evidence-led, argued in public.

Three parallel study modes let progressors, working practitioners and portfolio-route applicants complete the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis without leaving employment, and the LSLPE careers service links each cohort with real policy teams throughout the year.

Apply for Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis

Applications for the Higher Diploma in Policy Analysis open across rolling intakes, and admissions responds within one working day. 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