Diploma in Economics
Is this programme for me?
The Diploma in Economics is a qualification in its own right. It also provides an entry route to all LSE-led degrees we offer if you do not meet our degree entrance requirements. By successfully completing the programme you will develop analytical competence allowing you to undertake further undergraduate study. The Diploma is a taught programme and must be studied at a recognised Diploma-teaching institution listed in our Directory of Institutions.
| Key dates | |
| Application deadline | You must apply directly to the Diploma-teaching institution. Please contact them for their application deadline. |
| Registration deadline | 31 October |
| Examinations take place | May/June |
Programme structure and estimated study hours
The Diploma consists of four full courses (or the equivalent). You have between 1-5 years to complete the programme, although it is usually taken over one year. You are expected to study for 35 hours per week, including lectures and tutorials.
Prestige
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) provides academic direction for this programme. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.
Transfer
Several universities in the UK, including LSE and other University of London Colleges, will consider you for entry into the second year of a degree. You will need to have passed syllabuses similar to those taken at the Colleges concerned and to have achieved very high marks.
Structure and syllabus
You must pass all four courses in order to be awarded the Diploma in Economics. If you are applying for the Diploma with the intention of proceeding to one of the degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and the Social Sciences, you should choose your courses with care. Consider the courses that are available on the degree that interest you and choose courses that are common to both that degree and the Diploma. This will help to ensure that, when you successfully complete the Diploma, you will receive credit for the courses you have passed.
Please note: the following course information sheets are in pdf format.
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- Methods of geographical analysis or
Mathematics 1 (half course) or
Reading social science (half course) or
Statistics 2 (half course) - Methods of geographical analysis or
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- Principles of accounting
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- Introduction to international development
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- Principles of banking and finance
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- Human geography
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- Physical geography: fundamentals of the physical environment
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- Introduction to international relations
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- World history since 1917
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- Introduction to information systems
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- Common law reasoning and institutions
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- Introduction to business and management
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- Mathematics 1 (half course) and
Mathematics 2 (half course) - Mathematics 1 (half course) and
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- Algebra
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- Calculus
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- Introduction to modern political thought
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- Introduction to political science
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- Principles of sociology
Plus one of the following half courses
Plus two courses (or the equivalent) chosen from
Notes:
- The structure shown above is subject to confirmation in the 2012-2013 Regulations.
- The course information sheets contain details on the rules that govern the choice of any course, including prerequisites (courses which you must have already passed).
How you study
Our programmes offer you an alternative way of obtaining a prestigious qualification at a reasonable cost. You can choose to study independently, either on your own or as part of a small group. Many students choose to pay for additional educational support at a local institution , where one is available, and benefit from face-to-face academic support and interaction with fellow students.
You receive specially written online study materials
Developed by academics appointed by LSE, your specially written study materials guide you through textbooks, which will be the real focus of your studies. The cost of your study pack is included in your initial and continuing registration fees. Study materials include:
- A Student handbook containing practical information and advice (e.g. how to enter for exams).
- Strategies for success which provides help with study techniques.
- A Subject guide for each course, designed to guide you through the syllabus and offer advice on how to use textbooks in an organised and productive manner.
- Past exam papers and Examiners' commentaries which are updated annually and available to download. These provide an insight into how questions should have been tackled and outline common mistakes made by students in the past.
Online support
Once you register, we send you a University of London username and password enabling you to log in to the Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and two other key online resources:
The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE)
Access to a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) which provides electronic copies of all printed study materials. This is also an open space for students to discuss interests and experience, and also to seek support from their peers while working collaboratively to solve problems and discuss subject material. Online support materials are continuously being developed and for some courses audio-visual tutorials, recorded lectures, academic interviews and debates are available, along with self-testing activities and expert study skills advice.
The Online Library
The Online Library holds thousands of journal articles which you can access free of charge. A dedicated helpdesk is available if you have any difficulties in finding what you need.
Optional courses held at LSE in London
LSE Study weekend held annually in February. This consists of short courses designed to help you with exam preparation and technique. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your studies with subject specialists.
LSE Summer School held annually, usually from early July to mid-August. This offers a range of stimulating and challenging courses, allowing you to undertake a period of intensive study in areas of interest.
Fees
| Academic year | 2012-2013 | |
|---|---|---|
| Application handling fee (non-refundable) | £ 70 | |
| Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per course) | £ 70 | |
| Accreditation of prior learning application fee (per half course) | £ 35 | |
| Initial registration fee (BSc degree) | £ 650 | |
| Initial registration fee (Diploma for Graduates) | £ 495 | |
| Initial registration fee (Access route) | £ 325 | |
| Continuing registration fee | £ 315 | |
| Examination fee per course | £ 194 | |
| Examination fee per half course | £ 97 | |
| Access transfer fee | £ 640 | |
| Additional registration fee for law courses (per course) | £ 42 | |
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ConvertGBP x 1 | ||
Dates for 2012-2013 academic session
- The application handling fee is valid until the application closing date, 1 October 2012.
- The registration fee is valid until the registration closing date, 30 November 2012.
- The continuing registration fee is valid and payable between 1 August 2012 and 30 November 2012.
- The examination fees apply to students entering the 2013 examinations and are payable between 30 November 2012 and the examination entry deadline date, 1 February 2013.
The University reserves the right to amend previously announced fees, if necessary. Fees are subject to annual review. All fees must be paid in pounds sterling, which may be paid either by credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Maestro, Electron or JCB) or by banker's draft, cheque or UK postal order, made payable to 'The University of London' and crossed 'a/c payee'.
Other costs
Besides the fees payable to the University, you should also budget for:
- textbooks (this may well be in the region of £300 per year)
- tuition costs (if studying at a teaching institution)
- LSE Study weekend and Summer School (optional)
- an additional fee payable to your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
Assessment
When you decide you are ready, you enter for unseen written examinations. These are set and marked by our academics to ensure your work is assessed to the same standard as College-based students at LSE. Examinations are held once a year, in May/June, at local centres in over 190 countries as well as in London. You will be charged a fee by your local examination centre (this fee will vary).
For most courses you sit a three-hour paper (or a two-hour paper for each half course). For the following courses a project/coursework also counts towards the assessment:
- IS1060 Introduction to information systems
- IS3139 Software engineering: theory and application
- GY3157 Independent geographical study
- IS3159 Research project in information systems.
Academic Requirements
To be eligible for the Diploma in Economics you must:
- normally be 18 years or older before 31 December in the year you first register with the University
- be admitted to a course of instruction at a Diploma-teaching institution listed in our Directory of Institutions.
LSE academic leadership
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is one of the Colleges of the University of London and a world-leading social science institution. Academics from LSE provide the academic direction for this programme.
Since its foundation in 1895, LSE has been regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences. Its teaching and research is recognised worldwide as a benchmark of quality.
The School’s academic profile spans the broad range of social sciences – disciplines that reflect how we interact with one another and with society. LSE is an institution renowned for focusing on ‘real world’ issues. Current areas of research and expertise include globalisation, human rights, risk and business management, new communications technologies, urban and regional policies, and new forms of governance.
LSE alumni and former staff include 16 Nobel prize winners and 34 past or present heads of state. LSE academics come from all over the world and from many social, educational and ethnic backgrounds. They are in constant demand as commentators and analysts in the media, act as advisors to governments, and are seconded to national and international organisations.
Academic leaders
Dr Keith Sharp: Programme director
Keith has 20 years experience of working in British universities, including Coventry University, De Montfort University and the University of Gloucestershire, where he was dean of faculty and associate pro-vice-chancellor. In 2009-10 he spent a year as head of the UK HE International Unit based at Universities UK.
Keith is very familiar with the area of international partnerships and transnational education. Partnerships and internationalisation formed part of his remit at De Montfort and Gloucestershire. In his position as head of the UK Higher Education International Unit, he was regularly consulted by universities for advice on their international strategies, including international marketing. More recently, he has been acting as a consultant to a number of public and private sector HE institutions on various aspects of their international marketing and recruitment strategies.
Keith took his undergraduate degree at LSE between 1984-87 and graduated with a first in sociology, as well as being awarded the Hobhouse Memorial Prize. Further details of the University of London International Programmes at LSE team can be found on the Who's who page on the LSE website.
Further information
Student Inspiration: Diploma in Economics (Brazil)
Cecilia Tornaghi; a current student studying the Diploma in Economics shares her experiences of studying this course by distance learning.