Diploma for Graduates in Social Sciences

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Is this programme for me?

The programme is suitable for graduates of any discipline who, for professional or personal reasons, wish to secure a stand-alone qualification in social sciences. It is also ideal for those who wish to undertake postgraduate work and whose first degree is in an unrelated field.

Programme aims

To provide a thorough grounding in the principles of social sciences while developing critical skills for a wide range of real world professional situations.

Programme structure

To complete the programme you must pass four full units (or the equivalent).

Prestige

Developed by academics at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.

Flexible study at a reasonable cost

You have between 1-5 years to complete the programme. The total fee payable to the University is £1,233 if you complete in the minimum study period.

Study materials

The study materials that we send you include:

‘Strategies for success’ – an academic and study skills handbook containing information about study techniques, planning your studies, making the best use of resources and preparing for examinations.
Student handbook.
Subject guides (offering advice on how to use textbooks).
Past exam papers and Examiners' reports.
Regulations.

You need to provide your own textbooks - they will be the main focus of your studies - so before you register for the programme we do advise you to consider the facilities available to you locally, and how accessible books are likely to be.

Study support and online resources

You can either study independently at a pace that suits you, or enrol for additional classes at a local institution (either full time or part time) and benefit from the more formalized support this provides. For further information please see our Directory of Institutions.

LSE arranges a Study weekend in February each year. This consists of short courses desgined to help you with examination preparation and technique. You will also have the opportunity to discuss your studies with subject specialists.
LSE also runs a Summer School each year, usually from July to mid-August, to which all students are welcome.
Online resources including Examiners' reports and past exam papers, the Student handbook, Regulations, unit information sheets, reading lists, a ‘News and notices’ section, and the first four chapters of subject guides for most units.
Online Library giving access to Justis.com, JSTOR, ABI/INFORM, Academic Search Premier and Business Source Premier.

Summary of key dates

Application deadline	17 September (non-EU) 17 October (EU) in the year before you intend to sit your first exams
Registration deadline	30 November
Despatch of study materials	Shortly after your registration form is received
Examinations take place	May/June