Diploma in Political Science

Course Overview

The Diploma in Political Science is a Level 4 qualification within the LSCT Law & Social Sciences department, designed for students who want to read politics seriously — UK and comparative — and progress into research, policy, Parliamentary support and journalism careers. The programme runs 9 to 12 months across on-campus, online and distance-learning routes, taught from our central London base — within easy reach of Parliament, the UK's working think tanks and major foreign-policy institutions.

From 2026 you move quickly from political-theory foundations into substantial applied study: comparative analysis of UK and European institutional design, reading the Cabinet Manual and erskine May, dissecting recent Parliamentary controversies, engaging with US, EU and Indo-Pacific foreign-policy debates, and writing argued essays that hold up to undergraduate standard. The Diploma in Political Science closes with a research essay portfolio and a public-affairs writing sample — the natural launchpad for onward Bachelor's-level study in politics, IR or public policy.

Key Features

• Aligned with the Political Studies Association and the British International Studies Association practice and research frameworks.
• Three study modes with live UK current-affairs seminars on online and distance routes.
• Parliamentary observation — at least one observed Parliamentary committee session per term.
• Distinctive specialism module: UK Foreign Policy Post-Brexit — From the AUKUS to the Hindu-Kush.
• Essay portfolio with line-by-line tutor feedback across the year.
• Guest sessions with practising Parliamentary researchers, foreign-policy analysts and think-tank fellows.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Political Science is structured around five taught modules and a research essay portfolio. You will graduate able to write an argued 2,500-word essay, read a Hansard transcript, follow a UK foreign-policy debate, and identify the political logic behind a UK election result.

• Political theory — liberalism, conservatism, socialism, contemporary frames.
• UK politics and constitution — Parliament, government, the courts, devolution.
• Comparative politics — US, EU, India, China political systems.
• International relations — realism, liberalism, constructivism in current global affairs.
• UK foreign policy — Atlantic, European and Indo-Pacific tilts.
• Political research methods — quantitative and qualitative, ethics.
• Argued political writing — UK undergraduate standard.
• Devolution and intergovernmental relations — Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.

Assessment combines a portfolio of argued essays, a comparative-systems paper, a foreign-policy brief on a current UK case, an observed Parliamentary committee log and a final viva. Tutors are working Parliamentary researchers, foreign-policy analysts and think-tank fellows. Cohorts arrive at undergraduate politics interviews already familiar with reading the Cabinet Manual, Hansard and a UK select-committee report — the language the discipline actually uses.

• School leavers planning UK undergraduate study in politics, IR or public policy.
• Working Parliamentary, NGO and think-tank junior staff formalising study at Level 4.
• Career changers from journalism, teaching or the civil service deepening political understanding.
• International applicants targeting UK politics, public-policy or international-relations degrees.

Career Pathways

Graduates of the Diploma in Political Science most often progress to Bachelor's-level study, but the qualification on its own opens supporting and research roles across UK political life. Typical first or next roles include:

• Parliamentary Researcher in a UK MP's or Lord's office
• Policy Officer at a UK NGO, charity or trade body
• Researcher at a UK political or foreign-policy think tank
• Caseworker in a constituency office or migration-advice charity
• Civil Service generalist on fast-stream or operational tracks
• Editorial Researcher on UK current-affairs broadcast or longform podcasting

The Diploma articulates onto LSCT Bachelor's-level Politics, Law and Social Sciences programmes.

Entry Requirements

• Completed secondary schooling (A-levels, BTEC Level 3, IB or recognised international equivalent) or equivalent work experience in advocacy, journalism, public administration or civic life.
• GCSE English Language at grade 4/C or above (or equivalent) — strong written argument is central to assessment.
• English language: IELTS 6.0 overall (no band below 5.5) for non-native English speakers.
• A short personal statement; mature applicants may apply with a CV evidencing campaign, civil-society or political work.

Why Study at LSCT

The London School of Commerce and Technology (LSCT) is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London and part of Harold International College. We teach in small cohorts so every student is visible to their tutor, run a single intake schedule that students can rely on, and partner with UK professional bodies so qualifications carry weight with employers. London puts Whitehall, the City, Silicon Roundabout, the Royal Courts of Justice, the West End and the NHS estate within a short tube ride of every classroom — and our students use that proximity in their projects, placements and graduate job hunts. For politics students that means Parliamentary committee visits, lobby briefings and access to UK think-tank events.

Apply for Diploma in Political Science

Ready to take the next step into the Law & Social Sciences sector? Click Enrol Now to submit your application for the Diploma in Political Science; admissions reply within one working day with intake dates and onward Bachelor's options.