What is the difference between the Diploma in Arts and Humanities and the Diploma in Humanities?

The Diploma in Arts and Humanities runs a three-discipline spine through literature, history and philosophy with an emphasis on the arts. The Diploma in Humanities is more general and includes additional social-science-adjacent material. Admissions can help you choose based on your goals.

Can the Diploma in Arts and Humanities be done online?

Yes. The online route uses live seminars, structured reading groups and the same long essay assessment as the on-campus Diploma. Distance learners work to self-paced deadlines with tutor checkpoints.

Will the Diploma in Arts and Humanities lead to a Bachelor's degree?

Yes. Graduates can top up to a UK Bachelor's degree in Arts and Humanities, English, History or a related discipline at LSJHML or a partner university. Credit-mapping is reviewed at the application stage.

How much reading is expected on the Diploma in Arts and Humanities?

Roughly one substantial set text every fortnight across the three disciplines plus selected secondary criticism. Reading lists are sent before each intake so you can plan ahead.

Do I need A-Levels in humanities subjects for the Diploma in Arts and Humanities?

Helpful but not required. Completion of secondary school is the standard route; mature applicants with two years of relevant work experience can apply without standard qualifications. A short writing sample is welcome but not required.

Diploma in Arts and Humanities in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Arts and Humanities at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for students ready to commit to serious interdisciplinary study across literature, history and philosophy. You will read substantial set texts each week, write across all three disciplines, and complete a long essay that demonstrates the kind of cross-period and cross-form thinking a humanities-trained graduate is hired for.

This is a Diploma built for people who want depth without an immediate three-year degree commitment. By the end you can read a difficult text closely, situate it historically, and write a piece of argued criticism a Bachelor's-level tutor would mark as competent.

Key Features

UK Level 4 qualification in interdisciplinary humanities — nine to twelve months full-time.
Three-discipline spine — literature, history and philosophy taught in sequence.
Methods workshops — close reading, source criticism and structured argument.
London humanities site visits for on-campus students at the British Library and the British Museum.
Long essay of 5,000–7,000 words on a topic of your choice.
Three study modes — central-London seminars, fully online cohorts, or distance learning with structured deadlines.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Arts and Humanities is structured around the working disciplines of humanities study — read closely, evidence carefully, argue clearly. You finish able to write a sustained piece of cross-disciplinary criticism and ready for the credit-transfer step into a Bachelor's degree.

Literary criticism — close reading, narrative theory, comparative analysis.
Historical method — primary and secondary source criticism, periodisation.
Philosophical argument — logic, ethics, political philosophy basics.
Cross-disciplinary methods — when literary, historical and philosophical methods speak to one another.
Research practice — bibliographic search, source triage, basic archival literacy.
Long essay craft — thesis, structure, evidence, citation, revision.
Citation systems — MHRA and Chicago for humanities work.
Public-facing writing — book reviewing and accessible essay craft.

Who This Diploma Is For

Applicants ready for substantial UK humanities study who want a Diploma before a full Bachelor's.
Working professionals who want a credible humanities credential alongside or before a career change.
Mature applicants returning to study with two years of relevant work experience.
International students looking for a UK humanities Diploma taught in central London.

Career Pathways

The Diploma in Arts and Humanities is not directly vocational, but the skills it builds — close reading, argument, written communication — are widely valued. Most graduates use it as a step to a Bachelor's degree; others apply it directly to editorial, cultural-sector and policy-adjacent roles. Typical first or next roles include:

Editorial Assistant (publisher, magazine, broadcaster)
Cultural Programme Coordinator (gallery, museum, arts venue)
Policy Analyst Assistant (think tank, policy unit)
Lecturer (after further degrees — further education, sixth-form)
Editorial Researcher (longform magazine, broadcaster culture desk)
Humanities Researcher (charity, heritage body)

Graduates top up to the final years of a Bachelor's degree at LSJHML through credit transfer.

Entry Requirements

Completion of secondary school (A-Levels, BTEC, or international equivalent).
IELTS 5.5 overall (no band below 5.0) for non-native English speakers.
Personal statement; a short writing sample is welcome for the Diploma in Arts and Humanities.
Mature applicants (21+) may apply with two years of relevant work experience.

Why Study at LSJHML

The London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages is a specialist higher-education provider based in central London. Our programmes are designed in dialogue with working professionals — journalists, translators, civil servants, academics, broadcasters, editors, publishers and policy researchers — so what you learn in seminar on Monday is what your future employer is using on Tuesday. We deliberately keep cohorts small, give every student named tutor support, and treat employability as a structural part of every programme rather than an optional add-on.

London is the work — politics, courts, capital markets, theatre, broadcasting, publishing, public service, the global press. Your studies are taught in the same square mile where the stories you read about happen. Whether you join us on-campus, online or by distance learning, the city is your classroom and our industry network is your launchpad.