How is the Diploma in Political Thought different from a politics degree?

A full politics degree typically covers political thought alongside political institutions, comparative politics, international relations and empirical research methods. The Diploma in Political Thought concentrates on the textual and conceptual side — political theory and contemporary political ideas. Students wanting the broader degree continue to BA International Studies or BA Political Journalism.

Do I need a politics background for the Diploma in Political Thought?

No, but you do need a willingness to read seriously. The Diploma in Political Thought is a reading-intensive course. Background in history, philosophy or literature transfers well; pure political-institutional knowledge is helpful but not required.

Can the Diploma in Political Thought be studied online?

Yes. The online route mirrors the seminar-led on-campus course with live tutorials, recorded lectures and asynchronous discussion. Distance learners complete the same essay portfolio with structured deadlines and one-to-one tutor supervision.

Is the Diploma in Political Thought partisan?

No. The Diploma in Political Thought is taught as an academic engagement with the major political traditions — liberal, conservative, socialist, feminist, postcolonial and others. The aim is critical literacy across the traditions, not advocacy for any one position.

What's the final essay on the Diploma in Political Thought?

An independent essay of 4,000-to-6,000 words on a political-thought question of your choice, supervised one-to-one. Past examples include a comparative reading of two contemporary theorists of justice, an analysis of a particular constitutional debate and a critical reading of a single primary text.

Diploma in Political Thought in London | LSJHML | Harold International College of London

Course Overview

The Diploma in Political Thought at the London School of Journalism, Humanities & Modern Languages (LSJHML) is a nine-to-twelve-month UK qualification for students who want a serious working grounding in political theory and contemporary political ideas. You will read across the classical tradition, modern political thought and current debates, learn the methods of textual and conceptual analysis, and finish with an extended essay on a political-thought question of your choice.

The Diploma in Political Thought is unapologetically a reading course. The texts are demanding, the discussion is central, and the assumption is that political ideas matter — including the ones you disagree with. Cohorts are small and seminar-led.

Key Features

UK-recognised diploma in political thought aligned with Political Studies Association frameworks.
Classical and modern political theory — selected primary readings from Plato to the present.
Contemporary political ideas strand covering current debates on democracy, justice, identity and rights.
Textual analysis methods — close reading, conceptual analysis, comparative reasoning.
Writing-intensive structure — short essays each fortnight with detailed tutor feedback.
Top-up pathway to Bachelor's degrees in International Studies, Political Journalism or related fields.

What You Will Learn

The Diploma in Political Thought is structured around the working competencies a political-theory student needs to progress further — textual literacy, conceptual analysis, contemporary application and clear writing. You leave able to read a primary political text critically, distinguish competing arguments within a tradition, and write an analytical essay that stands up to scrutiny.

Classical political thought — selected readings from Plato, Aristotle, Augustine and Aquinas.
Early modern political thought — Machiavelli, Hobbes, Locke, Rousseau, Smith.
Nineteenth-century political thought — Hegel, Mill, Marx, Tocqueville, Weber.
Twentieth-century traditions — liberal, conservative, socialist, feminist, postcolonial.
Contemporary political theory — current debates on justice, democracy, identity, rights.
Methods — close textual reading, conceptual analysis, comparative reasoning.
UK political institutional context — how political ideas inform UK constitutional and policy debate.
Academic writing — essay structure, argument, evidence handling.

Who This Diploma Is For

Career-changers and returners planning roles in policy, research or editorial work.
Working professionals — civil servants, journalists, charity staff — wanting structured political-theory literacy.
International students seeking a UK political-thought credential below degree level.
Students planning a Bachelor's top-up in international studies, political journalism or related fields.

Career Pathways

Diploma in Political Thought graduates move into entry-level research, editorial and policy-adjacent roles. Typical first or next roles include:

Political Analyst (junior, post-further-study)
Policy Researcher (think tank, NGO post-further-study)
International Relations Officer (junior, post-further-study)
Think Tank Researcher (junior, post-further-study)
Diplomat (entry-level diplomatic services post-further-study)
Editorial Researcher (specialist political publisher, broadcaster)

Graduates progress to BA International Studies, BA Political Journalism (final-year top-up) or to MA-level political-theory programmes.

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 and short essay sample (humanities applicants).
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.