Deepen your understanding of communities influenced by religious belief and consider fundamental questions about the meaning and purpose of human life.
Course
CertHE Social Sciences
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Course information>
Build a foundation to explore the social sciences academically and develop core analytical and communication skills, choosing from a host of exciting courses. Get ready for undergraduate study in economics, management, finance and social sciences courses while earning a prestigious, stand-alone qualification.
Key features
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Benefit from word-class expertise
Study a degree closely aligned with the undergraduate offerings taught on campus at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), a pioneer in social science research providing academic direction for this programme. Earn a prestigious degree from the University of London, a globally leading force in higher education.
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A potential path to undergraduate study
If you currently do not meet all the entry requirements for our undergraduate degrees in Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences, this programme can set you on a path to a University of London degree with academic direction from the world-leading LSE.
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Tailor your learning to your interests
Choose from a broad choice of courses from mathematics and information systems to international relations. Pick courses shared with your preferred University of London undergraduate degree and receive credits when applying for the programme.
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Enhance your employability skills
Throughout the course you will be developing and strengthening the Global Employability Skills, highlighted by the University of London Careers Service that will help you progress your career. Your programme has been mapped against these key skills which you can showcase to employers.
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Classroom teaching without having to relocate
Earn a prestigious degree from the University of London and receive a UK education without having to move to study on campus. Thanks to our network of Recognised Teaching Centres around the world, you can access classroom teaching and support, face-to-face interactions with peers, and a campus culture near you.
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Join our global alumni community
Enjoy lifelong ties to the University of London and our global alumni community of graduates in over 190 countries. Join distinguished academics, writers and industry leaders across all sectors and enjoy wide-ranging benefits from access to events across the world to free online courses and more.
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Teaching Centre Support
General entry requirements
Course overview
You complete four courses (or the equivalent, where you choose half-courses).
The Programme Specification and Programme Regulations contain information and rules regarding what courses you can choose and the order in which they must be studied.
If you are considering one of our undergraduate degrees in the social sciences, you may wish to choose courses that are shared between the CertHE and your preferred degree. This will help to ensure that you receive credit for these courses when you apply for the degree.
You have a broad choice of subjects, from mathematics and information systems to international relations.
(AC1025)
(DV1171)
(EC1002)
(FN1024)
(IR1034)
(IS1060)
(IS1181)
(MN1178)
(MT105a - Half course)
(MT105b - Half course)
(MT1173)
(MT1174)
(MT1186)
(PS1130)
(PS1172)
(SC1179)
(SC1185)
(ST104a - Half course)
(ST104b - Half course)
(LA1010)
(LA1020)
(LA1031)
(LA1040)
In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.
You must study the CertHE Social Sciences at a teaching centre that has been approved to provide support for the course. It is not available for independent study.
You should contact teaching centres directly for information on their teaching start dates and schedules.
Find a local teaching centre near you.
Study materials
We give you access to core study materials that are developed by academics to guide you through the programme.
We will send you study materials developed by academics appointed by LSE. These include a Programme Handbook of practical information (such as how to enter exams); and past exam papers and commentaries, which give you valuable tips for performing well in exams.
Online support
When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:
- The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). Here, you can access electronic copies of all printed study materials, resources including audio-visual and revision guides, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others.
- The Online Library. As a student at the University of London, you will have access to a range of resources, databases, and journals via the Online Library. You will be able to contact a team of professional and qualified librarians for any help you require.
Senate House Library
If you’re based in the United Kingdom, or are visiting London, make sure to visit Senate House Library. Students studying with the University of London can join the library free of charge. Membership includes a 10-book borrowing allowance, access to all reading rooms and study areas, and on-site access to Senate House Library digital resources.
Student Support
We are committed to delivering an exceptional student experience for all of our students, regardless of which of our programmes you are studying and whether you are studying independently or with a Recognised Teaching Centre.
You will have access to support through:
- The Enquiry Hub - provides support for application and Student Portal queries.
- TalkCampus - a peer support service that offers a safe and confidential way to talk about whatever is on your mind at any time of day or night.
Time commitment
You have one to five years to complete the course, although it is usually completed in one year. To complete in the minimum time, you will be expected to study for 35 hours per week, which includes lectures and tutorials.
Each approved teaching centre offers its own study schedule. The number of hours you need to attend each week depends on the centre’s timetable.
Assessment
Each course is assessed by an unseen written exam, which is usually held in May or June. You can sit your exams at any approved centre around the world. These centres charge a fee for hosting the exams.
Your exam is set and assessed by academics, ensuring that your degree is of the same standard as those studying on-campus at LSE.
The ‘Introduction to information systems’ course (if selected) also requires coursework.
LSE provides academic direction for this programme. LSE is regarded as an international centre of academic excellence and innovation in the social sciences.
Academic coordinator
Dr Francesco Nava is lecturer in Economics at LSE. Dr Nava holds a PhD in Economics from the University of Chicago. He is Academic Director for Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences (EMFSS) programmes since 2020 and Program Director for the MSc in Economics at the LSE since 2017. Dr Nava’s research focuses on economic theory, strategic pricing, social networks, and industrial organisation. He has received an LSE Education Excellence Award every year since 2015.
LSE’s Summer School is the most well-established and the largest of its kind in the whole of Europe, with over 80 academically rigorous courses on offer. Each year over 6,000 students from 120 nations study at the LSE campus in the heart of Central London.
Courses are taught by LSE faculty and complement the content of this degree. If you complete two Summer School courses you may be able to earn credit equivalent to one course on the degree. As a student on this programme you will receive a 15 per cent discount on tuition fees to attend the LSE Summer School.
Full details and how to apply are available on the LSE Summer School website.
This course can set you on the path to a University of London degree with academic direction from LSE. Many of our graduates have gone on to work in major banks, multinational corporations, and professional services companies.
Transfer to the UK
Several universities in the UK (including LSE and our other federation members) may consider you for entry into the second year of a degree. To be considered, you must have studied a syllabus similar to those taught at the institution concerned and achieved very high marks.
Key dates
To study the CertHE Social Sciences you must enrol and study at a local teaching centre that has been approved by the university to support the programme. Your application can only be submitted via an approved teaching centre which may have earlier application deadlines than those listed on the website. You should contact your local teaching centre to find out the application deadlines.
| Applications open | 20 February 2024 |
|---|---|
| Applications close | 1 October 2024 |
| Registration deadline | 1 November 2024 |
| Programme starts | November 2024 |
Admissions
What qualifications do you need?
For access to the CertHE Social Sciences, you will usually meet the following criteria:
- Age 18+ by 31 December in the year of registration.
- Hold either one GCE A Level (grade A-E) plus 4 GCSE/O levels (grade A-C) or 6 GCSEs (A-C), or equivalents. This should include GCSE/O level Maths (grade C).
- Meet the English language requirements.
- Have a place to study at an approved teaching centre for the programme.
Find equivalent qualifications where you live.
Approved teaching centres may set higher entry requirements. You will have to meet these if you wish to study the course at a particular centre.
Even if you do not meet the standard requirements, we will consider each application on its own merits. Our Admissions Panel will consider whether any alternative/incomplete qualifications or work experience you have are suitable for entry to the programme. If we are unable to issue you an offer then if available we will advise on further alternatives such as our International Foundation Programme or on additional qualifications you need to take in order to meet our minimum entrance criteria.
English language requirements
You need to demonstrate a good level of English to be admitted to our programmes. We accept a range of evidence, including proficiency test scores. If you don’t have evidence but believe you can meet the standard, we may consider your case.
Do I meet the language requirements?
Computer requirements
We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this programme, you will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.
More about computer requirements.
Courses with a coursework component may have further requirements (such as CD writing equipment). For courses related to information systems, you will need access to a computer with standard database, spreadsheet, programming language and word processing software.
Fees, funding and payment
The fees below relate to new students registering for the 2024-2025 session. On average, fees are subject to a five per cent year-on-year increase.
Students who registered earlier can view their fees on the Course Fees page.
| Academic year | 2024-2025 |
|---|---|
| Application fee (non-refundable) | £60 |
| Fee per course (inclusive of first assessment entry) | £628 |
| Fee per half course (inclusive of first assessment entry) | £314 |
| Assessment re-entry fee per course | £413 |
| Assessment re-entry fee per half course | £207 |
| Online examination fee* | £11 |
| Indicative total (based on 1 year completion) | £2512 |
Disclaimer: Currency conversion tool
If your study period extends beyond a year, you pay a 'continuing registration fee' in the second or subsequent years to retain your student status.
The indicative totals reflect average annual fee increases and assume that you complete the qualification within the minimum time – without resits, and with no law courses (which require additional fees). Indicative totals will be available shortly.
More about the programme fees.
Additional Costs
You will also need to budget for:
- Teaching centre tuition costs.
- Textbooks (could extend to around £300 per year).
- Exam centre fees, which are paid directly to the venues where you sit your exams.
We accept most traditional payment methods, including debit/credit card, international money order, and Western Union.
Sales Tax
Please note: all student fees shown are net of any local VAT, Goods and Services Tax (GST) or any other sales tax payable by the student in their country of residence. Where the University is required to add VAT, GST or any other sales tax at the local statutory rate, this will be added to the fees shown during the payment process. For students resident in the UK, our fees are exempt from VAT.
Further information on Sales Tax.
Your payment provider may apply additional transaction fees (if in doubt, please check with them before making a payment).
Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London diploma anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there may be additional sources of support depending on where you live.
You can pay your fees in a number of ways, including an online payment facility via the Student Portal and Western Union Quick Pay.
Career opportunities
You’ll have access to a wide range of careers and employability support through the University of London Careers Service, including live webinars and online drop-in sessions.
