This programme is awarded by University of London (UOL), UK and developed by the member institution, London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE).

LSE is one of the foremost social science universities in the world. Since its foundation in 1895, it has acquired a worldwide reputation for the quality of its research – 50% of its research was rated world-leading and a further 37% internationally excellent in the most recent assessment of research quality in UK universities.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences was launched in 2016 and replaces the Diploma in Economics, which was offered from 1988 to 2015. Many Diploma graduates have gone on to earn University of London degrees with First Class Honours. We expect the Certificate students to do likewise.

The Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences is a qualification in its own right.

For students who do not meet the degree entrance requirements, it also provides an entry route to the Economics, Management, Finance and Social Sciences degrees offered through the International Programmes, with academic direction from LSE. By successfully completing the programme you will develop analytical competence allowing you to undertake further undergraduate study. The Certificate of Higher Education is a taught programme and students are required to attend a course of instruction at SIM.

This programme is ideal for those who wish to pursue a University of London degree programme at SIM. It is also a good alternative for those who may not have met the University of London entrance requirement for the BSc degree, but wish to have a chance at getting a degree without losing additional time.

At the end of the Certificate of Higher Education in Social Sciences (1 year), students who pass all 4 units will be awarded a certificate.

Upon successful completion of the Certificate, candidates can progress to the BSc degrees with credit for up to four full units. Graduates can obtain both a Certificate of Higher Education and a BSc degree from University of London upon progression to the Degree programme, total of 3 years.