The London School of Economics and Political Science
Cryptocurrency and Disruption
Equip yourself with a framework for understanding cryptocurrency.
Start date
31 March 2021
Enroll by 23 March 2021
Course duration
6 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
7–10 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
Course Overview
The global cryptocurrency market cap, at the end of 2019.
Coin Market Cap (Nd). Accessed May, 2020.
The amount of funding raised by blockchain companies through Initial Coin Offerings (ICOs) in 2019.
Coin Telegraph (2020)
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The rapid growth and volatility of the cryptoasset and digital currency markets has captured the attention of individual investors, media, governments, regulators, financial services institutions and businesses across the world. In this dynamic landscape, it can be difficult for individuals and businesses to make sense of the different cryptocurrencies and their uses.
This LSE course will provide you with the knowledge and frameworks to understand cryptocurrencies. You’ll learn about the functional value of exchanges and wallets, and the mechanics of an ICO (Initial Coin Offering). You’ll also be equipped with an understanding of the underlying theory and digital infrastructure behind cryptoassets and cryptocurrencies.
In this online cryptocurrency course, you’ll learn from industry pioneers and global thought leaders, in addition to the renowned LSE academics who developed the course, whilst building your global business network and earning a certificate from LSE.
During this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of how blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies operate, and their implications for business, the economy, and society. You will not be given cryptocurrency investing advice, or investment or financial advice of any nature.
Is this course for you?
This online certificate course is ideal for anyone interested in financial markets and technologies. For those in the finance industry, the course will give insight into a key technology in today’s modern markets, while business leaders will benefit from an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that cryptocurrencies represent. The course offers an important framework for those interested in responding to the disruptive nature of cryptocurrencies on financial markets.
This Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
Course Overview
Introduction
Duration: 6 weeks (excluding orientation)
The rapid growth and volatility of the cryptoasset and digital currency markets has captured the attention of individual investors, media, governments, regulators, financial services institutions and businesses across the world. In this dynamic landscape, it can be difficult for individuals and businesses to make sense of the different cryptocurrencies and their uses.
This LSE course will provide you with the knowledge and frameworks to understand cryptocurrencies. You’ll learn about the functional value of exchanges and wallets, and the mechanics of an ICO (Initial Coin Offering). You’ll also be equipped with an understanding of the underlying theory and digital infrastructure behind cryptoassets and cryptocurrencies.
In this online cryptocurrency course, you’ll learn from industry pioneers and global thought leaders, in addition to the renowned LSE academics who developed the course, whilst building your global business network and earning a certificate from LSE.
During this course, you’ll deepen your understanding of how blockchain technologies and cryptocurrencies operate, and their implications for business, the economy, and society. You will not be given cryptocurrency investing advice, or investment or financial advice of any nature.
Is this course for you?
This online certificate course is ideal for anyone interested in financial markets and technologies. For those in the finance industry, the course will give insight into a key technology in today’s modern markets, while business leaders will benefit from an understanding of the opportunities and challenges that cryptocurrencies represent. The course offers an important framework for those interested in responding to the disruptive nature of cryptocurrencies on financial markets.
This Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course is certified by the United Kingdom CPD Certification Service, and may be applicable to individuals who are members of, or are associated with, UK-based professional bodies. The course has an estimated 60 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is upon you. The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and GetSmarter accept no responsibility, and cannot be held responsible, for the claiming or validation of hours or points.
What will set you apart
An understanding of the technology and regulation underpinning the cryptocurrency market, and some of the risks involved.
Insight into the role cryptoassets could play in shaping the future of money.
The knowledge to give yourself and your organisation a competitive advantage by gaining insight into how blockchain has the potential to transform major industries.
A new framework through which you can understand cryptocurrencies and critically assess future developments in this fast-moving field.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
What are cryptocurrencies and the blockchain?
Module 2
The cryptocurrency infrastructure and ecosystem
Module 3
Money, value, markets and institutions
Module 4
From bitcoin to cryptoassets
Module 5
Cryptocurrency regulation and risks
Module 6
Cryptocurrencies in a global innovation context
Get course prospectus
Course Convenors
Carsten Sørensen
Associate Professor of Information Systems and Innovation at LSE
About the certificate
Get recognised for your knowledge when you earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science – a world leading social science university – and use it to validate your newfound cryptocurrency market knowledge, and critical thinking skills.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a certificate, you’ll need to meet the requirements outlined in the course handbook. The handbook will be made available to you as soon as you begin the course.
Get a course brochure
Want to know more?
Why choose GetSmarter?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, is an online learning expert with over 10 years' experience in developing high-quality online short courses from the world’s leading universities. We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required for the workplace of the future. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need.
Students are supported at every stage of the learning journey, enabling them to thrive professionally through increased relevance, competence, and confidence. Find out more about GetSmarter’s approach to digital learning, course design, and online delivery here.
Payment options
You can pay your course fees before the course starts, or you may opt for a split payment plan on courses that are nine weeks and shorter. For courses 10 weeks and longer, there is a three-part payment plan available. To find out more about payment options please visit our Payment and Financing FAQ, or contact an Enrollment Adviser, to find out which option you qualify for.
Manage your time
GetSmarter's learning model is designed to help you, as a working professional, improve your skills without compromising on work and family responsibilities. The course work is broken up into weekly, manageable bite-sized modules, with incremental deadlines, designed to help you pace yourself over the duration of the course and allow you the legroom to work when it suits you best.
At the beginning of each module you'll be presented with the course content and assignments necessary for completion. You also have access to your Success Adviser who will help you manage your time, and support you with any administrative or technical queries you might have.
Seek employer assistance
By improving your skills and industry knowledge, you'll have an influence on the success of your organization. Why wouldn't you ask your boss to help you fund your studies if it's going to have an impact on the way you do business?
Of our past students, 37 percent have received financial assistance from their employers. You can ask for help, too. Here is a guide to show you how to request financial assistance from your employer.
If you are a Learning & Development (L&D) manager, or involved in training and upskilling for an organization, you can request information regarding our corporate offering on our GetSmarter for business page.
How to change your start date
As part of our commitment to your professional development, GetSmarter offers you a two-week period to change your course start date or request your money back if you’re not fully satisfied.
To qualify for a deferral of your course start date, or to cancel your enrollment and receive a refund of your course fee, your request would need to reach our Success Advisers before the release of Module 2. For more information, please read our Terms and Conditions.
Discover the Online Campus
The Online Campus will be your virtual classroom for the duration of your course. Through its easy-to-use interface you'll have access to a diverse variety of course content formats including: interactive videos, module notes, practice quizzes, presentations, assignment briefs, and additional web resources.
On the Online Campus, you'll also be able to ask questions and interact with your fellow students and teaching team through the discussion forums. If you are looking for your Online Campus login, please see the list of university partner login pages here.
