The London School of Economics and Political Science
Economics for Public Policy
Gain a foundational understanding of key economic frameworks, theories, and models to effectively design and analyse public policy.
Start date
06 August 2025
Course duration
8 weeks
Excluding orientation
Language
English
Access resources from start date
Effort
6–8 hours per week
Self-paced learning online
This course is ideally suited for anyone looking to develop their understanding of the economic frameworks that affect policy-making.
Learn how economic theory influences policy outcomes and apply economic reasoning to the real-life challenges of policy-making.
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Economic theory underpins the development and evaluation of public policy. However, many policymakers, analysts, and other key decision makers often lack a formal grounding in these critical concepts, leaving them without a firm understanding of economic frameworks and compelling them to turn to external experts for insight.
The eight-week Economics for Public Policy online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) equips you with a solid foundation in key economic theories and models, empowering you to apply economic reasoning to public policy challenges with confidence. Under the guidance of LSE experts, you’ll explore course content on both micro- and macroeconomic indicators, including market functions, government intervention, market failures, and economic growth. You’ll investigate case studies and unpack key economic models and theories alongside your peers and tutors in a collaborative learning environment supported by discussion forums.
The course bridges any knowledge gaps by equipping you with a comprehensive foundation in key economic concepts, as well as the practical tools required to interpret government interventions, critically assess market outcomes, and contribute meaningfully and confidently to conversations about policy.
Is this course for you?
This online Economics for Public Policy course is designed for professionals from various disciplines who are looking to advance their economic literacy to support informed policy-making and analysis. This includes:
- Policy analysts and advisers seeking to understand economic frameworks for effective policy evaluation
- Public sector employees working in government agencies, public finance, or regulatory bodies
- Economists looking to specialise in public policy
- Financial analysts dealing with government or public sector clients
- Private sector professionals navigating economic policies in regulated industries
- Consultants working with government contracts and advising on policy matters
- NGO leaders seeking to deepen their economic literacy to support more strategic decision-making
In summation, this course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects in public policy, government, and consulting.
This Economics for Public Policy 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 52 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on 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
Duration: 8 weeks (excluding orientation)
Economic theory underpins the development and evaluation of public policy. However, many policymakers, analysts, and other key decision makers often lack a formal grounding in these critical concepts, leaving them without a firm understanding of economic frameworks and compelling them to turn to external experts for insight.
The eight-week Economics for Public Policy online certificate course from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) equips you with a solid foundation in key economic theories and models, empowering you to apply economic reasoning to public policy challenges with confidence. Under the guidance of LSE experts, you’ll explore course content on both micro- and macroeconomic indicators, including market functions, government intervention, market failures, and economic growth. You’ll investigate case studies and unpack key economic models and theories alongside your peers and tutors in a collaborative learning environment supported by discussion forums.
The course bridges any knowledge gaps by equipping you with a comprehensive foundation in key economic concepts, as well as the practical tools required to interpret government interventions, critically assess market outcomes, and contribute meaningfully and confidently to conversations about policy.
Is this course for you?
This online Economics for Public Policy course is designed for professionals from various disciplines who are looking to advance their economic literacy to support informed policy-making and analysis. This includes:
- Policy analysts and advisers seeking to understand economic frameworks for effective policy evaluation
- Public sector employees working in government agencies, public finance, or regulatory bodies
- Economists looking to specialise in public policy
- Financial analysts dealing with government or public sector clients
- Private sector professionals navigating economic policies in regulated industries
- Consultants working with government contracts and advising on policy matters
- NGO leaders seeking to deepen their economic literacy to support more strategic decision-making
In summation, this course is ideal for professionals seeking to enhance their career prospects in public policy, government, and consulting.
This Economics for Public Policy 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 52 hours of learning.
Note: should you wish to claim CPD activity, the onus is on 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.
Get this course for your team
Leading organisations recognise the value of this course and invest in it to enhance their employees' skills and expertise.
What will set you apart
A solid foundation in economic theories and models relevant to public policy.
Insights into applying economic principles to real-world policy challenges.
The practical skills required to effectively design and analyse public policies.
Enhanced career prospects in public policy and related fields.
Unlimited access to edX’s Career Engagement Network, offering you exclusive resources and events to support your professional journey and drive your career forward.Course curriculum
Orientation module
Welcome to your Online Campus
Module 1
Understanding the market
Module 2
Intervening in the market
Module 3
Taming market power
Module 4
Managing externalities
Module 5
Providing public goods
Module 6
Mitigating information asymmetry
Module 7
Measuring the economy
Module 8
Growing the economy
Course Convenor
Luis Garicano
Professor of Public Policy
About the certificate
Learn about applying economic reasoning to public policy, and earn an official certificate of competence from the London School of Economics and Political Science.
Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order to be issued with a digital 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.
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We deliver market-led courses that equip working professionals with the expertise required to upskill, reskill or kickstart a completely new career. Through a data-driven approach, we analyze future skills requirements and ensure all courses address this need. We ensure that leading universities and institutions are your expert guides and our people, technology, and resources are your engine – together we power more than just education, we power your potential.
Read more about GetSmarter here and edX here.
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 page, 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 visit your Account page here.
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