Economics for Public Policy

Online certificate course

Explore the fundamentals of key economic theories and models alongside a cohort of professionals.

8 weeks, entirely online, with self-paced weekly module

Use economic theory to design smarter public policies

Work around your schedule

Learn from policy experts and earn a digital certificate from LSE

On completion of this course, you’ll walk away with:

1

A foundational understanding of the economic theories and models most relevant to public policy.

2

The confidence to apply economic reasoning to find solutions to the challenges facing public policy.

3

A set of skills that equips you to design and analyse public policies, enhancing your 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 curriculum

Over the duration of this online certificate course, you’ll work through the following modules:

Orientation module

Meet and engage with your learning and peer networks as you navigate the Online Campus.

Module 1

Explore the foundational economic principles underpinning real-world market behaviour and policy interventions.

Module 2

Unpack the various tools governments use to regulate markets and their broader implications for both consumers and producers.

Module 3

Examine how firms can exert control over markets and the ways governments intervene to maintain competition.

Module 4

Consider the kinds of market disruptions caused by externalities and possible solutions for restoring balance.

Course convenor

Luis Garicano

Professor of Public Policy 

Luis Garacano’s research focuses on the intersection of technology, organisation, and economic outcomes, including wage distribution, productivity, and economic growth, with recent work addressing institutional reform in the Eurozone. In the course of his research, he has authored influential academic papers and contributed to international media. 

Luis began his academic career at the University of Chicago Booth School of Business before holding various positions at LSE, including full professor in economics and strategy. He has been a visiting professor at Columbia, the London Business School, and MIT. Professionally, he has worked as an economist for the European Commission and McKinsey & Company, and served as a member of the European Parliament from 2019 to 2022.

“With economic frameworks influencing everything from taxation and regulation to economic development and social programmes, having a strong foundation in economics is essential to understand and design more effective public policies.” 

– Luis Garicano, Professor of Public Policy

An online education that sets you apart

This LSE online certificate course is delivered in collaboration with online education provider GetSmarter. Join a growing community of global professionals and benefit from the opportunity to:

Gain verifiable and relevant competencies and earn invaluable recognition from a world-leading social science university, entirely online and in your own time.

Enjoy a personalised, people-mediated online learning experience created to make you feel supported at every step.

Experience a flexible but structured approach to online education as you plan your learning around your life to meet weekly milestones.

Want to know more?

Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.

Want to know more?

Enter your information to access the course prospectus and learn more about this course from GetSmarter.