Cryptocurrency

and Disruption
ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE

Explore both the technology and markets

underpinning cryptocurrencies.
ABOUT THIS COURSE £2,100
This Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate
course provides a fundamental overview of blockchain
technologies and cryptocurrencies, including the key 7-10 hours/week
theoretical and structural features of cryptocurrency of self-paced learning,
markets. You’ll also gain an essential understanding entirely online
of the innovation dynamics of cryptocurrencies
beyond Bitcoin. 6 weeks
excluding orientation
Over six weeks, you’ll learn from renowned LSE
academics, cryptocurrency experts and global
Each module is released weekly, allowing a flexible
thought leaders. You will also have the opportunity
but structured approach to learning. You’ll be
to expand your professional network by collaborating supported as you engage in individual activities
and engaging with an international cohort of course and group discussions, ensuring you feel confident
participants – all while earning a certificate from LSE. to submit your best work at each weekly deadline.

WHAT THE During this course you will be provided with the

COURSE COVERS
This LSE course gives you a comprehensive
understanding of what cryptocurrencies are, how
information, knowledge and frameworks to deepen
your understanding of blockchain technologies
and cryptocurrencies, how they operate, and the
implications for business, the economy and society.
You will not be given cryptocurrency investing advice,
or investment or financial advice of any nature.

they work, and the technology on which they’re built.

You’ll learn how cryptocurrencies are affecting
business innovation and the funding of startups,
and compare digital currencies and cryptocurrency
markets to their traditional counterparts. The role
cryptocurrencies and cryptoassets will play in shaping
the future of money and society is also investigated.

You’ll gain an understanding of the rapid evolution

of the cryptoasset and digital currency markets, as well
as the regulation and technologies surrounding them.
This course will give you a new critical perspective on
cryptoassets, and teach you theoretical frameworks
that will remain relevant for years to come. Alongside
expert insights and crypto use cases, you will also learn
the theory behind cryptoassets and cryptocurrencies, as
well as specific frameworks and models with which to
analyse cryptoassets and other disruptive technologies.

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

In addition to enhanced knowledge, you’ll walk away from this course with a cryptocurrency taxonomy –
developed specifically for this course – which you can apply to the analysis and valuation of any cryptoasset,
as well as helpful cryptocurrency terminology, cryptoasset classes and other valuable information.

THIS COURSE IS FOR YOU

IF YOU WANT TO:

Understand the Consider the use Understand Earn a certificate

mechanics behind
the cryptocurrency
infrastructure, blockchain
technology, wallets,
and exchanges.
of alternative means cryptocurrencies, their from LSE to validate
for raising funds uses, and what they will your new knowledge.
within a startup. mean for the future of
money and business.

WHO SHOULD TAKE THIS COURSE?

This course is designed for ambitious and future-focused professionals looking to take advantage
of new innovations in crypto and want to better understand the impact blockchain-based
technologies and cryptocurrencies will have on business, the economy and society. There are no
prerequisites to take the course, and it will be beneficial to you no matter your level of knowledge
on cryptoassets.

A report of over 13,000 people revealed

that only 10% of the respondents
understand how cryptocurrencies work.*
* Kaspersky (2019).

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

 What is LSE?

Learn more about

The London School of

Economics and Political
Science (LSE)

WHAT
YOU’LL LEARN
This online certificate course integrates rich, interactive media such as videos, infographics, and
e-learning activities, as well as didactic components such as downloadable course notes. There
are also opportunities for collaborative learning through discussion forums. The following modules
contribute to the holistic approach your learning path takes:

00 Orientation
 Module
Welcome to your Online Campus
ONE WEEK
You’ll be welcomed to the course and begin connecting with fellow participants, while
exploring the navigation and tools of your Online Campus. Be alerted to key milestones
in the learning path, and review how your results will be calculated and distributed.

You’ll be required to complete a participant profile, confirm your certificate delivery

address, and submit a digital copy of your passport/identity document.

01 What are cryptocurrencies and the blockchain?

Discover the elements of blockchain-based technologies and cryptocurrency categories,
including a cryptocurrency taxonomy.
• Recognise the characteristics of cryptocurrencies
• Recall the key events in the history of cryptocurrencies
• Discuss the reasons for the rise of bitcoin in 2017
• Explain the underlying elements of blockchain technology
• Identify elements of the cryptocurrency taxonomy in relation to use cases

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

 02 The cryptocurrency infrastructure and ecosystem
Understand the mechanics behind the cryptocurrency infrastructure, ecosystem,
wallets, and exchanges.
• Interpret how the blockchain functions as an alternative financial system
• Identify how encryption is used to verify cryptocurrency transactions
• Identify various ways of ensuring consensus in cryptocurrency transactions
• Show the ways of sustaining cryptocurrencies
• Discuss how cryptocurrencies and cryptocurrency wallets can be used
• Show the structure of a cryptocurrency exchange

03 Money, value, markets and institutions

Explore the world of money, cryptocurrencies, financial markets, and the various
participants in these financial markets.
• Discuss how money has value
• Identify the differences between various types of money and currencies
• Articulate the similarities and differences between traditional financial
markets and cryptocurrency markets
• Discuss the ways in which traditional financial institutions
and cryptocurrencies can coexist
• Show the participants and institutions in the cryptocurrency market
• Illustrate the differences between cryptocurrencies, cryptocommodities, and cryptotokens
• Analyse how a cryptoasset has value

04 From bitcoin to cryptoassets

Analyse and assess the diversity and dynamics of the cryptoasset landscapes
in order to engage in a diversity of business and economic activities.
• Outline the roles and interrelationship between the various analytical elements
of the cryptoasset taxonomy
• Discuss the structural conditions and temporal dynamics within the
cryptoasset ecosystem
• Compare and contrast the diversity of cryptoasset use cases
• Investigate the diversity of blockchain applications in general
and cryptoassets in particular
• Debate the diversity of digital rights within the cryptocurrency ecosystem
• Assess emerging innovations within the cryptocurrency ecosystem in relation
to its structural conditions and temporal dynamics

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

 05 Cryptocurrency regulation and risks
Explore the regulatory environment of the financial markets, including the operational
and systemic risks of investing in cryptocurrencies.
• Identify the operational risks of investing in cryptocurrencies
• Show the systemic risks of investing in cryptocurrencies
• Discuss the regulatory requirements when investing in cryptocurrencies
• Identify the relationship between fiat currency and cryptocurrency
• Articulate the regulation of cryptocurrency in a global context

06 Cryptocurrencies in a global innovation context

Discover the diversity of cryptocurrencies and the methods of raising capital,
platforms, and innovation.
• Discuss the diverse uses of cryptocurrency coins in relation to a use case
• Show how cryptocurrencies are used as an alternative source of funding
• Compare business platforms based on distributed ledger technology
to those with central control
• Assess the effectiveness of a company’s organisational structure
• Propose a business innovation that includes cryptoassets

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.

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

 WHO YOU’LL LEARN FROM
Course Convenor
This course has been designed by Dr Carsten Sørensen – a subject matter expert from LSE
who will feature in many of the course videos, with a variety of industry professionals.

DR CARSTEN SØRENSEN
Associate Professor of Information Systems and Innovation

Dr Carsten Sørensen joined the London School of Economics and Political Science in 1999. Prior
to receiving his PhD in information systems, he received a BSc in Mathematics and an MSc in computer
science. He has taught and consulted for a plethora of organisations, including Google, Vodafone,
Microsoft, PA Consulting Group, IMF, Orange, and Intel. For the past decade, Dr Sørensen has focused
on organisational innovation with mobile computing, specifically the innovation dynamics of mobile
infrastructures and platforms.

Cryptocurrency innovations represent an exciting, and also challenging,

development, generating significant interest from ordinary private
investors, and innovators alike. LSE’s motto is ‘to understand the causes
of things’, and this course equips participants to critically engage with

”
and assess the causes of things in the cryptocurrency world.

Dr Carsten Sørensen - Course Convenor

Associate Professor of Information Systems and Innovation

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

Course Contributors
GUEST EXPERTS
This course features video guest lectures from industry pioneers and leading experts in their field,
allowing you to learn from the wisdom and experience of global authorities, and to see the real-world
applications of the theory covered in the course.

GARRICK HILEMAN SUSANNE CHISHTI

CEO and Founder, Mosaic CEO and Founder, FINTECH Circle

NICK AYTON DAVE BIRCH

CEO and Founder, Chainstarter Author and Advisor on Digital Financial Services

PROFESSOR NIGEL DODD JOSEP CASALS

Head of Department of Sociology, LSE Decentralised Systems Engineer

SIMON DIXON
CEO and Co-Founder, BnkToTheFuture.com WHY LSE?

Learn more about

the prestige of LSE

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

HEAD TUTOR
The Head Tutor is a subject expert who manages the course presentation. An integral part of your
learning journey, they lead a team of Tutors who provide direction, guidance, feedback and support.

DR ENRICO ROSSI
LSE Fellow: Information Systems and Innovation Faculty Group

Dr Enrico Rossi is a fellow in the Information Systems and Innovation Faculty Group in the Department
of Management. His current work deals with law and economics of digital infrastructures and digital
technologies, with a specific focus on the meaning and the role of property and asset ownership,
and on its economic, legal and philosophical implications. Enrico has a PhD in Management from LSE.

YOUR SUCCESS TEAM

GetSmarter, with whom LSE are collaborating to deliver this online course, provide
a personalised approach to online education which ensures you’re supported
throughout your learning journey

TUTOR TEAM SUCCESS MANAGER GLOBAL SUCCESS TEAM

Subject experts who’ll
guide you through
content-related challenges
Your one-on-one support
available during university
hours (9am–5pm BST)
to resolve technical and
administrative challenges
Available 24/7 to solve
your tech-related and
administrative queries
and concerns

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

A POWERFUL
COLLABORATION
The London School of Economics and Political
Science is collaborating with online education
provider, GetSmarter, to create a new
class of learning experience – one that is
high-touch, intimate, and personalised for the
working professional.
WHAT IS LSE?
The London School of Economics and Political
Science (LSE) is a leading dedicated social
science university. LSE was founded in 1895
with the aim of understanding the causes of
things for the “betterment of society”. This
is still at the heart of LSE and we seek to
make our research and teaching practical and
relevant to the real world. The School counts
18 Nobel Prize winners and 37 world leaders
amongst its alumni and staff. The most
international of all British universities, LSE has
students from over 160 countries, and over
100 languages are spoken on campus.
LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course
WHAT ARE
LSE ONLINE
CERTIFICATE
COURSES?
LSE is dedicated to addressing global issues
through research and education, and is the
most international of all British universities.
By offering online certificate courses,
designed by expert LSE faculty members,
the School aims to make its state of the
art social sciences research and insights
available to a wider global audience.
The supported, interactive online learning
model allows students to study from
anywhere in the world, at times of their
convenience, while still interacting with
peers and teaching staff alike.
Professor Saul Estrin
Academic Director,
Online Certificate Courses, LSE
“
Online education allows the London
School of Economics and Political
Science to make our state-of-the-art
social science research accessible
to the widest possible audience, in a
format which is practical and will have
”
real-world application and impact.
 WHAT IS GETSMARTER?
GetSmarter, a 2U, Inc. brand, partners with the world’s leading universities to select, design
and deliver premium online short courses with a data-driven focus on learning gain.

Technology meets academic rigour in our people-mediated model which enables lifelong
learners across the globe to obtain industry-relevant skills that are certified by the world’s
most reputable academic institutions.

EARN AN LSE 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 knowledge.

Assessment is continuous and based on a series of practical assignments completed online. In order
to be issued with your LSE 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.

Your certificate will be issued in your legal name and sent to you upon successful completion
of the course, as per the stipulated requirements.

LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course

 HOW YOU’LL
LEARN
This course is broken down into manageable,
weekly modules, designed to accelerate your
learning process through diverse learning activities:
• Work through your instructional
material online
• Collaborate with your classmates on projects
via the discussion forum and online hangouts
• Enjoy a wide range of interactive content,
including video lectures, live polls, scenario
simulations, and infographics
• Investigate current, real-world case studies
• Apply what you learn each week to
quizzes and ongoing project submissions,
culminating in a certificate from the
London School of Economics and Political
Science, validating your enhanced skills and
knowledge of cryptoassets and markets
TECHNICAL
REQUIREMENTS
Basic requirements
To complete a course, you’ll need a current
email account and access to a computer and
the internet. You should be familiar with using
a computer and accessing the internet, as
LSE Cryptocurrency and Disruption online certificate course
you may need to read documents in Adobe
PDF Reader, view Microsoft PowerPoint
presentations, and read and create documents
in Microsoft Word.
Browser requirements
We recommend that you use Google Chrome
as your internet browser when accessing
the Online Campus. Although this is not
a requirement, we have found that this browser
performs best for ease of access to course
material. This browser can be downloaded here.
Additional requirements
Certain courses may require additional software
and resources. These additional software
and resource requirements will be communicated
to you upon registration and/or at the beginning
of the course. Please note that Google, Vimeo,
and YouTube may be used in our course delivery,
and if these services are blocked in your jurisdiction,
you may have difficulty in accessing course
content. Please check with a Course Consultant
before registering for this course if you have any
concerns about this affecting your experience
with the Online Campus.
Cryptocurrency
and Disruption
ONLINE CERTIFICATE COURSE

Learn how cryptocurrencies are affecting business

innovation and the future of money.

REGISTER NOW

CONTACT US
+44 2038 568 850
lseonline@getsmarter.com