MSc Evaluation And Policy Analysis

In recent years there has been a rapid increase in the use of evaluation and quantitative analysis. Commissioners of public services, and public, voluntary and private sector service providers have been required to justify more rigorously their proposed use of public funds and to demonstrate the effectiveness of previous interventions to justify future plans. Working as an evaluator in this environment requires skills in quantitative methods and the ability to evaluate interventions rigorously, using a combination of primary research methods such as surveys and interviews, and administrative data. In this course we aim to provide you with a core foundation in a wide range of research methods with a clear emphasis on quantitative methods, and specialist understanding and skills in evaluation. You'll also have the opportunity to study cutting-edge methods, such as randomised control trials, and address current challenges around complexity.

It is also important that people working in these careers have an understanding of the decision-making and policy context for their work. This course will therefore provide you with an introduction to the economics of public policy, as well as the opportunity to take a core module in various aspects of public policy which could include housing, criminal justice, poverty and inequality, and health and social care.

You will be taught by academics based in the Policy Evaluation and Research Unit (PERU), an internationally recognised evaluation and policy-research unit with particular expertise in quantitative evaluation. PERU members have a 15-year track record of research in the UK and Europe and links with institutions in the US and South East Asia. The centre regularly undertakes evaluations for UK government departments, national NGOs, local government and other local delivery organisations. It also has a track record of delivering applied research and evaluation projects in Europe.

These international contacts and this practical and research experience will directly influence what you are taught, with the content of the course drawing on global evaluation and policy case studies. All of this means that you will be learning at the cutting edge of the latest developments in evaluation and policy analysis.

This course is available as distanced learning only.