Course summary

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. This course aims to provide a core foundation in a wide range of research methods with a clear emphasis on quantitative methods, and specialist understanding and skills in evaluation. The opportunity will also be available 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 an introduction to the economics of public policy, as well as the opportunity to take core units in aspects of public policy such as housing, criminal justice, poverty and inequality and health and social care. You will be taught by academics based in the Policy Evaluation 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. It 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. Features and Benefits

• Study alongside work - designed to accommodate people who work and cannot relocate to Manchester, face-to-face teaching takes place in three or four short, intensive periods on campus, combined with regular lectures and seminars, online throughout the academic year.

• Taught by experts - taught by research-active academics from our Policy Evaluation and Research Unit, with expertise in quantitative evaluation and a 15-year track record of research in the UK and Europe, and links with institutions in the US and South East Asia, giving you access to the latest developments in policy and evaluation research.

• A rich programme of guest lectures - take advantage of a rich programme of guest lectures from industry contacts and build your own professional network.

• Real-world projects - opportunity to undertake projects in real world settings through the connections PERU has with public and voluntary sector organisations.

• A final project related to your career goals - in your final project explore an evaluation and/or policy issue that is relevant to your career goals and be supported to achieve real-world impact on policy and practice.