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. 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. Watch this video to find out more. 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.Career prospectsThis course will be of interest to you if you are looking to develop a career in evaluation and quantitative analysis. The demand for these skills can be seen across commissioning organisations including local authorities and health commissioners, providers in the public, voluntary and private sectors, and specialist agencies that provide evaluation services to commissioners and providers.

You will normally have a Bachelor’s degree and a minimum classification of 2:2 or its international equivalent. Candidates will be considered if they can demonstrate satisfactory evidence of relevant postgraduate study, research or professional experience.