Policy Analysis and Evaluation MSc

This masters degree will:

• provide a broad-based training in social science research methods
• emphasise the quantitative methods most relevant to people working in social science research in a policy context
• develop your knowledge and understanding of research design, evidence-based policy, economic analysis, longitudinal analysis and a range of quantitative, evaluative and qualitative research methods.

Features

This masters degree provides an opportunity to:

• gain transferable skills that can be used effectively in different work environments
• investigate a research question of your choice which is relevant to policy-making or evaluation.

Applicants may be eligible to apply for 1+3 funding from the Economic and Social Research Council via the Bloomsbury Doctoral Training Centre.

Who is this programme for?

People interested in public and social policy and working, or wanting to work, in central, local or devolved government in the analysis and evaluation of policy. People in the third sector (charities, the voluntary sector, not-for-profit organisations and NGOs) who work on similar topics.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree or equivalent in a social science discipline, which includes study of quantitative techniques for research.

Core topics

• Experimental and quasi-experimental design
• Statistical analysis.

Related topics

• Data reduction and latent variable models
• Evaluation methods and economic appraisal
• Longitudinal research and analysis
• Qualitative analysis and evaluation
• Research for policy
• Sampling design
• Survey data collection.

How are you assessed?

By coursework assignments, statistical exercises using SPSS, and a research report of approximately 10,000 words or dissertation of 30,000 words.

Attendance

Face-to-face full-day sessions in blocks of two or three days.

Where do our students go?

Graduates of this masters degree are currently working as:

• PhD students
• civil servants
• third sector employees.

More information

Download our MSc Policy Analysis and Evaluation Prospectus 2012-13 (pdf, 0.33mb).

Credit exemption

At the Institute's discretion, we may grant you credit exemption for work successfully completed (taught and examined) in research methods courses from doctoral or masters degree programmes from another university. The exemption will be based on courses that the Institute considers to be of an appropriate level and which form a coherent whole with your programme at the Institute.

Core modules

• Experimental And Quasi Experimental Design

Recommended modules

• Evaluation Methods And Economic Appraisal
• Longitudinal Research & Analysis
• Research For Policy
• Statistical Analysis