MSc Impact Evaluation for Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 year
- Course Start Date
- September 2025
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Why you should choose us
1st
UEA is ranked 1st overall for research quality in Development Studies
Times Higher Education REF 2021Course Overview
Are you passionate about designing and implementing impactful development projects and programmes? Do you have a keen interest in researching development effectiveness? Perhaps you want to master the skills needed to conduct rigorous, high-quality impact evaluations? If so, our Master’s programme is for you.
Impact evaluation has become a critical tool in development policy-making. Multilateral and bilateral donor agencies and developing country governments are now committed to funding and utilising high quality impact evaluation.
Our rigorous MSc Impact Evaluation for Global Development programme will equip you with the essentials of modern evidence-based policy-making and impact evaluation. You’ll study the contexts and practices of evaluation, research design and more advanced methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis. Your studies will combine theory and practice, ensuring you acquire the analytical skills that are needed beyond impact evaluation.
Here at UEA, you’ll be part of the renowned School of Global Development, which has a world-class reputation for research in international development. You’ll have the flexibility to choose module options both from within our School and from other departments, giving you a unique range of choices to tailor your studies to your interests.
Our world-class lecturers bring a wealth of practical experience in impact evaluation to their teaching. Many are international development economists with extensive real-world expertise, offering cutting-edge teaching with practical insights to ensure you graduate with the skills and expertise needed to enhance your future career.
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What is Global Development?
Learn how global development is understood and its effects on communities, with a focus on Nairobi, Kenya, in this free, online course. Thro...
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Our Research - 1st in the UK for Development Studies
The School of Global Development is globally recognized for research excellence and ranked first in development studies (Times Higher REF An...
Study and Modules
Structure
Over the course of this one- year full-time Master’s programme you’ll become familiar with theoretical frameworks for evidence-based policy and a broad range of issues relevant to impact evaluation and development. You’ll review approaches to evaluation and their practical application in terms of assessing the effects of development interventions. You’ll be exposed to cost-benefit analysis and consider policy and evaluation in practice, looking at a range of sectors and contexts.
You’ll also gain a good basic knowledge of applied methods of impact evaluation that will allow you to carry out high quality impact evaluations. For that purpose, this course provides a comprehensive overview of the most important methods of impact evaluation. It also provides instruction in and hands-on experience of the main quantitative and qualitative impact evaluation methods, through linked lectures and (computer) workshop/seminars.
You’ll also be introduced to basic econometric theory and provided with sufficient knowledge and practical skill for competent use of econometrics in empirical research. You’ll be able to understand and interpret econometric research results and have acquired sufficient knowledge and skills to apply multivariate analysis of cross-sectional and time-series data to a wide range of macro- and micro-economic problems of development. In addition to lectures, the module includes computer workshops on Stata (a widely used econometrics software) and seminars.
Compulsory Modules
Optional A Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional B Modules
(Credits: 40)Whilst the University will make every effort to offer the modules listed, changes may sometimes be made arising from the annual monitoring, review and update of modules. Where this activity leads to significant (but not minor) changes to programmes and their constituent modules, the University will endeavour to consult with students and others. It is also possible that the University may not be able to offer a module for reasons outside of its control, such as the illness of a member of staff. In some cases optional modules can have limited places available and so you may be asked to make additional module choices in the event you do not gain a place on your first choice. Where this is the case, the University will inform students.
Teaching and Learning
Teaching
Teaching methods include mainly lectures and seminars. Your lectures go beyond the customary ‘chalk-and-talk’ approach and include a range of interactive tasks and activities. The use of technology is also widespread, for example through visual representation of empirical evidence in international development (e.g., through statistical programs). Other examples include the use of online reading materials and lecture screencasts.
Through seminar group work and presentations, you’ll be able to develop transferable skills such as articulating an argument both orally and in writing and presenting academic information in a lucid and cogent manner.
Independent study
You’ll read academic articles and book excerpts suggested by academics and submit the assignments as specified for each module. Your independent study gives you the chance to prepare for in-class sessions and assignments, and concentrate on the areas that interest you the most.
A range of optional seminars and workshops are also offered during this Master’s programme. Sessions to support learning – in particular essay and dissertation writing – occur throughout the year.
Assessment
You’ll be assessed using a variety of methods, including presentations, essays and a dissertation. Further assessment methods will differ depending on the optional modules you choose.
You’ll also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which will help you to develop skills in articulating an argument orally.
You’ll be encouraged to prepare essay plans or outlines in advance of essay deadlines, and to discuss these with the relevant lecturer during their office hours or by email. In addition, you’ll typically receive oral and/or written feedback on an initial coursework assignment well in advance of your deadline for the main coursework assignment.
Finally, the dissertation will enable you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary or secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you’ll be equipped with a range of invaluable transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond global development.
You’ll also be well qualified to enter a PhD programme with a view to continuing to an academic career both in the UK and overseas.
Previous graduates have gone on to work for the British High Commission in Ghana, UNITAR in Japan, IFAD in Rome, UN Women in Kenya, the Overseas Development Institute, 3ie, UK government departments, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and PhD studies in related fields.
Careers
Example of careers that you could enter include:
- Policy maker
- Non-governmental official
- Consultant
- Research institute staff
Discover more on our Careers webpages.
Entry Requirements
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical UK Entry Requirements
Degree classification
Bachelors degree - 2.2
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
- This course is open to
UK and International fee-paying students. Choose UK or International above to see relevant information. The entry point is in September each year.
- Typical International Entry Requirements
Degree classification
UK Bachelors degree - 2.2 or equivalent
Degree Subject
Social Science preferred, however a good knowledge of statistics is essential.
- Additional Entry Requirements
Applicants should normally have a good undergraduate degree from a recognised higher education institution. The University will also take into account the employment experience of applicants where relevant.
- English Foreign Language
Applications from students whose first language is not English are welcome. We require evidence of proficiency in English (including writing, speaking, listening and reading):
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IELTS: 6.0 overall (with minimum 6.0 in Writing & Speaking and 5.5 in Listening & Reading)
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of example qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
Test dates should be within two years of the course start date.
If you do not meet the English language requirements for this course, INTO UEA offer a variety of English language programmes which are designed to help you develop the required English skills.
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- INTO UEA
If you do not meet the academic requirements for this course, you may be able to study the International Pre-Masters programme offered by our partner INTO UEA. This programme guarantees progression to selected Master's degrees if students achieve the appropriate grade. For more details, please click here:
International Pre-Masters in Business, Economics and Social Sciences
- Admissions Policy
Our Admissions Policy applies to the admissions of all postgraduate applicants.
Fees and Funding
Tuition fees for the Academic Year 2025/26 are:
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UK Students: £10,850
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International Students: £22,700
We estimate living expenses at £1,136 per month.
Further Information on tuition fees can be found here.
Scholarships and Bursaries
The University of East Anglia offers a range of Scholarships; please click the link for eligibility, details of how to apply and closing dates.
Course Related Costs
Please see Additional Course Fees for details of additional course-related costs.
How to Apply
How to apply
Applications for Postgraduate Taught programmes at the University of East Anglia should be made directly to the University.
To apply please use our online application form.
Further information
If you would like to discuss your individual circumstances prior to applying, please do contact us:
Postgraduate Admissions Office
Tel: +44 (0)1603 591515
Email: admissions@uea.ac.uk
International candidates are also encouraged to access the International Students section of our website.