MSc Impact Evaluation for Global Development
Key Details
- Attendance
- Full Time
- Award
- Degree of Master of Science
- Course Length
- 1 years
- Course Start Date
- September 2024
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Course Overview
Do you have an interest in designing and implementing development projects and programmes? How about researching development effectiveness? Or would you like to develop and enhance your skills for undertaking rigorous, high quality impact evaluations?
Impact evaluation has become an important 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, and taking this Master’s will support your career path.
You will get to grips with the basics of modern evidence-based policy-making and impact evaluation, including the contexts and practices of evaluation, research design and more advanced methods of quantitative and qualitative analysis.
Please note we are changing our name to the School of Global Development from 1 August 2023, as we mark our 50th Anniversary.
You will combine theory and practice through two specialist modules and acquire analytical skills that are important beyond impact evaluation. What’s more, you’ll be part of the School of International Development (Changing to Global Development from 1 August 2023), which has a world-class reputation for research in international development.
You can choose module options both from within our School and from other departments at UEA, giving you a unique range of choice and specialisation and providing you with the chance to tailor the course to your particular interests.
Lecturers who teach on this course have wide practical experience in impact evaluation. Many of them are international development economists, so you’ll benefit from their proficiency and know-how.
Study and Modules
Structure
Over the course of this 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 wellbeing and their practical application in terms of evaluating the effect 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 andhave acquired sufficient knowledge and skill 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 B Modules
(Credits: 20)Optional C 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 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 will 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 the 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 to concentrate on the areas that interest you the most.
A range of optional seminars and workshops are offered during this Master’s programme for the teaching and strengthening of your skills. Sessions to support learning – in particular essay and dissertation writing – occur throughout the year.
Assessment
You will 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 will also receive oral feedback on your arguments and ideas during seminars, which helps you develop skills in articulating an argument orally.
You will also 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 enables you to develop specific research skills such as conducting research using primary and secondary data, researching specific topics and questions, thinking critically, and linking theoretical concepts to practical issues.
Entry Requirements
- Degree Classification
- Bachelors degree (minimum 2:1 or equivalent)
- Degree Subject
- Social Science preferred.
- 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
Test dates should be within 2 years of the course start date.
We also accept a number of other English language tests. Review our English Language Equivalencies for a list of qualifications that we may accept to meet this requirement.
If you do not yet 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 English skills necessary for successful undergraduate study:
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- Intakes
This course is open to UK and International applicants. The annual intake for this course is in September each year .
Additional Information or 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.
INTO University of East Anglia
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 2024/25 are:
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UK Students: £10,150 (full time)
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International Students: £21,200 (full time)
If you choose to study part-time, the fee per annum will be half the annual fee for that year, or a pro-rata fee for the module credit you are taking (only available for Home students).
We estimate living expenses at £1,023 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.
To give you greater flexibility, you can choose to study the course full-time over one year or part-time over two years.
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.
Employability
After the Course
Upon completing your MSc, you will be equipped with a range of transferable skills, which means you can pursue a variety of exciting careers both in and beyond international development.
You will 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, UK government departments, the Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs, and PhD studies in related fields.
Careers
A degree at UEA will prepare you for a wide variety of careers. We've been ranked 1st for Job Prospects by StudentCrowd in 2022.
Example of careers that you could enter include:
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Policy maker
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Non-governmental official
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Consultant
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Research institute staff
Discover more on our Careers webpages