Program Overview

Policy and Programme Evaluation

Course Overview

There is growing demand for evidence-based policy, with the UK Government having established 13 What Works centres to help build the quality of evaluation across the policy spectrum, and the establishment of the Cabinet Office Evaluation Taskforce. In this course, we cover the main features of policy and programme evaluation, including an introduction to cutting edge evaluation methodologies and analytical frameworks for thinking about policy problems, the core concepts of inferential statistics, components of randomised control trials (RCTs), data collection and use, communication of findings and interpretation of data visualisations, and recent developments in the field of research ethics.

Course Features

The course emphasises intensive, hands-on learning. It will be structured around a combination of interactive taught sessions, talks with high profile practitioners in the field, and will culminate with a team challenge, where participants apply their learning by identifying a policy problem and designing an evaluation of proposed solutions in the field of their choosing. There will be multiple opportunities for participants to build their networks, learn from others, and share their own expertise.

Course Content

During three days of intensive workshops and seminars, you will explore:

• Cutting edge evaluation methodologies and analytical frameworks for thinking about policy problems,
• Core logic of inferential statistics, components of randomised control trials (RCTs), data collection and use,
• How to communicate your data and findings in a way that will resonate with a variety of people, including policymakers and the public, and
• How to embed high ethical research standards and DEI across your evaluations.

Learning Outcomes

You will gain practical and actionable strategies to promote evidence-based decision-making, with a focus on strategic and organisational considerations for running trials effectively.

Who Will I Be Taught By

• Professor Michael Sanders, Director, School for Government
• Julia Ellingwood, Research Fellow

Entry Requirements

This course would be suited to:

• Executives and organisational leaders who want to become better co-designers of evaluative research as well more informed consumers of trial findings, including NGO and international development leaders, government officials and public administrators, and evaluation leads at charities.
• Professionals who want to learn how to implement programme evaluations to improve outcomes for the communities and clients they serve, including policy analysts, social science researchers, evaluation specialists, consultants, and community workers.

Fees and Discounts

• The course fee is £1800, with a 15% discount available for King’s College London alumni, current students, and current staff.
• If you enrol by 31 August 2025, you can access an early bird discount of 10% (not combinable with other discounts).

Key Information

• Credit value: Not for credit
• Duration: 3 days
• Fees & Discounts:
  • Full Price: £1,620.00~~£1,800.00~~
  • Discounts will end: 31 August 2025
  • Staff: £1,530.00
  • Alumni: £1,530.00
  • King's Students: £1,530.00

CPD Accreditation

The CPD Certification Service

Further Information

This 3-day course will take place in a classroom setting, with possible evening activities (tbc). Engage in a dynamic mix of discussions, debates, talks, and Q&As, culminating in a team challenge and presentation.