MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-10-05 | - |
| 2027-10-05 | - |
Program Overview
MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation
The MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation is a taught course focused on evaluating social policies and interventions using advanced research methods, with topics like poverty, mental health, and violence prevention.
About the Course
The course emphasises concepts and research methods for evaluating interventions and policies, as well as the advanced study of evidence-based practice and policy in areas such as child and family services, education, violence and injury prevention, mental health, substance use, HIV prevention, poverty reduction, and other social issues.
Course Structure
The MSc has the following major components:
- Pathway A: Social Intervention or Pathway B: Policy Evaluation
- Research methods course (both pathways)
- A specialist option course (both pathways)
- MSc thesis (both pathways)
During the first and second terms, the majority of learning is classroom-based, complemented by independent reading, tutorials, and formative and summative assessments. The third term involves largely self-directed study for remaining summative assessments, exam revision, and further development of the MSc thesis.
Attendance
The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
Resources to Support Your Study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services. The Bodleian Libraries is the largest library system in the UK, holding more than 13 million printed items and providing access to e-journals.
Supervision
Students will be matched to a supervisor at the start of the first term. Typically, students meet with their supervisors to discuss their progress in the course and their thesis.
Assessment
You will be assessed by a series of assessments throughout the year using a combination of examinations and/or submitted coursework assignments (summative assessments). All students complete a thesis, which is undertaken throughout the duration of the course.
Graduate Destinations
Recent graduates from the MSc programme have gone on to influential positions in government, non-governmental, and international organisations, such as the World Bank, J-PAL, World Health Organisation, and UN agencies, or work in think tanks or research organisations.
Course Components
Pathway Selection
You will need to select one of two available pathways, to be taken over two terms:
- Pathway A: Social Intervention, covering evidence-based methods to evaluate social interventions, theories underlying interventions, ethical issues, and applying research in practice and policy.
- Pathway B: Policy Evaluation, introducing you to social policy analysis, policy formation, and the relationship between evidence and policy.
Compulsory Study
You will also take the research methods course, which trains students to critically consume and produce research for policies and social interventions. The course is made up of four modules:
- Evaluation methods: A module that covers multiple evaluation methods, including randomised controlled trials and quasi-experimental designs.
- Systematic reviews: A module on the design and conduct of systematic reviews, including evidence synthesis, meta-analysis, qualitative synthesis, and critical appraisal.
- Quantitative analysis: A module on statistical methods for intervention and evaluation research, including applied workshops using the statistical software R and RStudio.
- Qualitative methods: A module on how to design, conduct, and analyse qualitative research.
MSc Thesis
You will write a research thesis to acquire expert knowledge in your area of interest, to apply the research methods, and contribute to new scientific knowledge.
Options
You will take a one-term specialist course from a list of options, which may include:
- Promoting the Welfare of Children and Families
- Addressing Health Inequalities through Social Policy
- Understanding and Preventing Interpersonal Violence
- Community Analysis and Large-Scale Interventions.
Entry Requirements
Proven and Potential Academic Excellence
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours.
- For applicants with a bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.5 out of 4.0, or 4.0 out of 5.0.
GRE General Test Scores
No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.
Further Guidance
- Quantitative methods and statistics: Prior training in statistics or quantitative research methods is not a requirement.
- Publications: Publications are not expected.
English Language Proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Funding
For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
Costs
Annual Course Fees
The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
- Home: ｣24,800
- Overseas: ｣38,430
Additional Costs
There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs.
Living Costs
In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.
College Preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Evidence-based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation:
- Blackfriars
- Campion Hall
- Green Templeton College
- Jesus College
- Kellogg College
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Linacre College
- Nuffield College
- Oriel College
- Regent's Park College
- Reuben College
- St Antony's College
- St Catherine's College
- St Cross College
- St Hilda's College
- Trinity College
- Wolfson College
- Wycliffe Hall
How to Apply
Our guide to getting started provides general advice on how to prepare for and start your application.
Application Fee Waivers
An application fee of ｣75 is payable for each application to this course. Application fee waivers are available for the following applicants who meet the eligibility criteria:
- Applicants from low-income countries
- Refugees and displaced persons
- UK applicants from low-income backgrounds
- Applicants who applied for our Graduate Access Programmes in the past two years and met the eligibility criteria
Completing Your Application
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
Referees
Three overall, academic preferred. Your references will support intellectual ability, academic achievement, and motivation for the chosen area of study.
Official Transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date.
Personal Statement
A maximum of 750 words. Your statement should be written in English and explain your motivation for applying for the course and its specific focus on evidence-based social intervention and policy evaluation at Oxford.
Written Work
One essay, a maximum of 2,500 words. An academic essay or other writing sample from your most recent qualification, written in English, is required.
After You've Submitted Your Application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.