2024/25 Taught Postgraduate Module Catalogue

SLSP5505M Policy and Programme Evaluation

15 creditsClass Size: 120

Module manager: Professor Nick Emmel
Email: n.d.emmel@leeds.ac.uk

Taught: Semester 2 (Jan to Jun) View Timetable

Year running 2024/25

This module is not approved as an Elective

Module summary

This module aims to provide an overview of the theory, methodology, practice and usage of programme evaluation. There has been a renewed interest in using evidence to support policy and practice development. Policy documents have stressed the need for policies to be both evidence-based and evaluated, so that lessons can be learnt and effectiveness assessed. The module will introduce students to a range of different methodologies for conducting programme evaluation and support them to think critically about the strengths and weaknesses of each methodology.

Objectives

The module will introduce the family of methods used to conduct evaluations, including: randomised controlled trials, quasi-experimental methods, formative evaluation, process evaluation, empowerment evaluation, theory-based approaches and realist evaluation. It will also cover some of the approaches used in systematic review, including Cochrane reviews and realist synthesis. The course will also cover the issues of how, and the extent to which, evaluation (and policy research more generally) is utilised in the policy making process.

Learning outcomes
On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following learning outcomes relevant to the subject:

On completion of the course students should have the ability to:

1. understand the historical development of evaluation research

2. critically evaluate the spectrum of evaluation methodologies

3. critically evaluate the spectrum of methods of research synthesis

4. design an evaluation for a typical intervention

5. design a review of the evidence on a family of programmes

6. describe and critically evaluate existing programme evaluations

7. understand the ways in which evaluation is used in policy making and the barriers to utilisation and dissemination.

Skills learning outcomes

On successful completion of the module students will have demonstrated the following skills learning outcomes:

1. Apply critical thinking skills to a range of social issues

2. Deploy system thinking skills to a variety of social debates

3. Communicate complex information, including concepts, verbally and in written form

4. Present complex information on social issues verbally

Syllabus

Details of the syllabus will be provided on the Minerva organisation (or equivalent) for the module

Teaching methods

Delivery type	Number	Length hours	Student hours
Supervision	1	1.00	1.00
Lectures	10	1.00	10.00
seminars	10	1.00	10.00
Private study hours			129.00
Total Contact hours			21.00
Total hours (100hr per 10 credits)			150.00

Opportunities for Formative Feedback

Students are allocated a tutor for the course and are invited to attend the open door times of this tutor to discuss their ideas for their assignment; there is also a specific time set aside towards the end of the course for ‘assignment clinics’. Students are invited to submit a 1 page plan of their assignment and will receive feedback on this at the assignment clinic.

Methods of assessment

Coursework

Assessment type	Notes	% of formal assessment
Assignment	Coursework	100.00
Total percentage (Assessment Coursework)		100.00

Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated

Reading list

The reading list is available from the Library website

Last updated: 23/07/2024

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