IFS-Cemmap Remote Policy Evaluation Methods 2026/2027

Description

COURSE DATES

November

February

March

June

Prices include VAT.

Please note that full payment is required before access to self study materials is provided.

For full course details please click here.

COURSE OVERVIEW

This remote course provides an in-depth introduction to research design and methods for policy evaluation. It covers the main quantitative approaches used in programme evaluation, impact evaluation and causal inference, including randomised experiments, instrumental variables, sharp and fuzzy regression discontinuity designs, regression methods, matching methods, difference-in-differences and synthetic controls.

The lectures are thoughtfully structured to accommodate participants with diverse backgrounds. Each topic is presented at various levels, ensuring accessibility through intuitive explanations, optional formal derivations, in-depth discussions and practical examples. The live classes offer a summary of each topic and provide an interactive platform for participants to ask questions and actively engage in guided practical sessions, applying each evaluation method to real-world data using Stata or R.

By the end of this course, participants will have acquired a solid foundation in research design principles and practical skills to understand, implement and interpret quantitative evaluation methods.

IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?

This is an intermediate course in quantitative policy evaluation and causal inference. It is best suited to participants who are comfortable engaging with empirical examples, regression-based thinking, core statistical concepts and either Stata or R. You do not need advanced econometrics, and the formal material is optional and supported by intuitive, non-technical take-away points. However, the course is not designed as an introduction to statistics, econometrics, Stata or R, and it is not a programming course. Participants with little quantitative or software background can still benefit from the intuition, examples and interpretation, but should expect a steeper learning curve and may wish to spend additional time on the introductory material, scripts and outputs before and after the live sessions. For the practicals, participants are provided with a guided step-by-step PDF containing tips and syntax for both Stata and R. Complete scripts and solutions are provided in advance for both Stata and R, so participants can run the code and focus on understanding and interpreting the output. For those using Stata, a short tutorial is also provided covering what is needed for the practical exercises. During the live practicals, participants are encouraged to have a go independently or in groups before the full walkthrough.

FORMAT OF THE COURSE

The Remote PEM Course offers a flexible learning experience through a combination of self-paced study and live online meetings. The course is structured into two parts:

Part 1) Pre-recorded Lectures (21.5 hours): The pre-recorded lecture videos allow participants to study the material at their own pace. Access opens at least six weeks before the first live class, with the exact access

window confirmed for each edition. Participants who register after access has opened are onboarded within 1–2 working days. The videos remain accessible for at least three weeks after the final live class. However, participants are strongly encouraged to complete the lectures before the live meetings, which are designed to focus on recap, questions, guided practical exercises and interpretation.

Part 2) Live Classes (ca. 20 hours): The live component is spread over three live classes, delivered either as three consecutive days or as three weekly sessions, depending on the course edition. It consists of the following:

Indicative Class Timings

The exact break and finishing time may vary slightly depending on questions and discussions.

10:00 Class starts

11:30 15-min break

13:15 40-min break

15:00 15-min break

16:45 Class concludes

IMPORTANT NOTE:

· Please make sure you have access to Zoom, either via the app or through a web browser, as the live sessions will be conducted on Zoom.

· To actively engage in the practical exercises, both during the live sessions and for self-guided practice later on, participants need access to either Stata or R.

For more information please contact events@ifs.org.uk