Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation

The MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation at the University of Oxford is a rigorous, interdisciplinary program designed to equip students with the analytical skills and methodological expertise necessary to develop, evaluate, and implement social policies and interventions effectively. This program offers comprehensive training in the principles and practice of evidence-based policymaking, drawing on the latest research methods in social science, economics, and statistics. Students will gain a deep understanding of how to critically assess existing evidence, design robust evaluation studies, and utilize data to inform decision-making processes in a variety of social contexts.

Throughout the course, students are exposed to a diverse range of topics including randomized controlled trials, quasi-experimental designs, impact evaluation, cost-effectiveness analysis, and ethical considerations in social research. The curriculum emphasizes practical application, encouraging students to develop skills in data collection, analysis, and interpretation, as well as in communicating findings to policymakers, practitioners, and the public. The program combines academic coursework with hands-on project work, often involving collaborations with governmental and non-governmental organizations, allowing students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world issues such as education, public health, social welfare, and criminal justice.

Students benefit from the world-class academic staff at the University of Oxford, many of whom are leading experts in their fields, as well as from a vibrant community of researchers and practitioners committed to social betterment through evidence-based approaches. The program prepares graduates for careers in research, policy analysis, consultancy, or leadership roles within government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations. With its strong emphasis on empirical skills and policy relevance, the MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation aims to foster a new generation of professionals capable of making informed decisions that improve social outcomes and promote equitable development across diverse settings.

The main aim of the MPhil in Evidence-based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation is to develop critical analysis, problem solving and research skills in the field of evidence- based interventions and policies for social problems, which will allow you both to be a critical consumer of research, and to carry out evaluations and other research designs.

The core element of the programme comprises a course on evaluation methods, which trains students to be good consumers and producers of research on evaluation of social policy and interventions; and other methods courses including statistics and qualitative analysis. There is a particular emphasis on appraisal and design of randomised controlled trials, quasi-random experimentation and systematic reviews, and their application to social interventions and policy evaluation. Systematic review training is embedded throughout the methods teaching, which helps you to develop your own review as part of your degree.

You will then select one of two available pathways, the evidence-based social intervention pathway or the policy evaluation pathway.

The evidence-based social intervention pathway covers theories underlying intervention (eg cognitive behavioural, ecological), ethical issues, major applications of evidence-based approaches, challenges in applying and disseminating research into practice and policy, and methods to evaluate social interventions. 
A specialist systematic reviewing course is also on offer, which will help you to develop your own review, as part of your degree.

The policy evaluation pathway will introduce you to social policy analysis and to different research methods for evaluating policies. Policy analysis examines the process of policy making, the setting of objectives, the choice and design of policy and the mechanisms of implementation, while the methods training provides you with the methodological tools to determine how effective policies are in practice or prospect.

In addition, you will take two specialist courses from a list of options focusing on a particular social policy area or the application of evidence-based intervention with specific client groups. These may include children and families, prevention of HIV and AIDS, community analysis and intervention, and options offered by the MSc and MPhil in Comparative Social Policy.

Whichever pathway you have chosen, you will write a thesis on a topic agreed with your supervisor.  Assessment of the taught courses is based on project work and two three-hour written examination papers.

The MPhil course is an extended version of the MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation. In the first year you will study together with the MSc group and in the second year you will primarily focus on your research project, under individually-tailored supervision.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline. There is no requirement on subject area and students from a wide range of disciplinary backgrounds are considered.

However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent,

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:Up to 1,000 words
• Written work:Two essays of 2,500 words each
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

It appears that detailed information about the Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation program at the University of Oxford is not readily available. Based on related programmes at Oxford, such as MSc in Evidence-Based Social Intervention and Policy Evaluation, the course typically focuses on equipping students with the skills necessary to design, implement, and evaluate social interventions and policies through rigorous evidence-based methods. The programme emphasizes the importance of high-quality research, data analysis, and systematic review techniques to inform effective social policy decisions. Students are introduced to a range of quantitative and qualitative research methods, including randomized controlled trials, longitudinal studies, and survey design, which are essential for assessing the impact of social interventions. The curriculum also covers ethical considerations, data management, and strategic communication of research findings to policymakers and stakeholders. Throughout the course, students often engage in practical projects and case studies that examine real-world social issues, fostering the ability to translate research into actionable policy. Graduates of the programme are prepared for careers in government agencies, NGOs, research institutions, and international organizations that require expertise in evidence-based research and policy evaluation. The program typically combines lectures, seminars, and workshops, with opportunities for internships or research placements, enhancing practical experience. Admission requirements generally include a relevant undergraduate degree and a demonstrated interest in social policy or research. The programme is designed to be rigorous and comprehensive, suited for those aspiring to influence social policy through scientific evidence and to contribute to improving societal outcomes through research and evaluation.