This interdisciplinary module introduces students to Impact Evaluation Methods and their use in the social sciences. The module will emphasise the application...

This interdisciplinary module introduces students to Impact Evaluation Methods and their use in the social sciences. The module will emphasise the application of quasi-experimental evaluation methods in the 'real world', and its potential impact upon government policy. Students will learn about key elements of experimental and quasi-experimental methods, and be able to critically evaluate their strengths and weaknesses.

The module has a high practical element, with students regularly analysing data. Topics to be covered include: designing a randomised control trial, regression methods for causal analysis, propensity score matching, regression discontinuity designs, difference-in-difference, instrumental variables and cost-benefit analyses. Upon completing the module, students will be able to design an effective experimental or quasi-experimental impact evaluation, and understand how the results can influence public policy.  

This course enables students to explore the existing models of governance and understand how the concept of governance relates to corruption, good governance,...

This module aims to develop post-BA skills in comprehension and the active use of written and spoken Russian. The module will concentrate on contemporary...

This module aims to develop post-BA skills in comprehension and the active use of written and spoken Russian. The module will concentrate on contemporary Russia – politics, society, culture, and also the changing Russian language itself – with materials drawn mainly from newspapers, journals and other media sources. The skills developed in the course include: oral presentation, extracting information from spoken and written sources, concise summarizing of information in Russian and English and translation into English. The module requires prior knowledge of the Russian language at BA upper second class level or equivalent and places on the module are limited. A compulsory test of comprehension and written Russian, as well as a translation exercise from Russian into English, is held during induction week to ensure that students are allocated to the most appropriate level.