Programme Evaluation: Supporting Evidence-Informed Practice

Date: 18, 19 and 20 February 2026, 8:30am - 4:00pm each day

Modality:  In person

Duration: 3 days

Price: $1,700 (incl. GST)

Short course structure and topics covered: 

This course is designed for public sector workers and academics interested in commissioning, managing, and/or conducting evaluations of public policy or programmes. It assumes a basic understanding of methods of data collection including surveys, focus groups and other group methods, interviews, document analysis, and data retrieval for secondary data. 

The course is structured to progress participants through the key stages of an evaluation. We cover key theories and approaches to evaluation and then consider the application of these approaches in the context of participants’ own work practices. We then explore the negotiation and planning phases of evaluation and go right through to final reporting and the dissemination of findings. Examples from published studies and the instructor’s experience are drawn upon to illustrate and reinforce key concepts.

Day one: What is programme evaluation? How does it differ from social research?

Day two: Planning and designing an evaluation, and working with stakeholders

Day three: Reporting on an evaluation and supporting use and influence

Learning outcomes: 

Participants will:

•  Participants will gain knowledge about each stage of the process of evaluating programmrs or interventions, from negotiating and planning through to final reporting and the approiate dissemination of findings to stakeholders. 
• Participants will develop an understanding of the use of evaluation frameworks, and key decision rules in choosing frameworks and tools to support evaluation. 
• The practical in class activities for each component grounds the theory covered in the programme. They provide participants with the knowledge and skills to develop ans strategies engage diverse stakeholders in evaluation. 
• Discussion of real-life examples will reinforce the theory component and support participants in applying the learnings in their own work. 

Who should attend? Any entry requirements? 

This course largely targets academics and public sector workers. It assumes an understanding of both qualitative and quantitative data collection methodologies, including surveys, focus groups, interviews, document analysis, and data retrieval for secondary data as these are the main methodological strategies used to gather in programme evaluation.

If you want further advice on whether this course is right for you, please email nzssncourses@auckland.ac.nz.

Payment for short courses is normally by credit card. If you need to pay by invoice or require assistance, please email shortcourses@auckland.ac.nz. Please note the University does not issue individual invoices for amounts less than $500 New Zealand dollars.

By enrolling in a Short Course at the University of Auckland you agree to the Short Course Terms and Conditions