Our Programme Monitoring and Implementation Research module focuses on practical approaches aimed at improving implementation of programmes or policies, to enhance equity, efficiency, scaleup and sustainability, ultimately to improve people's health. Students will learn approaches to conceptualising and developing programme monitoring and implementation research plans. They will have opportunities to meet experienced practitioners throughout the module who will describe practical, ethical and technical challenges in undertaking programme monitoring or implementation research.

The overall module aim is to equip students with practical skills to monitor and adjust programmes to assure quality and conduct research to identify and resolve bottlenecks in programme implementation.

Intended learning outcomes

Upon successful completion of the module a student will be able to:

1. Explain the purposes and scope of programme monitoring in the context of programme monitoring and evaluation (M&E);
2. Describe a structured process to identify known bottlenecks and barriers (the 'problem') in the health system to design implementation research (IR);
3. Identify and differentiate conceptual frameworks, results frameworks, theory of change, logic models and similar approaches;
4. Apply programme monitoring and implementation research into evidence-based programme planning and implementation cycle to assure quality programmes;
5. Compare quantitative and qualitative data and study designs and apply appropriately to programme monitoring and implementation research;
6. Construct a data collection plan, including appropriate indicator definition and quality assurance, for programme monitoring and implementation research.

Mode of delivery

The programme will be delivered wholly online, with no in-person attendance. There will be a mix of live and interactive activities (synchronous learning) as well as recorded or self-directed study (asynchronous learning). Examples of synchronous learning are live online lectures, group discussions and seminars. Asynchronous learning includes pre-recorded lectures, independent reading and activities. Live synchronous lectures and class sessions usually take place Monday-Friday between 2 pm and 5 pm UTC.

Assessment

• Individual presentation (50%)
• Project (50%)

Credits

• CATS: 15
• ECTS: 7.5

Module specification

For full information regarding this module please see the module specification.

Please note: information based on the 2024-25 module specification subject to change for 2025-26 entry.