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University of Cape Town MPhil in Programme Evaluation

University of Cape Town

MPhil in Programme Evaluation

Cape Town, South Africa

2 Years

English

Part time

30 Sep 2025

Feb 2026

ZAR 105,380 / per year *

On-Campus

* for Rest of the World| SADC Fees: From ZAR 41 680| Non-SADC African Students Fees: From ZAR 89,280

Key Summary

    About : The MPhil in Programme Evaluation focuses on developing skills in evaluating public and private sector programs critically. This course aims to prepare students to assess program effectiveness and impact. The program also emphasizes theoretical foundations and real-world applications, making it suitable for those interested in enhancing their expertise in evaluation practices.
    Career Outcomes : Graduates can pursue careers in various fields, including government, non-profits, and consultancy. Potential roles include program evaluator, policy analyst, and research manager. The skills gained during the program can help shape informed decisions based on evidence and improve program outcomes in diverse settings.

Introduction

The MPhil in Programme Evaluation [CM033BUS15] is a two-year, part-time Master’s degree that provides students with comprehensive knowledge and skills in evaluation theory and practice. The taught content is delivered through seven block release weeks during the two years and is thus convenient for working professionals or students not residing in Cape Town. We aim to produce graduates that go on to improve the quality, accountability and transparency of a wide range of social and development programmes. The applied curriculum straddles an innovative interdisciplinary space influenced by the latest developments in evaluation theory and practice. This is a one and a half-year full-time programme (both the coursework and dissertation are completed within the year and a half of study) starting in the first week of February each year. The programme consists of coursework and a research dissertation. The coursework comprises five compulsory modules that run from February to October and aims to equip students with advanced programme evaluation knowledge and skills.

The research dissertation runs for 12 months, commencing in July of the first year of registration, and concluding with submission of the dissertation the following year. The dissertation aims to assess whether students have mastered the principles of programme evaluation and, are able to apply these to a real-life programme that they are expected to evaluate. Students who successfully complete the degree will be awarded an MPhil.

Application information:

Students applying for the Master of Philosophy (Programme Evaluation) must apply online using
the University’s application process by the end of November in the year preceding that for which the application is made.

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