This course is an introduction to rigorous and policy-relevant impact evaluation techniques for postgraduate students in economics and public policy. The course’s main emphasis is on evaluating the effect of a policy or a naturally occurring event on the economic and social well being of individuals who are exposed to the event. The course has a strong focus on applications – although students will be expected to fully understand the conceptual underpinnings of each technique.
Learning Outcomes
Upon successful completion, students will have the knowledge and skills to:
- Understand the reasoning behind major impact evaluation techniques.
- Understand published empirical research on policy evaluation and critically assess the validity of causal claims.
- Determine and apply appropriate techniques to rigorously evaluate the impact of events in a real world setting.
- Use statistical software for impact evaluation.
- Conceive, conduct, and present empirical research that uses modern econometric techniques for policy evaluation.
Indicative Assessment
- Problem sets (3) (40) [LO 1,2,3,4]
- Research paper (maximum up to 5,000 words) (60) [LO 3,4,5]
The ANU uses Turnitin to enhance student citation and referencing techniques, and to assess assignment submissions as a component of the University's approach to managing Academic Integrity. While the use of Turnitin is not mandatory, the ANU highly recommends Turnitin is used by both teaching staff and students. For additional information regarding Turnitin please visit the ANU Online website.
Workload
The standard workload for a 6 unit course is 130 hours including class time and independent study.
May also include a tutorial of 1 hour per week, to train students in using Stata, a data analysis software.
Inherent Requirements
Not applicable
Prescribed Texts
Various academic journals, book chapters, and technical papers on relevant issues
Fees
Tuition fees are for the academic year indicated at the top of the page.
Commonwealth Support (CSP) Students
If you have been offered a Commonwealth supported place, your fees are set by the Australian Government for each course. At ANU 1 EFTSL is 48 units (normally 8 x 6-unit courses). More information about your student contribution amount for each course at Fees.
- Student Contribution Band:
- 34
- Unit value:
- 6 units
If you are a domestic graduate coursework student with a Domestic Tuition Fee (DTF) place or international student you will be required to pay course tuition fees (see below). Course tuition fees are indexed annually. Further information for domestic and international students about tuition and other fees can be found at Fees.
Where there is a unit range displayed for this course, not all unit options below may be available.
| Units | EFTSL |
|---|---|
| 6.00 | 0.12500 |
Course fees
- Domestic fee paying students
| Year | Fee | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | $4560 | Standard Rate |
| 2023 | $3600 |
Grandfathered Rate*
*continuing students in nominated programs only. See fee website |
- International fee paying students
| Year | Fee |
|---|---|
| 2023 | $5820 |
Offerings, Dates and Class Summary Links
ANU utilises MyTimetable to enable students to view the timetable for their enrolled courses, browse, then self-allocate to small teaching activities / tutorials so they can better plan their time. Find out more on the Timetable webpage.
Class summaries, if available, can be accessed by clicking on the View link for the relevant class number.