UNU-MERIT offers a range of online and blended courses for working professionals keen to expand their expertise in public policy. We provide a comprehensive combination of theoretical insights, educational tools, technical skills and sector-specific knowledge to put theory into practice.
Focused on policy design, policy analysis and the methods and techniques of policy research, our learning programmes offer skills and knowledge often difficult to obtain during full-time employment. To accommodate our participants’ needs, these courses are available as single online courses but also as certificate programmes and blended learning programmes. In case of specific needs, we also design tailor-made online course packages upon request.
Our selection of online courses reflects the research priorities of UNU-MERIT and the wider UN system. Each course includes a guided narrative with examples and self-assessment options. Thematic experts host weekly lectures directing participants toward the main learning points.
Participants can expect topical readings, tutorials, rich discussions, and constant exchange with peers and the tutor. Each course closes with an assignment and (recorded) oral exam. Upon successful course completion, participants receive an online educational badge.
The online courses we offer are:
- Comparative Migration Policy
- Economics of Innovation
- Entrepreneurship Policy
- Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries Research
- Governance in Theory and Practice
- Impact Evaluation of Policies and Programmes: Estimation and Analysis of Causal Impacts
- Introduction to Impact Evaluation of Policies and Programmes
- Introduction to Migration Studies
- Introduction to Political Science
- Introduction to Social Protection for the Poor
- Migration and Remittances Effects
- Public Policy Analysis
- Social Entrepreneurship
- The Public Policy Process
Online course certificate programmes:
Several combinations of online courses (see next section for details) also result in an online course certificate programme. To complete the online course certificate programme, you will need to:
- Complete the three courses, including a final assignment and oral exam
- Complete the Certificate programme assignment
- Complete the assignment discussion sessions with your tutor and peers
Upon completion of the certificate programme, you will receive an Online Certificate Programme Certification for the combined educational activities, accounting for 7 ECTS equivalence credits (2 ECTS equivalence credits per course and 1 ECTS equivalence credit for the final assignment)
The certificate programmes currently available are:
The Public Policy track in Social Protection
Course 1: The Public Policy Process
Course 2: Public Policy Analysis
Course 3: Policy Analysis in Social Protection
Governance and Policy Evaluation
Course 1: Governance in Theory and Practice
Course 2: Introduction to Impact Evaluation of Policies and Programmes
Course 3: Impact Evaluation of Policies and Programmes: Estimation and Analysis of Causal Impact
Entrepreneurship
Course 1: Introduction to Entrepreneurship in Developing Countries Research
Course 2: Entrepreneurship Policy
Course 3: Social Entrepreneurship
Costs: 1750 Euros
