Graduate Certificate in Evaluation

The Graduate Certificate in Evaluation is a program conducted purely online, of professional qualification catering for the needs of those who wish to develop their understanding of evaluation theory, method, and practice at local, national and international levels. Our students include policy and program planners, trainers, teachers, performance auditors internal monitoring and evaluation staff, project staff, managers, health professionals, and independent consultants. They are drawn from the public sector, non-government agencies, and business in areas such as education, welfare, and health.

The course aims to enable students to become familiar with theories underlying policy and program development, the roles of various types of evaluation as well as key concepts and approaches to evaluation. It will encourage critical review of important issues in the design, conduct and use of evaluation.

Students who have completed the Graduate Certificate in Evaluation should be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding of evaluation theory and practice;

• apply understandings of evaluation theory and methods to a range of practical settings; and

• demonstrate awareness of professional responsibilities and ethical principles that should characterise leaders in the evaluation field.

The Graduate Certificate in Evaluation is a 50 point coursework classified course. Students undertaking this course will be expected to complete two compulsory subjects and two elective subjects. Please note that students can only select online availabilities of these subjects.

Information on the 50 point, coursework-classified Graduate Certificate in Evaluation (GC-EVAL) with the option for face to face study is available here: https://handbook.unimelb.edu.au/view/current/GC-EVAL

Compulsory subjects

Elective subjects

1. In order to be considered for entry, applicants must have completed:
• either
– a four-year undergraduate degree, or
– a postgraduate qualification, or
– a undergraduate degree with at least three years of documented relevant work experience;
and
• a personal statement outlining relevant prior study, work experience and why they wish to be considered for the course.
Meeting these requirements does not guarantee selection.

2. In ranking applications, the Selection Committee will consider:
• prior academic performance; and
• the personal statement; and, if relevant
• the professional experience.

3. The Selection Committee may seek further information to clarify any aspect of an application in accordance with the Academic Board rules on the use of selection instruments.

4. Applicants are required to satisfy the university’s English language requirements for postgraduate courses. For those applicants seeking to meet these requirements by one of the standard tests approved by the Academic Board, performance band 7 is required.

The Melbourne Graduate School of Education welcomes applications from students with disabilities. It is University and Graduate School policy to take reasonable steps to enable the participation of students with disabilities, and reasonable adjustments will be made to enhance a student’s participation in the Graduate School’s programs.
The core participation requirements for study in the Melbourne Graduate School of Education are:

In all courses

1. The ability to comprehend complex information related to education and the disciplines in which the student is teaching.
2. The ability to communicate clearly and independently in assessment tasks a knowledge of the content, principles and practices relating to education and other relevant disciplines.
3. Behavioural and social attributes that enable a student to participate in a complex learning environment. Students are required to take responsibility for their own participation and learning. They also contribute to the learning of other students in collaborative learning environments, demonstrating interpersonal skills and an understanding of the needs of other students. Assessment may include the outcomes of tasks completed in collaboration with other students.

Students who feel a disability will prevent them from meeting the above academic requirements are encouraged to contact Disability Liaison.

Graduates may progress to a range of other graduate coursework programs.

Academic Distinction

Graduates will have begun to develop evidence- and practice-based knowledge of evaluation and research that applies across disciplines. They will demonstrate a basic level of skill designing and conducting evaluation and research activities, and communicating with clients and stakeholders. Graduates will have begun to develop as critical and creative thinkers, with an aptitude for continued self-directed learning.

Active Citizenship

Graduates will be prepared to contribute meaningfully to evaluation thinking and practice in their professional and community contexts. They will understand the existence of multiple sets of values, how those affect the task of evaluation, and how to make the values conversation an explicit component of evaluation work.

Integrity and Self-Awareness

Graduates will be aware of existing professional standards and competencies for evaluators. They will understand the importance of critically reflecting on their evaluation practice and have set the foundation for a strong sense of intellectual integrity regarding evaluation.