PEP Online Training Program: Applied Development Economics

Register by October 3, 2022

PEP  is offering four online distance-learning courses in Applied Development Economics, in collaboration with the University of Florence in Italy,  from February  to May 2023.

Registration is now closed.

 

In collaboration with University of Florence in Italy, PEP offers  four online distance-learning courses between February 20 and May 31, 2023

  • Course 1 – Non-experimental impact analysis 

  • Course 2 – Computable General Equilibrium Modelling 

  • Course 3 – Measuring and Alleviating Poverty and Inequality 

  • Course 4 – Gender Analysis in Economic Policy Research 

The courses are offered in English and French

 

On successful completion of each course, University of Florence will provide students with an electronic transcript. University of Florence will award a graduate microprogram certificate to students who complete three courses of their choice within a maximum of four years. These credits are recognized by the University of Florence – if participants choose to pursue graduate studies there – and may be recognized by other academic institutions. 

Course content 

Course 1:   Non-experimental Impact Analysis    
Policy impact analysis is used to determine which policies, interventions and programs work, for whom, and in what circumstances. This course provides practical guidelines for designing and implementing various types of non-experimental techniques, including how to select the appropriate technique for each context. This course takes an applied, non-technical approach. Participants should have a working knowledge of basic statistics, particularly key concepts such as regression analysis.  

Course 2:  Computable General Equilibrium Modelling  
Computable general equilibrium models are powerful analytical tools used widely in both developing and developed countries. This course introduces all aspects of this type of modeling, both theoretical and applied. At the end of this course, participants will be able to develop, program and use a computable general equilibrium model.  

Course 3: Measuring and Alleviating Poverty and Inequality    
Poverty and Inequality reduction is a central objective of economic policies in both developed and developing countries. This course introduces the main theoretical and empirical aspects of the economic analysis of poverty and inequality: distributive analysis, poverty and inequality measures and profiles, multidimensional poverty, robustness, pro-poor growth and policies, poverty alleviation, targeting criteria and the distributive effects of price changes and tax reforms, progressivity and benefit incidence analysis, and estimation of individual budget and poverty rates. Each theoretical class is accompanied with practices on real data. Participants should have a working knowledge of basic statistics and economics.   

Course 4: Gender Analysis in Economic Policy Research  
The course explores the gender dimensions of economic life in developing countries, drawing on the rich body of research of gender-aware analyses of household economics, paid and unpaid work, labor markets, entrepreneurship, migration, agriculture, trade and gender-responsive budgeting. Explanations of gender-related issues include a feminist economics perspective and focus on its application in developing countries and in the process of economic development.   

Registration process 

The course fees are: 

  • $US 650 per course for participants who are nationals and residents of a developing country, or developing country nationals who are residing in a developed country but currently studying (proof of student status required)
  • $US 1250 per course for all other participants 

Before applying, it is important to carefully read the description.  
Participants must hold an undergraduate degree in economics or related fields.  

  • STEP 1 – APPLICATION 

Registration for the 2023 courses must be completed by October 3, 2022.

 

The number of places is limited, and candidates will be selected based on their application form and CV. 

  • STEP 2 – REGISTRATION

Decisions will be communicated by October 12 and participants will receive instructions for payment and registrations. 

Participants will be expected to pay their course fees in full by November 25, failing which their spot can be offered to candidates on the waiting list. 

Note that no funding is available, so please register only if you are sure you have adequate funding from your own or external sources.  

 

  • STEP 3 – START THE COURSE 

 

Courses will run from February 20 to May 31, 2023. 

2 weeks before the start of the session, participants will receive a guide to log in and use the course platform. 

The courses are organized as a series of weekly lessons. Each week, participants are required to watch the course videos, complete the exercises, and take the exams. An active forum is provided where participants can ask questions of the instructor and interact with other course participants. 

 

FAQ 

Are there scholarships for students who are interested but cannot afford the fees due to financial constraints?

Unfortunately, we currently have no funding available to provide scholarships, although we hope to be able to do so in the future. 

Are there any additional fees?

No, there is no additional cost for bank fees and participants don’t need to buy material. The price includes the access to required readings and a software for the duration of the course. 

How quickly can one complete the full program of three courses?  

Courses are offered once a year, February-May. We fully intend to offer the courses again in 2024 but have not yet received formal approval from University of Florence for this. If approved (we have no reason to doubt this), you could successfully complete two courses in 2023 and one in 2024, or vice versa, in order to finish in a period of 16 months: i.e. February 2023 May 2024.  

Is it possible to take more than one course in a year? 

It is possible to take more than one course per year, but it is probably best not to try to do all three at the same time. We calculate that you need to devote on average six hours per week to each course.  

Can I receive a certificate if I complete only one course? 

University of Florence only issues a certificate when the entire program is completed, i.e. when participants have completed 3 courses of their choice within a maximum period of four years. On successful completion of each course, University of Florence will provide students with an electronic transcript. 

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