Graduate microprogram in development economics

Advanced training, provided by world-leading experts, in cutting edge concepts and methodologies in development economics (Registration is now closed)

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15 weeks

February – May 2025

100% online

650 US$/course

For developing countries residents

Together with University of Florence (UNIFI) in Italy, PEP offers a series of four online courses on the most up-to-date techniques and tools for economic policy analysis. These courses aim to help local researchers contribute to the design of effective national growth and poverty reduction strategies in their own countries.

The courses are offered annually between February and May. The pedagogical approach is founded on narrated presentations, accompanied by readings, guided exercises, and forum discussions. Evaluations are based on frequent quizzes and tests, practical works and a final exam. 

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

Young women studying online

Procedure & certification

 PEP's online training courses is offered in collaboration with University of Florence (Italy), participants have access to the course readings, exercises, forum, evaluations and instructor support to formalise their learning experience.

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 recognised by University of Florence – should participants choose to pursue graduate studies there – and may be recognised by other academic institutions. To complete a course, participants need a minimum score of 60%.

 

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 that are 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  

Reducing poverty and inequality 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 practice exercises 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 Requirements

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

Participants must hold an undergraduate degree in economics or related fields

 

FAQ

Am I eligible to participate? 
Participants must hold an undergraduate degree in economics or related fields.

What language are the courses in?
The courses will be offered in English and French. 

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 do so in the future.

Are there any additional fees?
No. The course fees cover any bank fees and the course materials will be supplied by PEP i.e., access to the required readings and software for the duration of the course.

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 an average of six hours per week to each 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 2026 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 2025 and one in 2026, or vice versa, in order to finish in a period of 16 months: i.e. February 2025-May 2026.

How are courses organized?
The courses are organized as a series of weekly lessons (narrated PowerPoint presentations) with accompanying readings available for selected participants through University of Florence’s course portal. New classes are published at the beginning of the week and can be attended at the participant’s convenience (but preferably as soon as possible after publication to allow time to address any questions that may arise). Exercises and evaluations are to be completed every week or two at set times, and one or two exams must be taken. An active forum is provided where you can ask questions of the instructor and interact with other course participants. Each course includes two to three live Q&A sessions where participants can interact directly with instructors and other participants. More details on specific courses are provided in the draft syllabi, which are available through a link at the end of the short course descriptions above.

Which is the minimum score needed to pass a course?
The minimum average score is 60%.

 

In collaboration with

FUNDED BY

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European Union
Fonds d'innovation pour le Développement
Global Education Analytics Institute