Evidence for transformative policymaking: Statistics, microsimulation and public opinion to achieve change

Description:

Want to turn evidence into real-world policy change? Northumbria University's Common Sense Policy Group is running a five-day online course, between 19 - 23 October 2026, for postgraduates, early career researchers and policy practitioners.

Northumbria has a strong track record of delivering impactful CPD to make a difference across a variety of industries, and this course: 'Evidence for transformative policymaking: Statistics, microsimulation and public opinion to achieve change' brings that same hands-on, applied approach to evidence-based policymaking.

You'll leave with:

• A tax-benefit microsimulation model, coded in Python from scratch.
• Hands-on experience with the Landman Tax-Transfer Model - used in, for example, Hansard debates and EHRC research.
• Insight into what actually changes minds on tough policy issues.
• A 3,000-word policy report and code portfolio, hosted on OSF - ready for your CV.

There are no formal entry requirements though some prior knowledge of quantitative methods and interest in policy analysis is assumed.

Find out more HERE.

Registrations close 30 September 2026.

Course places are limited. If there are no places available, please do register your interest via the link on the course page.

Cost:

Standard fee (e.g. UK/international academics, public sector and third sector professionals): £1,000

NINE DTP (Doctoral Training Programme) students: free

Other DTP students: £500

Website and registration:

Register for this course

Region:

International

Keywords:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs, Survey Research, Cross-Sectional Research, Longitudinal Research , Mixed Methods, Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research, Survey and Questionnaire Design, Narrative Methods, Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis, Simulation , ICT and Software, Quantitative Software, Python, Research Management and Impact, Evidence-Based Policy and Practice, Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination, Economic microsimulation

Related publications and presentations from our eprints archive:

Frameworks for Research and Research Designs
Survey Research
Cross-Sectional Research
Longitudinal Research
Mixed Methods
Interdisciplinary and Multidisciplinary Research
Survey and Questionnaire Design
Narrative Methods
Quantitative Data Handling and Data Analysis
Simulation
ICT and Software
Quantitative Software
Python
Research Management and Impact
Evidence-Based Policy and Practice
Research Skills, Communication and Dissemination

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