Master (Blended Learning) of Evaluation (MABLE)

This English-language, blended/distance postgraduate programme trains students in evaluation as a core tool for programme and project management across multiple sectors, with particular relevance to development cooperation. The curriculum emphasizes empirical social research methods to collect reliable data on programme performance and impacts, and to produce evidence-based assessments that support decisions aimed at social improvement.

The part-time, distance-friendly format is geared toward working professionals and balances methodological rigour with practical application. Core subjects cover evaluation design and management, data collection and analysis, economic evaluation and monitoring & evaluation (M&E) in organisational contexts, communication skills for evaluation, sustainability assessment, and the role of evaluations in advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The programme is delivered in cooperation with the University of Saarland and the Centre for Evaluation (CEval).

Who this programme is for (requirements / intended applicants)

• Professionals and executives working in the field of evaluation
• Staff who carry out evaluation tasks within organisations, public administration, or ministries
• Independent or self-employed consultants involved in evaluation work
• English-language programme; delivered as blended / distance learning
• Postgraduate degree level (Master of Arts); offered in cooperation with the University of Saarland and CEval

If you need details on formal admission criteria, tuition, duration, or ECTS, check the official programme webpage or contact the admissions office, since those specifics are not provided here.

Curriculum overview

This Master’s uses a blended-learning structure that combines expert-designed self-study resources, an interactive online campus, and short on-campus sessions. All study materials are created specifically for distance learners and aim to be both scientifically rigorous and practice-oriented. The online campus supports discussions, collaborative tasks and ongoing tutor contact, while the face-to-face weeks are used to deepen and apply the knowledge gained remotely.

Two mandatory residential weeks are scheduled to consolidate theory and practice: one in the first semester and one in the third semester, each held in Saarbrücken for one week. These on-campus phases focus on hands-on exercises, intensive seminars and opportunities for direct feedback, making the programme well suited to students who need flexibility without sacrificing supervised, practical training.

Key focus areas and learning outcomes

• Integration of scientifically sound theory with practical evaluation work through specially developed distance-learning materials.
• Development of independent, self-directed learning skills supported by structured online interaction and tutor guidance.
• Practical consolidation during short on-campus sessions to apply methods, receive feedback and engage in collaborative problem-solving.
• Enhanced ability to work in digitally mediated teams and to translate evaluation theory into real-world practice.

Practical requirements (what to prepare)

• Mandatory attendance at two one-week on-campus sessions in Saarbrücken (first and third semesters).
• Reliable internet access and a computer that supports online learning activities.
• Strong time-management and self-study skills to progress through distance-learning modules.
• Ability to travel to Saarbrücken for the on-campus weeks (plan for travel, accommodation and any required entry/visa arrangements).

Graduates are prepared for roles as evaluation specialists and M&E professionals in development cooperation, public administration, ministries, NGOs, international organisations and private consultancies. The programme equips students with empirical social research methods, evaluation design and economic evaluation skills needed to assess programme performance, impacts and sustainability relative to verifiable criteria such as the SDGs.

Career paths typically include positions as programme or project evaluators, monitoring & evaluation officers, policy analysts, and independent evaluation consultants. The combination of distance-learning flexibility and on-campus practical phases also supports mid-career professionals seeking to formalise and advance their expertise in evaluation practice and consultancy.