• The Open University

Designing an Intervention

Gain an introduction to the key characteristics of development intervention and theories of change.

Fruit sellers in Vietnam
  • Duration

    10 weeks
  • Weekly study

    15 hours

Build your understanding of development intervention and theories of change

On this course, you’ll begin your exploration of the tools, methods and frameworks for investigation and analysis. This exploration is aimed at informing development policy and practice by engaging with key characteristics of development intervention.

You’ll explore the main features of theories of change and understand how conceptual frameworks are used for designing an effective development intervention. You’ll be taught the study skills needed to complete the assessments for the program that this course is a part of.

What topics will you cover?

  • Understanding of development intervention
  • Development of conceptual framework
  • Theories of change

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

Who is the course for?

This course is for anyone working in a development agency or who has a professional or personal interest in development.

What software or tools do you need?

A computing device with a browser and broadband internet access is required for this module. Any modern browser will be suitable for most computer activities.

Any additional software will be provided, or is generally freely available. However, some activities may have more specific requirements. For this reason, you will need to be able to install and run additional software on a device that meets the requirements below.

A desktop or laptop computer with either:

  • Windows 7 or higher
  • Mac OS 10.7 or higher

The screen of the device must have a resolution of at least 1024 pixels horizontally and 768 pixels vertically.

To participate in our online discussion area you will need both a microphone and speakers/headphones.

Who will you learn with?

Dr Rachel Wrangham has taught and written distance learning materials for many years. She currently works for the Open University on the MSc in Global Development.

Hi, I'm Marianna and I've worked in the NGO, government and academic sectors, on poverty and inequality, conflict and government policy. I'm passionate about development and helping others achieve.

My academic interests are centred around gender and development, the Sustainable Development Goals and global governance processes all of which I've taught or practised. I'm module Chair of D890.

Who developed the course?

The Open University

As the UK’s largest university, The Open University (OU) supports thousands of students to achieve their goals and ambitions via supported distance learning, helping to fit learning around professional and personal life commitments.

  • Established

    1969
  • Location

    Milton Keynes, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 510Source: Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn