Professional short courses

Building on a long-standing programme of research and teaching activities, we run a series of short courses designed to draw together academic, government and commercial participants.

Our regular courses all have a global reputation, involving a series of intensive lectures and interactive sessions with senior Manchester scholars and invited experts. They are in the following areas:

Evaluation of science and innovation policies

This long-running course addresses the latest thinking in evaluation and teaches the most effective use of evaluation tools.

The ART of foresight

This course, which has been running annually since 1999, explores ways in which foresight may be used to help decision-makers and researchers.

Foresight in action

We are taking a new case study-based approach to short executive courses to provide agile and rapid training related to foresight projects.

Foresight methods

We are taking a new methodology and methods-based approach to provide agile and rapid training on common methodologies and methods used in foresight and futures studies.

SMART foresight

Training on how to design and manage the five phases of a SMART foresight and futures research process: Scoping, Mobilising, Anticipating, Recommending and Transforming.

Science, technology and innovation policy evaluation

Through science, technology and innovation (STI) policy, the government incentivises research and innovation activity to deliver a broad range of economic and societal objectives.

The aim of the courses is to equip participants with an understanding of theoretical backgrounds and major concepts, necessary methodological skills, and some practical insights into the design and implementation of policy.

The courses attract practitioners from all over the world, and provide participants with valuable networking benefits. Courses are modular, offering the option of one- or two-day intensive sessions, or can be more extensive programmes run over five days.

The modular structure means the courses can be designed to fit individual needs and can be held either in Manchester or where required by clients.