5th Edition
Realist Research Blended Course
Theory Driven and Realist Approaches in Health Policy & Systems Research.
Master the art of understanding what works, for whom, in what contexts, and why through comprehensive realist evaluation methodology
Application deadline 30th October 2025
DURATION
3.5 Weeks
FORMAT
Blended
Online + In-Person
WORKSHOP FEES
₹25,000
LOCATION
Bengaluru
Karnataka
Course Overview
A comprehensive introduction to realist research methodology for analyzing complex health and policy interventions
About This Course
Theory-driven evaluation (TDE) methods are increasingly being adopted worldwide to assess complex interventions. These approaches emphasize understanding how and why an intervention works by examining its underlying mechanisms, contextual influences, and core assumptions.
Rather than focusing solely on whether a program or policy is effective, TDE seeks to uncover the reasons and processes behind its success or failure. Realist evaluation asks deeper questions: What works, for whom, in what contexts, and why?
This blended course provides a structured introduction to Realist research, combining theoretical insights with practical examples from public health and policy research through readings, activities, recorded lectures, live sessions, and hands-on exercises.
Learning Objectives
- Explain the philosophical foundations and principles of realist research
- Grasp key concepts related to Health Policy and Systems Research
- Situate realist evaluation in the family of theory driven evaluation approaches
- Formulate realist research questions and construct initial programme theories
- Construct and analyse context-mechanism-outcome (CMO) configurations
- Understand methodological steps in conducting realist evaluation and synthesis
- Critically assess published realist research
- Apply realist evaluation principles to real-world case studies
Who Should Attend
- Early to mid-career researchers and doctoral students
- Monitoring and evaluation (M&E) professionals
- Program implementers and managers
- Faculty and educators in health and social sciences
- Professionals working with complex interventions
Prerequisites
Basic familiarity with health programmes/policy is recommended but not required.
Course Structure
A carefully designed blended learning experience combining flexibility with intensive collaboration.
PHASE 1
Online Component
(Nov 3 - Nov 21, 2025)
Self-paced learning through recorded lectures, readings, and interactive activities
DURATION
3 Weeks
COMMITMENT
4-6 hours/week
Recorded video lectures
Curated reading materials
Interactive activities and exercises
Discussion forums
Assignment submissions
PLATFORM
Moodle LMS + Zoom
PHASE 2
In-Person Session
(Nov 24 - Nov 26, 2025)
Interactive workshop, group discussions, and practical applications
DURATION
3 Days
COMMITMENT
Full-day sessions
Live instructor-led sessions
Group work and discussions
Hands-on case studies
Q&A with experts
Peer collaboration
VENUE
IIM Bangalore
Learning Timeline
Week 1
Foundations of HPSR
ONLINEWeek 2
Foundations of Realist Research
ONLINEWeek 3
Methodology & Research Design
ONLINEWeek 4
Intensive Workshop & Applications
In PersonMeet Your Instructors
Learn from leading experts in realist research and health policy systems analysis
Course Directors
Dr. Pragati Hebbar
Course Director
Leading expert in health policy and systems research with extensive experience in realist evaluation methodologies.
Dr. Prashanth NS
Course Director
Senior researcher specializing in complex health interventions and theory-driven evaluation approaches.
Teaching Associates
Arushi Thapar
Research Associate
Institute of Public Health Bengaluru
Urvi Patel
Research Associate
Institute of Public Health Bengaluru
Shivanand Savatagi
Research Consultant
Institute of Public Health Bengaluru
Additional Teaching Faculty
Dr. Vaibhav Agvane
Health Policy Analysis
Dr. Upendra Bhojani
Health Systems Research
Dr. Sara Van Belle
Realist Methodology
Dr. Brynne Gilmore
Public Health Evaluation
Dr. Arnab Mukherji
Implementation Science
Prof. Bruno Marchal
Adjunct Faculty
Institute of Public Health Bengaluru
Technical Requirements
Simple technology requirements to ensure smooth participation in both online and live components
Hardware Requirements
- Computer with internet connectivity
- Personal laptop for in-person sessions
- Webcam for live sessions (recommended)
Software & Browser
- Google Chrome (recommended) or Firefox
- Zoom application for live sessions
- Access to Moodle LMS platform
Document Handling
- PDF Reader (Adobe Acrobat Reader)
- YouTube viewer (Adobe Flash Player)
- Document editing software
Audio & Communication
- Speakers or earphones
- Microphone for participation
- Stable internet connection
Course Details
Course Fees
₹25,000
Complete course fee including training materials and refreshments during the workshop
Start Date
3rd November, 2025
Course begins with online component on Moodle platform
Time Commitment
4-6 hrs/week
Limited Seats
Apply Early
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Last Date to Enroll
30th October, 2025
Don’t miss out — enroll before the last date!
What is Included?
- 3 weeks of comprehensive online content
- 3 days of intensive In-Person workshop
- Access to recorded lectures and materials
- Direct interaction with leading experts
- Hands-on practice with real case studies
- Certificate of completion
- Lifetime access to course materials
- Networking with global professionals
Course Information
A comprehensive blended learning experience in realist evaluation methodology for health policy and systems research.
Contact Details
Bengaluru, India
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