Want flexible, engaging, and time-efficient learning? Try IMA’s new short courses that offer self-led training with interactive elements.

Theory of Change in Practice

Innovative teaching-learning methodologies are used to explore different dynamics, and through group work, you will explore the key concepts of Theory of Change in Practice. We critically reflect on our assumptions and their effect on influencing change. Applying participatory and other development methodologies, you see your project through a Theory of Change lens.

Join our experienced facilitators and together, with a peer group, using a mix of interactive facilitation, self-learning and practical activities, and by sharing your knowledge and experiences, you will learn about Theory of Change.

DURATION

1 WEEK INTENSIVE / 
8 WEEKS

LOCATION

ONLINE

COST

Starting at £990 (Excl. VAT)

IMA Theory of Change Course Icon

Why choose this course?

A Theory of Change (ToC) can be used in a number of ways; as an innovative tool to help strategic planning, an action-learning process to help better understand how social change happens, and a way to creatively illustrate what your organisation aims to achieve. Our ToC training is an opportunity for you to explore how to facilitate multi-stakeholder processes and to develop a comprehensive ToC. We reflect on the latest thinking around Theory of Change, and how to use a ToC for Strategic Planning. No prior knowledge in ToC is needed!
Through a mix of practical activities, theory and case examples, you will learn how to:
• Critically reflect on your assumptions, group dynamics, and their effect on influencing change

• Understand how Theory of Change underpins Strategic Planning

• Apply participatory methodologies to foster ownership and representation through the planning process

Objectives:

Overview of Theory of Change and Strategic Planning
• Definitions and key concepts – 4 Dimensions of Theory of Change
• Relationship with MEAL: complementarities and innovations
• Desired change: understanding how change happens
• Conditions of change
• Ecosystem analysis
Developing a Theory of Change
• Assess our work: attribution or contribution to change?
• Meta-skills and self-development in the ToC process
• Explore pathways of change: alternative ways to contribute to change
• The power of assumptions: how does our thinking affect our actions?
Complexity, power and learning for social change
• Stakeholder engagement: understanding complexity and power dynamics
• Develop pathways of change: alternative ways to contribute to change
• Indicators of change: how we know we are contributing to change
Strategic Planning for Adaptive Strategies
• Scenario building to improving contribution strategies
• 6 steps for future planning
• Reflect on our assessment practices
Returning to work and integrating learning into practice
• Revisit our M&E system from a different perspective
• Meta-skills for facilitating Theory of Change processes
• Learning synthesis and steps forward

Learn in a way that suits your situation.

Find out more about our delivery methods:
Face to face learning
Online learning
Blended learning

Course Dates

This course is also available as a tailored training for organisations. Please get in touch to find out more.

Theory of Change Online (1-week intensive) December 2025

Date
01/12/202505/12/2025
Location
Online
Fee
Starting at £990 (excl. VAT)
Application Deadline
24/11/2025

Your questions answered

Will I get certification?

You will receive a certificate on completion of the course, having fulfilled all the course requirements.

What experience do I need to join one of your courses?

Nearly all our training participants work in international development. This includes working for a government, a private company, a non-government organisation, multilateral organisation, a smaller local projects or programme, or as a freelance consultant.

What level of English do I need for your courses?

All our open courses are delivered in English. You need good spoken English to work effectively with your facilitators and other participants. As much of our course content is technical and we use a participatory approach, you need to be an effective communicator in English. This means an IELTS score of six or above, a paper TOEFL score of 550, or a computer TOEFL score of 210.

Who are your facilitators?

Our course facilitators are expert development practitioners. Their skills and experience come from doing training and consultancy work around the world with different organisations. With expertise grounded in practical experience, we guarantee our training is relevant and up-to-date to the needs of our participants.

What is the IMA training style?

IMA’s training style is participatory and interactive using a blend of short informative lectures and group work. Throughout the courses we give participants opportunities to share experiences, exchange ideas and network with other development practitioners.

How do I enrol on a face-to-face IMA course?

Application Process:

1. Complete your application form
2. IMA reviews your application
3. Your Sponsor confirms budget
4. IMA receives your payment
5. Course is confirmed and you receive your Welcome Pack.
6. Book your flights and accommodation
7. Course starts

Help:

If you have any questions regarding your application or sponsorship, please call IMA International on +44 1273 833030.

1. Once you have chosen your course, fill in our online application, please e-mail us if you have any problems.

2. We will assess your application within 3 days.

3. If you have a sponsor, we will contact them.

4. Once we receive the Confirmation of Sponsorship, we will send the invoice, acceptance letter and visa support letter.

5. The invoice is paid.

6. We will confirm your course at least four weeks before the start date. Then send a Welcome Pack for you to go ahead and book flights and accommodation. If we have to cancel the course and you have already paid, we will refund the amount in full.

How do I enrol on an online IMA course?

1: Go to ’’Courses’’ , select a course: you can read more about the specific course here and you can find the application form by clicking on ’’Apply”

2: Send in your application form.

3: IMA’s team will process this within 3 days and send you a confirmation email and invoice, Learning Needs Statement form for you to return before the course starts (this helps our facilitators understand your learning needs) and the Terms and Conditions.

4: Pay your course fee according to the sent invoice.

5: The course is confirmed and the joining instructions are sent one week before the training starts.

Who is the sponsor?

Your sponsor is the person who authorises payment of the course fees. This is usually your manager or training manager. You need to put their contact details on our application form so we know your organisation has authorised your course fees and supports your application. Once we have reviewed your application, your sponsor will need to send us official confirmation of sponsorship.

I don’t have a sponsor or funding. What should I do?

Most of our participants are sponsored by their organisation. If you do not have a sponsor, you will need to find what funding streams are available to you. Although we look for ways to help participants with the course fees, we regret we are currently not able to offer any form of sponsorship or funding.

What is included in the face to face course fees?

Included in the course fee is: tuition (presentations, group activities and one-to-one support throughout), a field visit (where practical) on courses more than five days, a hard copy of training materials (and on USB), course certificate and participant group photo, light refreshments throughout, a social and cultural programme which includes an evening dinner and a 1 to 1 coaching session with a certified coach on our fifteen day courses.

What is included in the online course fees?

Included in the course fee is: tuition (online learning platform, group work, one-to one support throughout), resources and training materials that can be downloaded from our online learning platform, 1 to 1 mentoring session with your trainers 3 months after the training, access to the course and materials for 6 months.

Have a Question?
Why not call and speak to a member of our team. We are always delighted to talk with past or potential clients, and we can talk with you about your specific interests and questions.
Get Help

Questions or feedback?

Get in touch today!

Email

post@imainternational.com

Phone

+44 1273 833030

Office

IMA International, Drummond House, 89 High Street, Hurstpierpoint, West Sussex, BN6 9RE, United Kingdom





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Find our course dates here to plan ahead for your training or consultancy needs!

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