Public Policy

public_policy_description = "The Master of Public Policy (MPP) at the University of Oxford is a prestigious postgraduate program designed to equip students with the essential skills and knowledge necessary to address complex societal challenges through effective policy formulation and implementation. This rigorous program combines rigorous academic coursework with practical experience, fostering a comprehensive understanding of public policy, economics, governance, and leadership. Students will engage with a diverse curriculum that covers topics such as public administration, policy analysis, international development, environmental policy, and social justice, enabling them to analyze policy issues from multiple perspectives. The program encourages critical thinking, quantitative analysis, and strategic decision-making, preparing graduates for careers in government, non-governmental organizations, international agencies, and the private sector. Delivered through a blend of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, the MPP emphasizes the importance of evidence-based policymaking and ethical considerations in governance. Students will also have opportunities to collaborate with policymakers, practitioners, and academics, enriching their learning experience and professional networks. The program typically spans one year of full-time study, with options for part-time study in some cases, accommodating students from diverse backgrounds and countries. Oxford's extensive resources, expert faculty, and vibrant academic community provide an ideal environment for intellectual growth and professional development. Graduates of the MPP program will be well-equipped to influence policy decisions, lead change initiatives, and contribute meaningfully to the development of fair and effective public policies in their respective fields."

The MPP begins with a selection of introductory activities during the induction fortnight. These provide an introduction to policy-making and the MPP as a whole. The curriculum is then orientated around academic learning and developing skills necessary for effective policy-making and analysis.

The current curriculum includes six compulsory core modules:

• Foundations introduces philosophical concepts and dilemmas facing governments around the world
• Economics for Public Policy seeks to prepare you for interaction with professional economists by developing the skills necessary to become a critical consumer of economic thinking
• Politics of Policy-making explores the political challenges of policy-making across a range of national contexts and policy domains.  
• Science and Public Policy considers ways to understand scientific and medical evidence, the policy implications of this evidence, and the interplay between science and conflicting policy concerns
• Law and Public Policy discusses legal systems, legislation, and law both as a constraint on government and as applicable beyond the nation state
• Policy Evaluation demonstrates the contribution that research evidence can make to public policy and provides you with tools that allow you to be a more effective and critical consumer of research evidence

These core modules draw on insights and approaches found within a range of academic disciplines. Taught by academics with direct experience of working in or with institutions or individuals engaged with policy-making, the modules also include opportunities to learn from policy practitioners who will share with you their experiences of real-world problems and policies.

The academic modules are taken alongside a number of more practically oriented modules. These applied policy modules include topics such as strategy, communication, finance, and negotiation. There are also professional skills sessions throughout the year which are designed to help you develop specific skills for successful careers in public policy.

In the third term, you will have the opportunity to select two modules which allow you to specialise on issues of personal interest to you. You will then undertake a summer project placement, for a minimum of six weeks, with a governmental, non-governmental, or private organisation to work on a mutually agreed policy-relevant issue. The BSG website provides more information about the summer project. At the end of your placement you will be required to submit a related policy analysis report and reflective essay. Following successful completion of the course you will then have the option to return to Oxford later in the year to take part in graduation-related events.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any discipline. 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record with exceptionally high academic results throughout, or should show an impressive upward trajectory in performance. This may be further evidenced by scholarships or prizes awarded because of academic abilities/achievements or glowing academic references ranking you at the very top of your peer group.

It is strongly recommended that you also submit scores from a standardised test such as the GRE, GMAT or LSAT, though these are not required to complete your application. 

Commitment to public service

In addition to academic and analytical ability, applicants are also expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to public service. Applicants should demonstrate a strong commitment to public service that goes beyond their own life to include the broader community, however defined. In some cases, this may be evidenced through an outstanding record of achievement in volunteering or working in the public, private, or NGO sector. 

Evidence of leadership and impact

Applicants should also demonstrate an ability to lead and have impact in their chosen field. This does not necessarily need to be shown through traditional leadership positions. Applicants should bear in mind that some of the best leaders are also the best followers, and that leadership often requires enabling and empowering others to succeed. Sometimes the most impactful work is also the quieter work which takes place behind the scenes, facilitating the more visible contributions of others. These qualities of leadership, drive or entrepreneurial spark may be demonstrated through voluntary, professional or other activities.

There is no preferred background for the MPP and applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. Prior full-time or part-time professional experience is also viewed favourably, because of the ways in which it can develop and enhance commitment to public service and evidence of leadership and impact, and may in some exceptional cases help bolster a file that includes a weaker-than expected academic record. 

In considering applicants’ achievements and their suitability for a place on the MPP, contextual data including applicants’ place of residence and age, will be taken into account. All applications will be considered holistically and contextually and a less than stellar performance in one category can be made up for by stellar performances in the other two.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Personal statement:Up to 800 words
• Written work:One essay of 1,500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• A number of Research Council awards are available each year from the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC), and Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC).

The MSc in Public Policy at the University of Oxford is a comprehensive graduate program designed to equip students with a deep understanding of policy analysis, development, and implementation in diverse economic, political, and social contexts. This program aims to prepare future policymakers, researchers, and analysts by combining rigorous academic coursework with practical skills. Students engage with core modules that introduce theories of public policy, decision-making processes, and governance frameworks, fostering critical thinking about how policies are formulated and evaluated.

Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of policy areas, including economic development, health, education, environment, and social justice, allowing them to develop a multidisciplinary perspective on public issues. The curriculum emphasizes empirical analysis, data-driven decision-making, and ethical considerations in public administration. Students are encouraged to critically examine policy debates, assess the evidence base for policy proposals, and develop effective communication skills for engaging with stakeholders and policymakers.

The program benefits from Oxford’s rich academic environment, incorporating lectures from renowned experts and opportunities for collaborative research. Students have access to a variety of resources, including extensive libraries, seminars, workshops, and networking events with policymakers, NGOs, and government officials. Many courses incorporate case studies and real-world projects, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems.

Graduates of the MSc in Public Policy at Oxford have gone on to successful careers in government agencies, international organizations, research institutes, think tanks, and non-governmental organizations. The program’s emphasis on analytical skills, policy evaluation, and strategic thinking makes it a valuable stepping stone for those aspiring to influence public policy and leadership roles in various sectors.

The program typically spans one year for full-time students and is offered within the Department of Social Policy and Intervention, which is renowned for its research excellence in public policy and related fields. Admission requirements include a strong academic background, relevant work experience, and a demonstrated interest in public policy issues. The program fosters a collaborative learning environment, encouraging students from diverse backgrounds to share perspectives and develop a nuanced understanding of complex policy challenges facing contemporary societies.