Program Overview

Introduction to the DPhil in Public Policy

The DPhil in Public Policy provides academically outstanding students, committed to public service, an unrivalled opportunity to study for a rigorous research degree that prepares them to have substantial impact on future policymaking processes.

About the Course

The DPhil specialises in discipline-based, policy-driven research, applying rigorous social science to analysing policy issues with the explicit goal of prescribing solutions for policymakers. Students will concentrate on research that answers policy questions with rigorous conceptual design, theoretical insight, and empirical methods. As well as honing research skills and developing interdisciplinary understanding of policy challenges, students will also enhance their ability to communicate research findings to the policy community in a way that ensures real-world impact.

Research Areas

The DPhil in Public Policy has an emphasis on solving pressing public problems and provides robust training for understanding particular policy challenges and for evaluating, devising, or implementing policy solutions. At the Blavatnik School of Government, the focus is on question-driven research, analysing and finding solutions to policy issues and challenges that governments face around the world.

Entry Requirements

• Proven and potential academic excellence: Applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve a master's degree with a mark of at least 70% (or an equivalent level of distinction for both the thesis and overall degree) in a relevant subject, or a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any subject.
• GRE General Test scores: Not required, but can be submitted if available.
• Other qualifications, evidence of excellence, and relevant experience: Assessors look for evidence that research interests focus on policy-relevant challenges facing governments and/or publicly-oriented agencies around the world, and an interest and ability to make real-world change happen through research and/or employment or voluntary work.
• English language proficiency: This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.

Funding and Costs

• Funding: The collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
• Annual course fees:
  • Full-time study: Ł28,240 (Home and Overseas)
  • Part-time study: Ł14,120 (Home and Overseas)
• Living costs: The range of likely living costs for a single, full-time student is between Ł1,405 and Ł2,105 per month.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students for full-time and part-time study on this course:

• Balliol College
• Blackfriars
• Brasenose College
• Campion Hall
• Christ Church
• Corpus Christi College
• Exeter College
• Green Templeton College
• Harris Manchester College
• Hertford College
• Jesus College
• Kellogg College
• Lady Margaret Hall
• Linacre College
• Lincoln College
• Magdalen College
• Nuffield College
• Regent's Park College
• Reuben College
• St Anne's College
• St Antony's College
• St Catherine's College
• St Cross College
• St Hilda's College
• St Hugh's College
• St John's College
• St Peter's College
• Trinity College
• University College
• Wadham College
• Wolfson College
• Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

• Before you apply: Check the deadlines and ensure you have all necessary documents.
• Completing your application: Refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for supporting documents.
  • Proposed field and title of research project
  • Proposed supervisor
  • Referees: Three overall, academic preferred
  • Official transcript(s)
  • CV/résumé
  • Statement of purpose and research proposal: Statement of a maximum of 1,000 words and proposal of a maximum of 2,500 words
  • Written work: One essay of a maximum of 2,000 words

After You've Submitted Your Application

Your application will be assessed against the entry requirements detailed on this course page. Whether or not you have secured funding will be taken into consideration when your application is assessed.