| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-09-28 | - |
| 2027-09-28 | - |
Program Overview
Master of Public Policy (MPP)
The Master of Public Policy (MPP) is an intensive one-year taught degree course that offers a distinctive approach to learning about public policy. It is a transformative opportunity for current and future leaders with a commitment to public service.
Course Structure
The course begins with a carefully planned programme of activities during the induction period, which provides an introduction to policy making and advice on how to derive the greatest benefit from the MPP experience. The curriculum for the rest of the course is delivered via a series of lectures, seminars, case studies, and workshops across three terms, and the policy report placement, which is an opportunity to apply knowledge and skills learned through the programme in a public policy context.
Public Policy 1+1 Programme
You may also opt to apply for the MSc in Public Policy Research at the same time as applying for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) as part of the Blavatnik School 1+1 programme. This two-year programme enables you to be accepted onto both degrees at the same time.
Attendance
The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.
Resources to Support Your Study
As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources, including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources, and IT services.
Supervision
It is recommended that all students meet with their supervisors at least once a term. The allocation of graduate supervision for this course is the responsibility of the Blavatnik School of Government, and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming students to work with a particular member of staff.
Assessment
Your learning will be assessed for each module in a variety of ways. Current methods include examinations, open-book assessments, essays, and in-class testing of a more practical nature.
Graduate Destinations
The MPP prepares you to become a change-maker. The skills you acquire on the programme will enable you to find and use evidence effectively, communicate effectively, and make key decisions whether in government, non-governmental organisations, or the private sector.
Course Components
The MPP consists of compulsory modules and specialist option modules you will choose from a wide range of topics.
Compulsory Study
The current curriculum includes the following compulsory components:
- Induction
- Policy Challenge I
- Foundations
- Economics for Public Policy
- The Politics of Policymaking
- Law and Public Policy
- Evidence in Public Policy
- Option modules 1 and 2
- Policy Challenge II
- Policy Report
- Applied Policy modules
Options
You can personalise your learning to meet your professional needs by choosing your Option modules and your Applied Policy modules. In addition, all candidates are invited to attend Professional Skills Programme sessions.
Entry Requirements
The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.
Proven and Potential Academic Excellence
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline. Applicants should have an outstanding academic record with exceptionally high academic results throughout, or should show an impressive upward trajectory in performance.
English Language Proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement.
Commitment to Public Service
In addition to academic and analytical ability, applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to public service. You should demonstrate an ethos of public service evident in the trajectory of your chosen career path, whether this be in the public, private, or NGO sector, and/or an outstanding record of achievement in volunteering.
Evidence of Leadership and Impact
Applicants should also demonstrate an ability to lead and have impact in their chosen field through devising or initiating projects which are innovative in nature and lead to real and lasting change.
Funding
For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.
Costs
The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.
- Home: ú54,450
- Overseas: ú54,450
College Preference
Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college. The following colleges accept students for study on this course:
- Balliol College
- Blackfriars
- Brasenose College
- Campion Hall
- Christ Church
- Exeter College
- Green Templeton College
- Harris Manchester College
- Jesus College
- Kellogg College
- Lady Margaret Hall
- Linacre College
- Lincoln College
- Mansfield College
- New College
- Nuffield College
- Oriel College
- Pembroke College
- The Queen's College
- Regent's Park College
- Reuben College
- St Anne's College
- St Antony's College
- St Catherine's College
- St Cross College
- St Edmund Hall
- St Hilda's College
- St Hugh's College
- St John's College
- St Peter's College
- Somerville College
- Trinity College
- University College
- Wadham College
- Wolfson College
- Wycliffe Hall
How to Apply
You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.
Referees
Three overall, academic and/or professional. Whilst you must register three referees, the department may start the assessment of your application if two of the three references are submitted by the course deadline and your application is otherwise complete.
Official Transcript(s)
Your transcripts should give detailed information of the individual grades received in your university-level qualifications to date. You should only upload official documents issued by your institution, and any transcript not in English should be accompanied by a certified translation.
CV/RÚsumÚ
A CV/rÚsumÚ is compulsory for this course. Most applicants choose to submit a document of one to two pages highlighting their academic achievements and any relevant professional experience.
Statement of Purpose
A maximum of 800 words. Your statement of purpose must be structured as follows, and answer each of the four questions in individual separate sections:
- What motivates you to apply for the MPP? Why is it critical for your next steps in public service? (200 words)
- Outline your career plan for the next 5-10 years and explain how your work will serve others and drive positive change (200 words)
- Describe the most significant and impactful work you have done. What could you have done differently to be more impactful? (200 words)
- Describe a situation where you had to lead a project and/or a team. What was the outcome and what did you learn from the experience? (200 words)
Written Work
Two essays, one of a maximum of 1,500 words and one of a maximum of 400 words.
- Reflective policy essay (maximum 1,500 words)
- Public service essay (maximum 400 words)
After You've Submitted Your Application
Your application (including the supporting documents outlined above) 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.