Public Policy (Taught)

The information provided on this page was correct at the time of publication (November 2025). For complete and up-to-date information about this course, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas.

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. Taught by outstanding academics as well as expert practitioners you will be uniquely positioned to develop academic knowledge and professional skills to address some of this century's most complex public policy challenges.

Policy challenges are becoming more complex every day and public leaders need to be able to use expertise from different specialist fields to find innovative solutions. For this reason, the curriculum integrates insights and approaches from a diverse range of academic disciplines and also includes modules delivered by leading policy practitioners. It is expected that MPP students will be fully committed to their studies and take responsibility for their active participation in all aspects of the programme.

Alongside teaching, which can include lectures, case studies, workshops and seminars, you are encouraged to learn from each other, for example by forming study groups and arranging student-led talks and events. You will also be expected to undertake some self-directed study, including required and supplementary readings and case studies. In the case of required readings, you are expected to have read these in advance of the class to which they are assigned. The course page on the school's website provides further information about the course.

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.

In order to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 you must submit separate applications for the Master of Public Policy (MPP) and the MSc in Public Policy Research in the same admission cycle. You should follow the instructions in the How to apply section of each course page, paying particular attention to the personal statement/statement of purpose and written work requirements for each course. You should state clearly that you wish to be considered for the Public Policy 1+1 programme in your personal statement.

For the full description of the 1+1 programme, please visit the relevant University of Oxford course page via www.graduate.ox.ac.uk/ucas