Admissions: 2018 checklist for MPP and DPhil applicants
Estimated reading time: 4 Minutes
As we reach the end of the year, we in the admissions team have put together a checklist to help all applicants to complete their application. The list below is valid for both MPP and DPhil, unless specified otherwise. Please remember that the deadline to submit applications for 2019 entry is Friday 25 January at 12:00 (midday UK time).
Finally, some questions to help you ensure you've covered everything:
For a summary of the application requirements, please view the Graduate Admissions MPP pages and DPhil pages, and of course, the Blavatnik School's website. If you cannot find the answer to your question online, please email the admissions team.
We wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to reading all your applications!
If you're applying for 2020 entry, please see the updated checklist.
CURRICULUM VITAE OR CV (FOR BOTH MPP AND DPHIL APPLICANTS)
- Recommended length 2 pages.
- For more detailed guidance see our blog post on how to write a great Oxford-style CV.
FULL ACADEMIC TRANSCRIPTS (FOR BOTH MPP AND DPHIL APPLICANTS)
- Undergraduate degree must be included.
- Postgraduate degree (if applicable) must be submitted in addition to the above.
- If your final GPA, and or conferral degree date is not given on your transcript, the accompanying certificate must be included.
- Where your transcript has not been issued in English, you must include the original documents in a foreign language and official English translations.
- Interim transcripts for all incomplete degrees are essential.
PERSONAL STATEMENT (ONLY FOR MPP APPLICANTS)
- 800 words (maximum).
- Outlines your relevant academic and professional experience.
- States your motivations for applying to the MPP (for some guidance on personal statement see this blog on what makes a good personal statement).
STATEMENT OF PURPOSE AND RESEARCH PROPOSAL (ONLY FOR DPHIL APPLICANTS)
- 1000 words (maximum) for your Statement of Purpose.
- 2,500 words (maximum) for your Research Proposal.
- Submit both pieces together as one document.
WRITTEN WORK (FOR BOTH MPP AND DPHIL APPLICANTS)
- May be an excerpt from a longer piece.
- May be a piece which has been previously assessed or published.
- Must be a piece which is entirely your own work (not co-authored).
- Referencing should be used where appropriate.
- For MPP applicants:
- Two pieces.
- 1,500 words (maximum). Policy brief or policy analysis essay.
- 400 words (maximum). Short essay relating to public service.
- For DPhil applicants:
- 2,000 words (maximum) per piece.
- Does not need to relate closely to the proposed area of study, but should permit the Admissions Committee to assess your analytic ability.
REFERENCES (FOR BOTH MPP AND DPHIL APPLICANTS)
- Three references must be submitted.
- References must be submitted from an institutional email address or on institutional letterhead.
- Professional referees must be able to comment on your academic and analytical ability as well as your general suitability for the course.
- All three references must be received by the application deadline of 25 January 2019.
- For MPP applicants:
- At least one academic reference.
- If you have completed, or are currently undertaking, master’s-level study, you must supply us with an academic reference from this degree (either instead of, or in addition to, an undergraduate academic reference).
- For DPhil applicants:
- Academic references strongly preferred.
- At least one reference should be from your current or most recent academic institution.
ENGLISH TEST (WHERE APPLICABLE)
- Include a copy of your test report form.
- Tests taken prior to 30 September 2017 are invalid.
- Full information on the requirements can be viewed here.
GRE/GMAT/LSAT (OPTIONAL)
- If you have taken a standardised test, you can add your scores to your application.
- Include a copy of your test report form as a supporting document.
Finally, some questions to help you ensure you've covered everything:
- Will you require an English test? How long will it take to book, take, and receive results from a test in your region?
- Do you wish to upload scores and a report form for a GRE, GMAT or LSAT test you have taken?
- Have you thought about how you will fund your studies if you are offered a place? This blog has some funding ideas.
- Have you contacted your nominated referees to ensure they are willing and able to provide your reference by 25 January? Are they aware they must provide this on institutional/organisational letterhead?
- Is your listed contact email address one which you check regularly?
- Will you require a Tier 4 student visa to study in the UK? Is your passport valid for the duration of the programme? If you are a European national, you can find the most up-to-date Oxford University guidance here.
- Do you have a college preference, or would you prefer to make an open application?
- If you are in employment, are you able to secure leave for the duration of the programme?
For a summary of the application requirements, please view the Graduate Admissions MPP pages and DPhil pages, and of course, the Blavatnik School's website. If you cannot find the answer to your question online, please email the admissions team.
We wish you the best of luck, and we look forward to reading all your applications!
If you're applying for 2020 entry, please see the updated checklist.