What stood out to me studying the MPP at Oxford – and what stayed with me
Saubhagya Raizada, a 2022 graduate of the Master of Public Policy programme, reflects on the experiences and habits that shaped his time at Oxford and continue to influence his work today.
What stood out to me about Oxford? The short answer: almost everything. But a few experiences, in particular, had a lasting impact – not just over the course of the MPP, but in the years since I graduated.
Academics that push you further
One of the earliest sessions we had was on "how to learn" It sounds simple, but it was genuinely transformative. We explored how to read more effectively, how to make notes that matter, and how to actively apply our thinking to connect ideas across disciplines. In the age of AI, that kind of critical thinking is and will be essential.
The professors don’t tell you what or how to think – they challenge you to figure it out. This kind of learning strengthened my curiosity. I’d often been labelled “too serious” during school and university, but at Oxford, I felt right at home. Where else would you find libraries packed on a Saturday evening? Refining the art of asking questions – the right ones, the hard ones and even the “stupid” ones – helped build my curiosity and sharpened my ability to think critically. It taught me to avoid linearity and embrace nuance.
A peer group like no other
The peer learning at the School is, without exaggeration, one of the most powerful aspects of the MPP. Every quick chat or late-night debate leaves you energised – not just professionally, but personally as well. You learn as much from your classmates as you do from the curriculum.
But it wasn’t just their experience. What really stood out was their optimism. At a time when the world often feels like it’s teetering, being surrounded by more than 140 people deeply committed to serving their communities was deeply refreshing. At the School, optimism isn’t naïve – it’s informed, energised and necessary. And it gave me a new lens to view global challenges with hope and resolve.
A global, joyful social experience
With over 50 countries represented by the cohort, the diversity of experience is unmatched. The MPP cohort creates an environment that’s rich, welcoming and constantly surprising. Every week, it felt like we were celebrating a new culture, learning a new dance or adding a new artist to our music playlists. If you wanted to, you could probably host a different cultural night every Friday and still run out of Fridays before repeating.
Your cultural awareness sharpens, your worldview broadens and your assumptions get challenged in the best possible way.
Opportunities beyond the classroom
Life at Oxford is about much more than lectures and reading lists. The community here offers a wealth of opportunities to get involved, learn and grow both inside and outside the academic sphere.
If you enjoy sport, you’ll find plenty of chances to get involved – whether you’re a beginner or an experienced player. The range is huge and the community is welcoming. For me, improving my backhand serve in table tennis and giving some of the University team players a tough time was a personal highlight. And there’s surely something special about playing sports in the Oxford summer.
Beyond sports, the academic calendar is filled with talks and panels nearly every day. It’s not just the famous Oxford Union – every department and the School itself hosts events that are open to students. For anyone who loves learning, it really is a nerd’s paradise.
That environment helped reinforce a habit I now try to carry into my professional life: the pursuit of excellence. At Oxford, mediocrity isn’t an option – not because of competition, but because everyone around you is striving to do more, think better, lead with purpose. That mindset stays with you long after you leave.
What stood out about Oxford? The academics, the people, the culture, the opportunities. But more than that, what stayed with me were the habits it helped me build: curiosity, optimism and a refusal to settle for anything less than excellence. These aren’t just memories – they’re part of how I think, lead and try to create impact every day.
Applications for the 2026-27 MPP cohort are open 9 September - 2 December 2025.