Admissions to the Master of Public Policy (MPP), Doctorate (DPhil) in Public Policy and new MSc in Public Policy Research at the Blavatnik School of Government are open from today for 2022 entry.

The MPP is a one-year intensive course with a distinctive approach to public policy, combining a thorough grounding in academic theory with real-world application. The programme equips current and future leaders with a proven commitment to public service with the skills needed to address complex policy challenges.

The DPhil – the Oxford equivalent of a PhD – provides students with the tools to carry out in-depth, question-driven research, with a focus on solving the world’s most pressing public policy problems. Students benefit from drawing on concepts, theories and methodologies from across many disciplines within the University.

This year, we are also pleased to announce our Public Policy 1+1 and MSc in Public Policy Research.

Our Public Policy 1+1 is a two-year graduate programme linking our MPP and new MSc where successful applicants will first take the MPP and then the MSc. The Public Policy 1+1 will enable you to become a more effective leader, changemaker and to also develop your research skills for working in public policy organisations.

The MSc in Public Policy Research is also a stand-alone one-year programme for those who have already completed our MPP with its professional, leadership and academic components, or a master’s degree from another institution that is equivalent in all elements. It is aimed at individuals who want to pursue a career in applied research that informs and improves public policy.

A majority of our MPP students, approximately 80%, receive funding. The School cannot guarantee funding for every incoming student, however, but we are committed to ensuring that the costs associated with studying the MPP or DPhil do not deter outstanding candidates from applying.

There are extensive funding opportunities for both the MPP and DPhil – from our flagship Public Service Scholarships, to scholarships funded by partner organisations such as the Africa Initiative for Governance and the Lemann Foundation, to external funding opportunities. These opportunities are made available thanks to a combination of generous donations and external funding, and they enable students from a diverse range of backgrounds to join us every year. You can read some of their stories on our ‘Student experiences’ pages, which also offer varied insights into our programmes and life at the School.

There will also be some funding opportunities available for our new MSc, although as with our other programmes, we strongly encourage candidates to actively look for external funding.

Indeed, we expect all applicants to be proactive in exploring their funding options, and it is worth doing so as early as possible. The University offers a number of resources that are a good place to start looking: you can search from among over 1,000 University of Oxford scholarships, or find guidance on applying for external funding, including opportunities categorised by region and advice on gaining funding from charities and the voluntary sector.

The deadline for applications is Friday 7 January 2022. Due to the winter break, we strongly recommend that all applications are submitted before 18 December; this enables the School’s admissions team to provide timely assistance should you incur any problems or have any questions during the application process.

Visit our ‘Study with us’ pages for all the information on how to apply and an initial list of scholarships available.

The MPP and DPhil class of 2021 will join us in a few weeks, and their profiles will be published on our website. These profiles demonstrate the diverse backgrounds and experiences that can be found on the MPP and DPhil, and we hope they serve as encouragement for potential applicants to apply, regardless of background.

Keep an eye on our website, blog, Twitter and Facebook as we post useful suggestions for applicants, in addition to general updates on the School and its activities.