As the autumn term (or Michaelmas, as it’s known here in Oxford) draws to a close this week, it’s a good time to reflect on the past few months: not only have we welcomed more students than ever before - 117 for the MPP and five on the DPhil programme, but also we have moved into our stunning purpose-built premises, which have quickly become an inspiring home for studying and working.
MPP coordinator and lecturer Adam Ritchie said: “The Blavatnik School of Government demands a lot of the MPP students through an intense first term, and the 2015/16 cohort has risen to the challenge. Students are now reaping the benefits of applying the theoretical grounding of the early weeks to the practical challenges at the end of term. The influence of the learning environment shouldn’t be under estimated, and the students have been re-energized by moving to the spectacular new building with its interactive lecture theatres, study rooms, and informal discussion spaces.”
The term has been intensive, starting off with a policy challenge on healthcare and two core modules: Economics for Public Policy (preparing students to become critical consumers of economic thinking) and Foundations (introducing students to the fundamental values that should inform public policy). The latter saw a lecture by former Guardian editor Alan Rusbridger to talk about freedom of the press, and big ethical challenges for public leaders.
Alongside the core modules, the MPP students undertook two practically-oriented applied policy modules. The first one was Negotiation, led by professor Deepak Malhotra, to refine skills and identify strategies for negotiation, and the Communications and Strategy module, a three-day intensive workshop led by a team of experts from WPP Government & Public Sector Practice which took place this week. The module is aimed at developing communication skills that are relevant for public policy practitioners with a particular focus on behavioural approaches in public policy.
We asked José, one of our MPP students, to tell us what his impression of the School is so far: “It’s a life changing experience – we’re with people from 57 countries, all with different ages and backgrounds, and we are all sharing experiences and learning from each other. For me, this is amazing.”
MPP student Kopo instead took it to social media to share his thoughts. He tweeted:
One term down. Can't believe I'm a third of the way through my time at @UniofOxford already. @BlavatnikSchool has been amazing so far!
The next term will bring new opportunities, more in-depth study with three core modules, two applied policy modules and a range of engaging public events. We look forward to it!
