Master of Public Policy

Are you someone who has made direct contributions to your community, country or region? Are you passionate about achieving positive change? Are you ready to take the next step?

Our master’s programme will develop your understanding of public policy challenges to become a more effective leader and changemaker.

Francisco Carrillo Magna

No other programme in the world has such an applied focus. It’s not just about learning equations or theories. It’s also about networking, discussing policy challenges, considering perspectives from the private sector, NGOs, politicians and policymakers. If you’re planning to introduce some kind of transformation in your country, this sort of training is important.

Francisco Carrillo Magna, MPP 2021
Lalita Kapur

One of the real value-adds of the School is its connection with government – all the really senior people who came to speak about how the work of government applies to what we were studying was such a great feature of the programme.

Lalita Kapur, MPP 2014
Diversity is our USP

The Blavatnik School is one of only a few global schools of government in the world. Since welcoming our first MPP class in 2012, we’ve remained focused on delivering an agile, forward-looking education that prepares students to tackle the world’s most pressing policy challenges.

Each year, we welcome cohorts from over 50 countries, with a wide range of experiences and backgrounds. Our students and alumni tell us this diversity is what makes the MPP unique – enriching learning and shaping a global network for impact.

Watch – the Master of Public Policy at Oxford
Watch – the Master of Public Policy at Oxford
Nina Möger Bengtsson

It’s exceeded every one of my wildest expectations to meet the MPP class – I have not encountered any other programme that draws such a diverse crowd of accomplished people.

Nina Möger Bengtsson, MPP 2021 

The friends and colleagues you make at the Blavatnik School open up the world to you. Even years later, we all are strong friends, keeping in touch, chatting about problems and visiting each other’s countries. Of the many great things about an MPP, this is the most enduring and valuable.

David Barda, MPP 2015
Practical application

Go beyond theory to practical application with a 6-to-8-week Policy Report project, a placement at a policy-focused organisation of your choosing where you can apply everything you have learned through the year to real life challenges.

Throughout your time with us, you will interact with international leaders and public sector professionals in a variety of fields who regularly visit the School to share their experiences, engage in debates and discussions and offer coaching sessions.

Impact is our mission

Our impact is felt every day across the globe as alumni drive positive and lasting change in public policy. They lead innovative projects and policies spanning anti-corruption, human rights, education and climate change – from the youngest Members of Parliament in Panama’s National Assembly and the United Kingdom, to an Assistant Governor at the Central Bank of Malaysia and the Deputy Director General of International Relations at Mexico’s Supreme Court of Justice of the Nation. Our alumni include elected representatives in Brazil, Ukraine, Canada, Ireland, the UK and Mongolia, senior civil servants and high-level government officials around the world.

You too can become part of our diverse and internationally focused community. Our student body is a group of committed and high-performing people focused on how they can best serve their communities. When you join us, you join a lifelong community of peers and a growing international alumni network which will provide you with social connections, professional advice and trusted sources of advice.

Support

We want to support you with your public service career, whether you are pivoting between sectors or refreshing skills to move to the next stage in your career. We offer:

  • One to one coaching and expert guidance to discuss careers advice and your policy report writing and placement  
  • A programme of professional development workshops including: foundations of public speaking, persuasive writing and CV and cover letter writing
  • Applied policy modules offer the opportunity to apply your theoretical learning through intensive, skill-focused options
  • A mentor programme through the academic year
  • Exclusive Dean’s Forums and fireside chats with senior policymakers, offering opportunities for students to engage directly with global figures in policy and governance
Are you a good fit for the MPP?

We’re looking for individuals with curiosity, leadership potential and a drive to make a difference – people who take initiative, lift others up and turn ideas into action for the public good.

To apply, you’ll typically need: 

  • A strong academic record
  • Evidence of commitment to public service
  • Ability to demonstrate leadership and impact
  • Most successful candidates have at least 2 years of professional experience
  • Proficiency in English

Find out more about the qualities that define great public leaders.

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Studying in Oxford is within your reach

We don’t want finances to stand in the way of future policy makers.

In recent years, more than 80% of our MPP students received full or partial scholarships through the School, the University or external partners.

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Learn more

Learn more about the course details, the fees, funding options and how to join our community.