MSc in Public Policy Research

at University of Oxford

The current curriculum includes the following elements:
 

• Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research

• Research in a Public Policy Context

• Research Design

• Statistics for Public Policy

• Qualitative Methods

• Thesis Development Seminars

• Option module

• Thesis.
   

In the first term, a foundational module in Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research will enable you to learn how concepts and theories help researchers to identify and define public policy problems, construct explanations about causes and effects, and generate applied research questions and hypotheses that can be tested empirically to tackle real-world problems. You will begin working on your thesis, initially focusing on the development of a research proposal, on an applied public policy problem.
 

In the second term, you will take an innovative foundational module on Research in a Public Policy Context aimed at providing you with an understanding of the constraints and opportunities that exist in research in government, as distinct from research in academia. You will also learn how research evidence sits alongside other types of influence on the public policy process; and be provided with the skills necessary to conduct and communicate robust research that informs policy design and implementation.
 

You will complete a module in Research Design and Methods in the first and second terms comprising three linked sub-modules on:

• Research Design

• Statistics for Public Policy

• Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research.
   

In addition, you will continue working on the research for your thesis.
 

In the third term, you will take an option module that enables you to explore in depth a particular public policy topic of your choice, selected from the wide range of option modules that are offered each year to students on the Blavatnik School's Master of Public Policy. Some of these options are taught by the School’s faculty, but more than half are taught by world leading academic experts from other departments in Oxford or expert practitioners.
 

Finally, you will write a thesis and produce an accompanying policy brief that distils insights from the research for decision-makers in government. The thesis will be supervised by a member of the Blavatnik School faculty or an academic working in a policy-focused research group or centre elsewhere in Oxford. In addition to the academic supervisor, you will also be assigned a policy advisor from a public policy organisation to provide advice and feedback on the research from a practitioner perspective.

Degree-level qualifications
 

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline; and 

• a master's degree in public policy, normally with distinction (70%+) or merit (65% to 69%).  This may be either Oxford's Master of Public Policy (MPP) with its professional, leadership and academic components, or a master's degree from another institution that is equivalent in all elements.
   

If you are applying for the Public Policy 1+1 programme, you may apply for this course without having completed or enrolled on the Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree course (or equivalent).
 

Applicants should have an outstanding academic record with exceptionally high academic results throughout, or should show an impressive upward trajectory in performance. This may be further evidenced by scholarships or prizes awarded because of academic abilities/achievements or glowing academic references ranking you at the very top of your peer group.
 

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is usually 3.7 out of 4.0.

GRE General Test scores
 

You may submit the results of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test, though these are not required to complete your application. 
 

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
 

The MSc in Public Policy Research is aimed at individuals who want to pursue a career in applied research that seeks to inform and improve public policy. It is designed for graduates who have completed our MPP or an equivalent professional taught master’s degree. This is because the MSc builds upon pre-existing knowledge that candidates must have about the public policy process, training in leadership and the core skills of policymaking and implementation.
 

We aim to select people from around the world who show a commitment to improving public policy through conducting, synthesising and disseminating applied, impactful research.
 

Academic and analytical excellence
 

We are looking for academically outstanding individuals who have the analytical ability to undertake rigorous, impactful research in public policy, and who already have the full training of the MPP with its professional, leadership and academic components (or equivalent in all elements), normally with Distinction (70%+) or Merit (65% to 69%).
 

Strong commitment to public service
 

We are looking for people who can demonstrate that they are committed to addressing public policy and governance issues and who are motivated to make a difference.
 

Clear motivation to improve public policy through research
 

We are looking for people who are motivated to undertake applied and impactful public policy research. Applicants should make clear in their personal statement their policy interests, their commitment to using research to tackle public policy issues and their understanding of the role that research can play in the policymaking process. They should also provide an outline of the policy issue they provisionally wish to research for their MSc thesis and the methods they anticipate using to do so. 

Home    
£38,900

Overseas    
£38,900

It is anticipated that graduates from the MSc in Public Policy Research will be well-equipped for research and related jobs in government, quasi-governmental agencies, state and local governments, international organisations, not-for-profit organisations, charities and pressure groups. The MSc also provides research training for our DPhil in Public Policy (though completing the MSc does not guarantee acceptance onto our DPhil).