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Apply using the Applicant Portal
The Apply Now button on the right will take you to the Applicant Portal. There, you can create and submit your application and supporting documents, and you can also request your references.
An application is only complete when:
- you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
- you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
- your referees have provided their references.
If you miss the deadlines specified in this section, you will not be able to submit your application.
We are looking for candidates with at least 2 years of professional experience. For exceptional applicants, we may consider less than this, but we are very unlikely to admit applicants who have not yet completed their undergraduate degrees.
Selection Process
Applications are considered on a rolling basis (as they are received), throughout the application window and usually take up to 12 weeks to process. The funding deadlines for some sources of funding may be well before the application deadline, so be aware of the separate deadlines if you wish to be considered.
During peak periods, such as following funding and application deadlines, you should expect a longer wait for the outcome of their application.
Please be aware that places on the MPhil in Public Policy are limited and that the course may fill up before the published deadline. We welcome and encourage early applications where possible. This is in your best interests, as places are competitive.
Further information on How To Apply
Things You'll Need
You should start preparing the things that you'll need when you apply. These will be mandatory, unless specifically flagged as optional.
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Two referees willing to give you a reference
Either academic or professional – please see our References guidance for more information about which type you need. Your referees will need to have submitted their reference by the course deadline. - Transcript
- CV/resume
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Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. -
Sample of Work (1) (document upload) (mandatory)
A 1,000-word writing sample. You should choose a current policy issue as the topic for the written sample; this might be a local, national or global issue. The written piece should clearly identify the issue and its importance. You should explain how the issue might be tackled from a policy-making perspective. The writing sample may be presented in the format of a policy brief or as a conventional essay. Where references are used these should be appropriately cited. The word count excludes the bibliography, title pages, acknowledgements, tables of contents, lists of abbreviations and abstracts. References in footnotes and endnotes also do not count, but any additional information or content included in a footnote or endnote does. -
Statement of Interest (5000 characters) (mandatory)
A statement of interest of no more than 800 words. This should clearly indicate the reasons for applying for the MPP and how you think the course will help to develop your career. Please include details of relevant career experience to date as this information is extremely helpful to the Admissions Panel.
Gates Cambridge Scholarships
If you wish to be considered for a Gates Cambridge Scholarship you will also need to provide the following:
See Gates Cambridge for more information.
How to Find a Supervisor
You are asked not to contact potential supervisors themselves - supervisors will be allocated by the Department once you have met all your offer conditions. You are not guaranteed your first choice of supervisor, and individual supervisors may be unavailable during a given year due to research leave or lack of capacity.