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.
Selection Process
Applications are considered on a rolling basis (as they are received) until the course deadline of 2 February 2027 and are usually processed within 12 weeks of submission. The funding deadline falls earlier than the course application deadline, so applicants who wish to be considered for funding should ensure that they submit a complete application by the funding deadline of 8 December 2026.
Please be aware that there are a limited number of places on the MPhil in Public Policy. Acceptance on the course is very competitive, and the course may be filled before the published deadline. We therefore welcome and encourage early applications where possible.
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
- Evidence of competence in English
If required - please see our Competence in English guidance for more information. - Core - 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. - Core - Statement of Interest (5000 characters) (mandatory)
Provide a statement of interest of no more than 800 words. Your statement of interest should include details of your relevant career experience to date; capture more broadly why are you interested in applying to the MPhil in Public Policy course; mention specific academic interests you have in the field of public policy; and outline how you believe that this course will support the development of your career.
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
Supervisors will be allocated by the Department once you have met all your offer conditions and you are admitted onto the course. While we will endeavour to allocate your first choice of supervisor, this may not always be possible.