MPhil in Public Policy

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:

1. you have submitted your application and supporting documents via the Applicant Portal
2. you have paid the application fee if applicable. For further information on application fees, and which courses require an application fee, see here.
3. 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.

For further information on course requirements visit the FAQ page on the course website.

Further information on How To Apply

Things You'll Need

In order to apply for this course you'll need to think about getting a few things ready before you apply.

• Two academic references  
• Transcript  
• CV/resume
• Evidence of competence in English  
  If required - you can check using our tool
• 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:

• Gates Cambridge Reference  
• Research Proposal (PhD applicants only)

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.