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Teaching
The MPhil in Public Policy (MPP) is a practice-oriented programme that runs for nine months from October to June.
The course aims to promote the conduct of evidence-based policymaking by providing training in core methods of policy evaluation, as well as the linkage between research and innovation in public policy. Integral to these aims, the MPP will promote better awareness within policy circles of scientific developments and emerging technologies, which in turn will encourage long-term thinking and better strategic planning.
The MPP programme will qualify its graduates to:
- cope with different forms of information, qualitative and quantitative with varying degrees of precision, relevance, and uncertainty.
- consider issues from a range of disciplinary perspectives.
- spot what is missing, and how to recognise when the picture is incomplete.
- critically appraise information from diverse kinds of experts.
- integrate different forms of thinking; and
- consider the implications of complexity, risk, and uncertainty in policymaking.
The course seeks to attract students who want to build careers in public policy whether in government at national and international levels, or in the third or private sectors. The MPP will provide students with a thorough intellectual grounding and practical experience in the processes of policymaking, as well as an understanding of the range of knowledge and skills they need to be effective in the world of policy.
Candidates for the MPhil in Public Policy take a range of modules and case studies across the course of the year. In addition, they will complete an independent research paper and a report on their work placement.
| One to one supervision | Typically, three supervisions are offered per term. The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision. |
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| Seminars & classes | Individual modules will differ in how they are taught. Typically, modules are taught by interactive lectures, group activities, and practical exercises. There are additional workshops and drop-in sessions around specific skills e.g., statistics, media interviews. Also, attendance is required at the 5-day Policy Analysis Exercise at the end of Easter Term. |
| Lectures | Generally, there are five modules taught in Michaelmas Term and four modules taught in Lent Term. Each core module usually involves two hours of teaching per week, across eight weeks. |
| Practicals | Practical work placement experience is a mandatory part of the course that takes place for between 4 and 6 weeks over the Easter vacation period. Most work placements are conducted on site, outside of Cambridge, but some are undertaken in remote and hybrid formats. |
| Small group teaching | Individual modules differ in how they are taught. Typically, modules are taught by interactive seminar and practical exercises. There are additional workshops around specific skills e.g. statistics, media interviews. Each core module usually involves two hours of teaching per week. |
Placements
The course includes a mandatory 4-6 week work placement which takes place during the University's Easter vacation period. Following this, a Work Placement Report will be produced.
Feedback
Feedback is given in a variety of ways. This can be either verbally in supervisions or in written form. Students can expect to receive an online feedback report at the end of each term and specific written feedback for individual assessed pieces of work normally within 4-6 weeks of submission. Students are also highly encouraged to complete end of term feedback surveys based on the modules taught that term, which are used to evaluate staff performance and identify areas of concern.
Assessment
Thesis / Dissertation
There is no thesis element for this course.
Essays
Assessment is by coursework and includes essays/policy briefs for individual taught modules, a 10,000-word independent research paper, and a 5,000-word report based on the work placement.
Written examination
There are no formal, time-restricted, written examinations.
Other
Computer-based tests may be used to assess statistical skills and knowledge.