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 a significant piece of independent policy research.

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.
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 two Negotiations Sessions and a 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.
Taught/Research Balance	Predominantly Taught

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

Students are required to produce an Independent Research Paper on a major public policy question. It is anticipated that the word length will be 10,000-15,000 words.

Essays

Assessment is by coursework and includes essays and policy briefs for individual taught modules, ranging from 2,000 to 3,000 words each in length. It may also include other formats of assessment as set out in the Assessment Ordinance.

Written examination

There are no formal, time-restricted, written examinations.

Other

Computer-based tests may be used to assess statistical skills and knowledge.

The examination may, at the discretion of the Examiners, include an oral examination on any of the work submitted for the examination.