MPhil in Public Policy

The MPP at the University of Cambridge provided me with an invaluable step towards my personal and professional development goals. The course is academically rigorous and fast-paced, but each module builds upon each other and teaches you how to be a policymaker who is guided by both analytical rigour and a moral compass. Looking back at the year, I feel that I learned far more than I could have ever imagined from a year-long degree.

The blended nature of the course allowed me to further delve into issues of my interest, while gaining exposure to an array of policy areas and angles I had not previously explored. For my work placement, I had an incredible opportunity to work on a policy paper for the Future Leaders Network, the host organisation of the youth engagement group for the G7 summit in the UK. Putting all the lessons and skills gained throughout the course into advocating a cause was rewarding to say the least, and the experience ascertained my interest in pursuing research and policy advisory.

Beyond the insights and new skills I was able to gain during the year, what makes the course unique is the intimate cohort of people with diverse backgrounds, who are truly driven to bring about a positive change in the world. The interdisciplinary structure of the course facilitated open discussions in the classroom and beyond – and I am certain that I will continue to be inspired by my classmates for years to come. I would not hesitate to recommend the MPP at Cambridge to those seeking to gain a theoretical grasp and command of analytical tools in the realm of public policy. 

Yuko Ishibashi (September 2021)

The Cambridge MPP program dips into economics, politics, policy, and statistics, enough range to give students an understanding of the broad set of challenges facing governments and organizations today. It’s a short, but intense course that requires participants to put their best foot forward at all times. I began the program not having the vocabulary or framework for analyzing pressing public policy problems, but as I complete my work placement with UN Women UK, I can confidently say that I feel better versed in policy analysis. The professors are busy experts in the field, but students have the freedom to discuss with them and say, "this is what I am thinking, how I want to go about accomplishing this, do you think this is the best course of action?" and they are always incredibly helpful. If I had to do it all again, I would choose the Cambridge MPP a second time.

Ugonma Nwankwo (April 2019)

Deciding to pursue an MPhil in Public Policy at University of Cambridge was a leap for me, and a decision I am glad I made. The MPP cohort is extremely diverse and international consisting of people from different professional backgrounds, and countries with varied years of work experience. This provides the opportunity to discover and understand various policy areas and practices across the world. Having the liberty to choose specific areas of interest to explore practically with the work placement between Lent and Easter term, and the independent research paper which runs throughout the course, are two components I love. Although the course is intense, the course structure, teaching methods and teaching staff, the MPP forum, courses undertaken, and the guest lecturers are surely worth it! With members of staff who are helpful throughout the process and supervisions fortnightly, you would hardly be lost in the process. Being part of the MPP 2018 cohort has been an amazing experience!

Onyinye Okakwu (April 2019)