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It has been a joy and privilege to study public policy at Cambridge. My experience was supported by the Kanders Churchill Scholarship, which seeks to bridge the divide between science and policymaking.
I was delighted to be awarded the Highest Independent Research Paper Prize for 2022-23, my independent research project investigated the use of race in lung function equations. For more than a century, medical laboratories have interpreted lung function measures differently by race. My dissertation surveyed the evidentiary basis for this practice and was written for clinicians, scientists, and policymakers involved in determining guidelines, research priorities, and reparative interventions. Beyond this project, I hope to continue working to move the field toward more precise and outcome-focused measures of lung function.
I was very fortunate to have been supervised by the inimitable Dame Professor Diane Coyle, who encouraged me to provide non-technical context for a broad readership and to target my writing toward the most relevant decision-makers. All things considered; Cambridge MPP was the perfect place to broaden my learning in a global context. I know its lessons will continue to guide my work and thinking as I continue with my medical and scientific training.
James Diao (October 2023)
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 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 always put their best foot forward. 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)