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I thoroughly enjoyed and greatly benefited from the MPP at the University of Cambridge, and it was an honour and a pleasant surprise to receive the Highest Overall Average Prize.
Two particular strengths of the program stood out to me. First, the calibre of the lecturers was exceptional; they consistently delivered their classes with passion, balanced perspectives, and were always available for follow-up discussions. Second, the course administrators were incredibly helpful; I always felt supported whenever I had a query or faced an unexpected challenge.
I feel very grateful for my time in the program and look forward to applying what I have learned to the public policy space in Australia.
Robert Joseph (July 9, 2024)
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 (Oct. 10, 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.
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 (Sept. 1, 2021)