Overview

The MSc in Public Policy Research at the University of Oxford is a prestigious one-year taught programme that provides students with an in-depth understanding of the interplay between research and public policy. This degree is tailored for individuals seeking to engage in meaningful research that shapes policy decisions. The curriculum is designed to equip students with the necessary skills to conduct rigorous, applied research that addresses real-world policy challenges.

Why Public Policy Research at the University of Oxford?

The University of Oxford is renowned for its academic excellence and is consistently ranked among the top universities globally. The Blavatnik School of Government, where this programme is housed, is committed to producing research with tangible impact on pressing policy issues. Students benefit from access to world-class facilities, expert faculty, and a collaborative learning environment that encourages critical thinking and innovation.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

The tuition fees for the Public Policy Research are as follows:

Home students: £41,380 per year
International students: £41,380 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The MSc programme comprises a mix of compulsory modules and optional courses, allowing students to tailor their studies according to their interests. The current curriculum includes:

Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research
Research Design and Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research
Statistics for Public Policy
Research in a Public Policy Context
Thesis development seminars

In addition to these core components, students can choose from a variety of optional modules that cover contemporary policy issues, such as climate change, cybersecurity, and education policy, among others. The programme culminates in a 10,000-word thesis, where students apply their learning to a specific public policy problem.

Industry Demand

Graduates of the MSc in Public Policy Research are well-prepared for careers in various sectors, including government, non-profit organisations, and international agencies. The skills acquired during the programme are highly sought after, as they enable graduates to effectively contribute to the development and implementation of public policies that address societal challenges.

Careers with Public Policy Research

Alumni of the MSc in Public Policy Research often find employment in influential positions across multiple sectors. Many graduates work within governmental bodies, international organisations, and NGOs, where they apply their research skills to inform policy decisions. Specific roles may include policy analyst, research consultant, and programme manager, reflecting the programme's focus on practical applications of research in public policy.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research

Research in a Public Policy Context

Research Design

Statistics for Public Policy

Qualitative Methods

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 12 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-10-05 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-03-03 00:00:00

Language

English

TOEFL^® IBT

110

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IELTS

7.5

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Credits

180 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Oxford, United Kingdom

Disciplines

Public Administration Statistics Public Policy View 132 other Masters in Statistics in United Kingdom

This information is based on LinkedIn alumni data for graduates from 2018 to 2024 and may not fully represent all career outcomes

Total alumni

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Academic requirements

GPA

First Class

English requirements

TOEFL^® IBT

110

Schedule TOEFL®

IELTS

7.5

Prepare for Your English Test

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98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications:

a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline; and

a master's degree in public policy, normally with distinction (70%+) or merit (65% to 69%). This may be either Oxford's Master of Public Policy (MPP) with its professional, leadership and academic components, or a master's degree from another institution that is equivalent in all elements.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is usually 3.7 out of 4.0.You may submit the results of a Graduate Record Examination (GRE) test, though these are not required to complete your application.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

41380 GBP / year

≈ 41380 GBP / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

41380 GBP / year

≈ 41380 GBP / year

Living costs

Oxford

United Kingdom

939 - 1530 GBP / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

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Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Public Policy Research.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

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About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying Business & Management

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Oxford

Funding

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

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