Want to lead change in government, public service or international organisations? The Blavatnik School of Government at the University of Oxford is accepting applications for its Master of Public Policy (MPP) 2027–28, a one-year degree for people committed to public service. The programme isn’t cheap, but more than 80% of recent MPP students received full or partial scholarships, and applying by the deadline automatically puts you in the running for many of Oxford’s biggest awards. Applications close on 2 December 2026.
Programme at a Glance
- University: University of Oxford, Blavatnik School of Government
- Degree: Master of Public Policy (MPP)
- Length: One year, full-time, ending with a summer placement at a policy organisation
- Start: September 2027
- Course fee (2027–28): £54,650 (same for home and overseas students)
- Funding: Most students receive full or partial scholarships
- Deadline: 2 December 2026 (the School recommends applying by mid-November)
About the MPP
The MPP is an intensive one-year programme that trains future leaders to design, deliver and evaluate public policy. Students learn through seminars, workshops and real-world case studies, and the year ends with a summer project placement at a government body, international organisation, NGO or think tank of their choice. The class is highly international, and alumni work in governments and global institutions around the world.
Benefits
- An Oxford master’s degree in just one year
- Policy placement with an organisation of your choice
- Career support: individual coaching, interview preparation and job application guidance
- Mentoring from a network of more than 50 senior policy practitioners
- Access to leaders through forums and fireside chats with senior policymakers
- Global network of classmates and alumni working in public service worldwide
Scholarships and Funding
The MPP costs £54,650 in course fees for 2027–28, plus living costs. Here is how students fund it:
- Automatic consideration: When you apply by the deadline, you are automatically considered for most University of Oxford scholarships you are eligible for, including well-known awards such as Clarendon, Weidenfeld-Hoffmann and Jardine. No separate application is needed.
- Blavatnik School scholarships: If you receive an offer, you’ll be invited to complete a Scholarship Questionnaire (usually within a week) to be considered for funding managed by the School.
- External scholarships: Many students also use awards such as Chevening (UK government) or scholarships from their own governments or employers. Chevening has its own earlier deadline, so check it separately.
Funding is competitive and not guaranteed, but the high share of funded students makes the MPP far more accessible than its fee suggests.
Eligibility
- A strong academic record
- A clear commitment to public service
- Evidence of leadership and impact
- Professional experience: most successful candidates have at least two years, often more
- English proficiency at the level Oxford requires (test results can follow later if you receive an offer)
Required Documents
- The online application form
- A personal statement, in the structured format the School sets, answering specific questions about your motivation and career plans
- A CV of no more than two pages
- A reflective policy essay
- A short public service essay (about 400 words) describing how you have shown commitment to public service
- Transcripts from previous degrees
- Three references
Key Dates
| Stage | When |
|---|---|
| Recommended submission | By mid-November 2026 |
| Application deadline | 2 December 2026 |
| Offers made | Mid to late March 2027 |
| Scholarship decisions | March–June 2027 |
| English test and transcripts due (if required) | May 2027 |
| Visa applications | July 2027 |
| Programme starts | September 2027 |
Tips for a Strong Application
- Start the essays early. Two essays plus a structured statement take real time, so plan for several drafts.
- Tell concrete public service stories. Describe a specific situation where you made a difference, such as a community project, a policy you helped shape or a service you improved.
- Brief three strong referees. Ideally include an academic referee and a professional one who has seen your leadership.
- Submit two weeks early. The School advises this so it can flag anything missing before the deadline.
- Apply for Chevening too if you are eligible, to give yourself an extra funding route.
How to Apply
- Read the MPP “How to apply” guidance on the Blavatnik School website.
- Prepare your statement, CV, two essays and transcripts, and ask your three referees.
- Submit through the University of Oxford graduate application system.
- Apply by mid-November if you can, and no later than 2 December 2026.
Apply for the Oxford Master of Public Policy 2027
