MSc in Public Policy Research
University of Oxford
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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

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Location

University of Oxford

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

OCT-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MSc - Master of Science

Location

University of Oxford

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

OCT-25

Duration

1 year

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Politics
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Course info

About the courseThe MSc in Public Policy Research is a one-year taught degree course that offers an outstanding education on how to conduct robust, applied and impactful research that informs and influences public policy.The MSc will give you a keen understanding of the relationship between research evidence and other major influences on the public policy process, such as ideologies and institutions; you will be able to design and undertake a range of policy-relevant research methods to the ...Read more

About the course

The MSc in Public Policy Research is a one-year taught degree course that offers an outstanding education on how to conduct robust, applied and impactful research that informs and influences public policy.

The MSc will give you a keen understanding of the relationship between research evidence and other major influences on the public policy process, such as ideologies and institutions; you will be able to design and undertake a range of policy-relevant research methods to the highest standards; and you will be skilled in effectively communicating research findings to a wide range of audiences including policymakers and the general public.

The curriculum for the course is delivered in-person via a series of lectures, seminars and workshops across three terms.

The current curriculum includes the following elements:

Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research

Research in a Public Policy Context

Research Design

Statistics for Public Policy

Qualitative Methods for Public Policy Research

Thesis Development Seminars

Option module

Thesis.

In the first term, a foundational module in Theories and Approaches in Public Policy Research will enable you to learn how concepts and theories help researchers to identify and define public policy problems, construct explanations about causes and effects, and generate applied research questions and hypotheses that can be tested empirically to tackle real-world problems. You will begin working on your thesis, initially focusing on the development of a research proposal, on an applied public policy problem.

In the second term, you will take an innovative foundational module on Research in a Public Policy Context aimed at providing you with an understanding of the constraints and opportunities that exist in research in government, as distinct from research in academia. You will also learn how research evidence sits alongside other types of influence on the public policy process; and be provided with the skills necessary to conduct and communicate robust research that informs policy design and implementation.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
3rd
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
2nd

Modules

Module Options
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the equivalent of the following UK qualifications or their equivalent: 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. If you are applying for the Public Policy 1+1 programme, you may apply for this course without having completed or enrolled on the Master of Public Policy (MPP) degree course (or equivalent). Applicants should have an outstanding academic record with exceptionally high academic results throughout, or should show an impressive upward trajectory in performance. This may be further evidenced by scholarships or prizes awarded because of academic abilities/achievements or glowing academic references ranking you at the very top of your peer group. For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is usually 3.7 out of 4.0.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£41,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£41,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£41,250 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Uni info

University of Oxford
University Offices Wellington Square Oxford Oxfordshire OX1 2JD United Kingdom
Nearest train station: Oxford  0.2 miles away

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