Course options
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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
06-OCT-25
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Duration
1 year
Course summary
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.
Modules
Tuition fees
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£ 41,250per year
Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.
University information
University of Oxford
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University League Table
2nd
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Campus address
University of Oxford, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2JD, England
Subject rankings
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Subject ranking
1st out of 122
3rd out of 79 2
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Entry standards
/ Max 221221 100%1st
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Graduate prospects
/ Max 10097.0 97%1st
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Student satisfaction
/ Max 43.04 76%66th
46 -
Entry standards
/ Max 215205 95%4th
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Graduate prospects
/ Max 10090.0 90%3rd
4 -
Student satisfaction
/ Max 43.13 78%30th
