Media

Blavatnik School of Government opens for study

18 September 2012

Europe’s first major school of government, founded thanks to a £75m donation, welcomes 39 scholars from 17 countries

Oxford University’s Blavatnik School of Government welcomes its first ever class of future leaders today, marking the historic beginning of Europe’s first major school of government.

Coming from 17 different countries, from Afghanistan to Yemen, the group of exceptional scholars will pursue a one-year Master’s in Public Policy with a uniquely international and interdisciplinary approach, drawing on Oxford University’s strengths in science, medicine, the humanities, economics and politics.

The Blavatnik School of Government was founded thanks to a £75m donation from US industrialist Len Blavatnik, one of the biggest gifts in Oxford University’s history.

The first group of scholars is diverse, covering doctors and journalists as well as those who have worked in government, law and development. All share exceptional academic ability and the ambition and ability to influence public policy in their own fields.

The School’s aim is to develop the world’s future leaders in both the private and public sectors. Its students will address complex global problems in new and practical ways, drawing on the talents of top teachers, researchers and practitioners from across the world. In their first week, students will be taught by South African politician Trevor Manuel, UK shadow Foreign Secretary Douglas Alexander, and former UK Cabinet Secretary Lord Gus O'Donnell.

Professor Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government, said: "We are excited see a diverse and exceptional group of scholars in the first class of our Master of Public Policy. To pursue the course, many are breaking from established careers in aid, medicine, engineering and journalism as well as government and international institutions. Over the next year, we will provide our students with the skills and knowledge to be exemplary and effective leaders – whatever their policy focus and wherever they work.”

Douglas Alexander, who will teach a class in the students’ first week, said: "Today's leaders confront an unprecedented series of global challenges. The integration of economies and communications across so many nations are generating both new challenges for policy makers and new opportunities. Leaders of tomorrow, from all countries, will need to be able to draw on a global perspective and harness diverse approaches if they are to be equal to the many policy problems they will confront. The class of 2012 students at the Blavatnik School of Government have a great opportunity to develop exactly those skills." 

The range of experience brought to the School by the first group of students covers international development firms; governments; UN programmes; law; banking; consultancy and much more. One student has provide legal advice for death row inmates in Louisiana; one is a former London banker who is interested in how the public and private sector can work together for the general good; another has worked as Programme Coordinator with UNESCO in Afghanistan; another had advised one of South Africa’s provincial governments on HIV/AIDS service implementation; another is a youth politics leader in Yemen; another helped establish a government anti-corruption council in Kosovo.

Several of the students are happy to talk to the media. Ngaire Woods, Dean of the Blavatnik School and a world authority on global economic governance, is also available to talk to the media. For interviews, images or further information, contact the Press & Information Office, University of Oxford, on 01865 280528, press.office@admin.ox.ac.uk

Notes for Editors:

  • The Blavatnik School of Government, Europe’s first major school of government, was announced on 20 September 2010 at the University of Oxford, receiving media coverage around the world. American industrialist and philanthropist Leonard Blavatnik committed £75 million to make the School possible in one of the most generous gifts in the University’s 900-year history. For more information, see www.bsg.ox.ac.uk
  • Two-thirds (26) of the incoming class of 39 have full funding, with a further seven students receiving part-funding – ensuring that finance has been no barrier to recruiting the very best students from around the globe to study at the School. Full funding was provided through a variety of scholarships: Allbritton & Healy Scholarships, Blavatnik Scholarships, Chevening-HSBC Scholarships, Chevening-Weidenfeld Scholarships, Chevening Scholarships, Clarendon Scholarships, Hill Scholarship, Rhodes Scholarships, Thouron Scholarship, and Walter Kwok Scholarships. Support was also made available through the Anson Chan award, BP awards, Oppenheimer award, and Santander award. For more information about financial support at the School, go to http://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/prospective-students/fees-and-financial-support
  • The School will train outstanding graduates from across the world in the skills and responsibilities of government. It will provide a highly practical series of courses, leading to a Master’s degree with a unique balance of the humanities, social sciences, law, science, technology, health, finance, energy and security policy. The course will include practically focused training in negotiation, budgeting and accounting, strategic communications and evaluation.
  • Professor Ngaire Woods, a New Zealander, is Dean of the Blavatnik School of Government. Professor Woods is a world authority on international relations, especially in global economic governance, the challenges of globalisation, and the role of international institutions.  Her distinguished academic career has spanned four countries. At Oxford, she is Professor of Global Economic Governance and Director of the Global Economic Governance Programme. For more information, see http://www.bsg.ox.ac.uk/dean-school