The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown. You can use our guidance to help you evaluate whether your application is likely to be competitive.
Please be aware that any studentships that are linked to this course may have different or additional requirements and you should read any studentship information carefully before applying.
Degree-level qualifications
As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
- a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in any discipline.
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 bachelor's degree from the USA, the minimum overall GPA that is normally required to meet the undergraduate-level requirement is 3.6 out of 4.0. However, selection of candidates also depends on other factors in your application and most successful applicants have achieved higher GPA scores.
If your degree is not from the UK or another country specified above, visit our International Qualifications page for guidance on the qualifications and grades that would usually be considered to meet the University’s minimum entry requirements.
GRE General Test scores
You may also submit scores from a standardised test such as the GRE, GMAT or LSAT, though these are not required to complete your application.
Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience
Publications are not expected.
Commitment to public service
In addition to academic and analytical ability, applicants are expected to demonstrate a high level of commitment to public service. You should demonstrate an ethos of public service evident in the trajectory of your chosen career path, whether this be in the public, private or NGO sector, and/or an outstanding record of achievement in volunteering. This ethos and commitment should also go beyond your own life and demonstrate that you are able to show regard for others in the broader community, and recognise why the perspectives of others might differ from your own.
Evidence of leadership and impact
Applicants should also demonstrate an ability to lead and have impact in their chosen field through devising or initiating projects which are innovative in nature and lead to real and lasting change. This does not necessarily need to be shown through traditional leadership positions. You should bear in mind that leadership often requires enabling and empowering others to succeed. Sometimes the highest-impact work is also the quieter work which takes place behind the scenes, facilitating the more visible contributions of others. These qualities of leadership, drive and entrepreneurialism may be demonstrated through voluntary, professional or other activities.
There is no preferred background for the MPP and applications are welcomed from all academic disciplines and professional backgrounds. Prior full-time or part-time professional experience is viewed favourably, because of the ways in which it can develop and enhance commitment to public service and evidence of leadership and impact.
Please note, in considering applicants’ achievements and their suitability for a place on the MPP, the Blavatnik School of Government takes a holistic approach and a range of contextual factors, looking at each applicant’s individual circumstances, will be taken into account.
Further guidance
- There are no age restrictions on the MPP and you are not required to come with prior professional experience. However, the majority of successful candidates often bring at least a year or two of professional experience, if not significantly more.
- The MPP is an applied degree and students will not be taught in-depth research skills. It will not prepare applicants directly for progression to research-based courses such as the DPhil in Public Policy.
- In order to be accepted onto the DPhil in Public Policy applicants will be required to have completed a degree that provided the research training and skills necessary for their intended DPhil area of study. For more information on the DPhil entry requirements please see the DPhil in Public Policy.
English language proficiency
This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level. If your first language is not English, you may need to provide evidence that you meet this requirement. The minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level are detailed in the table below.
Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement| Test | Minimum overall score | Minimum score per component |
|---|
| IELTS Academic (Institution code: 0713) | 7.5 | 7.0 |
TOEFL iBT*
including the 'Home Edition'
(Institution code: 0490) | 110 | Listening: 22
Reading: 24
Speaking: 25
Writing: 24 |
| C1 Advanced† | 191 | 185 |
| C2 Proficiency‡ | 191 | 185 |
| Oxford Test of English Advanced | 165 | 155 |
*Changes to the TOEFL iBT test are being introduced on 21 January 2026. The University will not accept TOEFL tests taken from that date to meet the English language condition until a review of the revised test has been completed. Our Application Guide provides full details of the tests we accept.
†Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English or Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)
‡Previously known as the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English or Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE)
Your test must have been taken no more than two years before the start date of your course. Our Application Guide provides further information about the English language test requirement.
Declaring extenuating circumstances
If your ability to meet the entry requirements has been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic (eg you were awarded an unclassified/ungraded degree) or any other exceptional personal circumstance (eg other illness or bereavement), please refer to the guidance on extenuating circumstances in the Application Guide for information about how to declare this so that your application can be considered appropriately.
