[PossibleMPP]

Hey all,

I am considering doing an MPP/MPA, and I've been looking at the usual suspects in the U.S. Harvard Kennedy School, Columbia SIPA, Georgetown, and Princeton WWS. However, I heard about both Oxford Blavatnik School's new MPP and Edinburgh's MPP and was attracted by the one year programme.

My concern after reading the Blavatnik website and some of the press around it is the relative youth of the new class (early 20s) compared to say Harvard (late 20s). Does anyone have any idea if Oxford will / intends to move to an older class?

I am in my late 20s and have accomplished a fair bit in my career in government (and already have a BA and MSc), so would want my fellow students to be around a similar age and work experience level and it seems Oxford isn't emphasising that as of yet. Does anyone have any insight into the Blavatnik School they could share or advice as to MPPs / MPAs in this regard?

[sj27]

I have done some, but not intensive, research into this as I was half considering doing an MPP or MPA (I may yet, depending on how other things pan out!) So, take this from the point of view of someone who does not claim to be an expert...But I just don't think that the Oxford course, being new, can possibly hold the same weight as somewhere like SIPA or HKS which are (as you clearly know) so well-established and highly regarded. I hadn't actually read that about the relative youth of the class, but that would simply reinforce this view.

Just a question, if you've been working a while, do you not yet have enough experience to apply for the HKS mid-career MPA? That's only one year. If you're only a year or so off the 7-year experience requirement it might be worth waiting to apply for that one?

[PossibleMPP]

(Original post by sj27)
I have done some, but not intensive, research into this as I was half considering doing an MPP or MPA (I may yet, depending on how other things pan out!) So, take this from the point of view of someone who does not claim to be an expert...But I just don't think that the Oxford course, being new, can possibly hold the same weight as somewhere like SIPA or HKS which are (as you clearly know) so well-established and highly regarded. I hadn't actually read that about the relative youth of the class, but that would simply reinforce this view.

Just a question, if you've been working a while, do you not yet have enough experience to apply for the HKS mid-career MPA? That's only one year. If you're only a year or so off the 7-year experience requirement it might be worth waiting to apply for that one?

An absolutely valid question, I have nearly 5 years work experience and also already have a MSc in Politics, so definitely considering the Harvard mid-career MPA, but still would need a couple more years of WE. In all honesty though, I will probably apply to it but my undergraduate marks while good, they aren't great, thus I would worry about not getting in. Additionally, I do love Oxford and would love to go back for a year.

Are you still considering doing an MPP/MPA? What's your background if I may ask?

[sj27]

(Original post by PossibleMPP)
An absolutely valid question, I have nearly 5 years work experience and also already have a MSc in Politics, so definitely considering the Harvard mid-career MPA, but still would need a couple more years of WE. In all honesty though, I will probably apply to it but my undergraduate marks while good, they aren't great, thus I would worry about not getting in. Additionally, I do love Oxford and would love to go back for a year.

Are you still considering doing an MPP/MPA? What's your background if I may ask?

Not traditional for MPA - will PM you!

[MPP Applicant UK]

I'm no expert either, but I don't think age (or the lack of it) is a formal requirement specified on the BSG's MPP page. Infact they mention they would prefer people with relevant work experience... it also makes sense, as people with relevant experience will contribute better to class discussions etc. Infact I know for sure that in the first cohort, there was someone with over 10 years work experience.

[PossibleMPP]

(Original post by MPP Applicant UK)
I'm no expert either, but I don't think age (or the lack of it) is a formal requirement specified on the BSG's MPP page. Infact they mention they would prefer people with relevant work experience... it also makes sense, as people with relevant experience will contribute better to class discussions etc. Infact I know for sure that in the first cohort, there was someone with over 10 years work experience.

I did not mean to insinuate that a lack of age was a prerequisite, however having looked at much of the class, while some as you say may have strong work experience, it is much more the exception rather than the rule. Most of the first cohort are all in their early 20s with less than 2 years WE. Which, as much as I would love to spend a year in Oxon, is not what one would desire in a professional programme.