FAQs

By when must I apply for the MPP?

To enter this programme in September 2012, applications must be submitted by 15 August 2012. If you are an applicant from outside the EU you should apply by 1 July 2012 to allow sufficient time for processing visa pplications. However, given the competitive nature of the selection process we encourage early applications.

What is the selection process based on?

The Academy of Government’s selection process is based on a variety of factors. Some of the key factors are your performance in your undergraduate degree, relevant professional and extra-curricular experiences, and your letters of reference. However, each application is considered on its individual merits.

You must have a minimum of an Upper Second Class (2:1) Honours degree, USA GPA (grade point average) of 3.25 or equivalent in the social sciences or the humanities. If you hold a first degree in the physical sciences you may be admitted subject to appraisal by the Programme Director and the completion of recommended pre-session reading.

Further guidance on the application procedure, as well as information on admissions requirements is available on the Graduate School of Social and Political Science website.

When will I be informed about the admission decision?

Generally the selection process lasts from two to four weeks from the reception of the (fully completed) application.

I have a degree in a field different from humanities, can I still apply?

Yes. Students with different backgrounds can be considered for admission.

Which English tests will be accepted by the Government?

Applicants for whom English is not their first language: a Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL-iBT) score of 100 ( with scores no lower than Listenign 21, Reading 22, Speaking 23 and Writing 21) or an International English Language Testing (IELTS) score of 7 is preferred (with no score lower than 6.0 in each section). Alternatively, a recent degree from a university in an English-speaking country is acceptable.

Your English language certificate must be no more than two years old at the beginning of your degree course.

If your result is not available when you submit your application, please indicate the date when you will take one of the tests mentioned above on your application form.

For further information please refer to:
http://www.ed.ac.uk/studying/international/english/

If I have an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking university, do I still need to submit a English Language Test score?

No. If you are not a native English speaker but you possess an undergraduate degree from an English-speaking institution then this is acceptable. Please note that this must be an undergraduate degree; a postgraduate masters from an English-speaking institution does not create an exemption.

Do I need to have completed relevant work experience for admission to the MPP programme?

No. Work experience is not required for admission. However, relevant work experience (internships, project management, regular job positions, etc.) and/or extra-curricular activities may have a positive impact to you application.

Can I apply without having graduated yet?

Yes. If you are not yet in possession of your final degree then please indicate when you will receive it. We will be able to consider your application on a conditional basis and you will have the opportunity to upload the degree certificate once it is available. In the meantime you should provide us with a copy of your degree transcripts to date.

Can I provide you with other documents than the required documents?

Yes. You are encouraged to submit any other documents (a maximum of 2) that you think will be of interest to the admissions committee. The committee would be particularly interested in professional references that relate to public policy.

Do my academic transcript and degree certificates have to be translated into English?

Yes. If your documents are in a language other than English, they must be translated. Translations should be literal (i.e. grades should not be transferred into other grading systems).

Who should write my letters of reference?

Preferably, both letters should be written and signed by a person who is in a position to assess your academic work and potential. In some cases we will accept one professional reference. It would be beneficial if the professional reference could speak to any work you may have done on public policy.

Is the GRE or GMAT required for application to the MPP?

No. GRE and GMAT results are not required for applications for the MPP. However, we encourage applicants to submit their results, as it helps to evaluate the applicants’ profiles.

This page was published on 26 January 2012