The Blavatnik School of Government is one of the University of Oxford’s newest and most prestigious academic institutions, dedicated to improving governance and public policy worldwide. Established in 2010, the school was founded with a significant donation from Sir Leonard Blavatnik, a Ukrainian-born billionaire philanthropist and businessman.
The school aims to educate current and future leaders in public service, equipping them with the skills and knowledge needed to tackle complex global challenges.
The mission of the Blavatnik School of Government is to inspire and support better government and public policy around the world. The school emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership, evidence-based policymaking, and a commitment to the public good. By bringing together a diverse group of students, faculty, and practitioners from around the globe, the school fosters a rich environment for learning and collaboration. The vision is to create a world where public leaders are well-equipped to make decisions that positively impact societies, economies, and environments on a global scale.
Blavatnik School of Government Academic Programs
The Blavatnik School offers several programs designed to develop leaders in public service. The flagship program is the Master of Public Policy (MPP), a one-year, intensive course that provides students with a solid foundation in the principles and practices of effective governance. The MPP curriculum is interdisciplinary, covering areas such as economics, law, political science, and ethics, and it includes practical skills training and real-world policy challenges.
In addition to the MPP, the school also offers a Doctor of Philosophy (DPhil) in Public Policy, aimed at those who wish to pursue advanced research in the field of public policy. The Blavatnik School also runs a variety of executive education programs, designed for senior policymakers and public sector leaders who seek to enhance their skills and knowledge.
Faculty and Research
The faculty at the Blavatnik School of Government is composed of leading scholars and practitioners in the field of public policy. The school is known for its interdisciplinary approach, drawing on expertise from economics, political science, law, and other fields to provide a comprehensive understanding of governance issues. Research at the Blavatnik School addresses some of the most pressing challenges facing governments today, including climate change, inequality, conflict resolution, and global health.
The school is also home to several research centers and initiatives that focus on specific areas of public policy. These include the Global Economic Governance Programme, the Governance and Development Research Group, and the Oxford Institute for Ethics, Law and Armed Conflict, among others.
Architecture and Facilities
The Blavatnik School of Government is housed in an award-winning building designed by the renowned Swiss architectural firm Herzog & de Meuron. Located on Walton Street in Oxford, the building is known for its innovative design, which includes a central forum space that encourages interaction and collaboration among students and faculty. The building features state-of-the-art facilities, including lecture theatres, seminar rooms, a library, and study spaces, all designed to support the school’s mission of fostering leadership and public service.
The architecture of the Blavatnik School is as much about function as it is about symbolism. The building’s transparent and open design reflects the school’s commitment to openness in government and policymaking, while its circular form is intended to promote dialogue and engagement among those who work and study there.
Where is the Blavatnik School of Government?
The Blavatnik School of Government is located on Walton Street in Oxford, England. The specific address is:
Blavatnik School of Government
University of Oxford
Radcliffe Observatory Quarter
Walton Street
Oxford OX2 6GG
United Kingdom
The school is situated in the Radcliffe Observatory Quarter, a central area of Oxford that is also home to other academic institutions and research centers. This location is easily accessible from Oxford’s city center and is close to several other notable landmarks, including the Radcliffe Observatory and the Jericho neighborhood.
