Join the Insight into Policy programme to gain an understanding of the different types of roles and entry points into a career in policy. During the programme, you will hear from policy professionals about the challenges in the field and take part in a policy exercise with fellow students, working together to develop responses to real policy challenges.
Programme structure
This programme will take place in person at the Careers Service, 56 Banbury Road, Oxford.
The Insight into Policy programme outline is as follows:
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An introduction to policy careers
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Panel session with professionals working in policy
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Interactive policy team challenge
Programme commitment
The programme is a half day event on Tuesday 5 May 2026, from 13:00-16:30. There is no pre or post programme course work.
Outcomes
By the end of this programme you will have:
- Explored career options in the field of policy work
- Gained experience of working in a team to come up with policy solutions
- Learned from policy professionals about the challenges in the field
- Developed tips for getting further experience of policy at Oxford.
Application
Applications for the Insight into Policy programme open in Week 5 of Hilary term 2026 on CareerConnect.
The application process consists of a 250-word written piece explaining why you are motivated to pursue a career in policy. You should include evidence from your studies, volunteering, college activities or work experience, and briefly explain how the Insight afternoon may help you.
For the purpose of this application please do not use AI / ChatGPT to directly write your application: we really want to hear from you.
Selection
After applications close, successful applicants are offered a place on the programme via email. Participants will need to accept their place to confirm attendance.
Eligibility
The programme is open to current Oxford University undergraduate and postgraduate students, including DPhils.
We cannot accept applications from Saïd Business School students*, visiting students, research staff, or alumni.
*Exceptions: MSc Law and Finance, MSc Financial Economics, DPhils, BA Economics & Management
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I choose a policy area?
Each team will be randomly allocated a policy area in the group exercise. Individuals are not able to choose or change their team.
Does it matter what subject I'm studying or what year I am in?
This programme is open to students from all subjects and year groups and is aimed at those with little or no policy experience.
What do I need to take part?
Please bring a device that can access the internet so you can fully participate in the policy challenge.
What is the time commitment of this insight programme?
This programme takes place on Tuesday 5 May, 13:00-16:30. There is no pre or post coursework. You will need to be able to commit to the entire afternoon to participate.
When will I know if I’ve been offered a place?
We aim to inform applicants on Tuesday 28 April if they are successful and you will have 24 hours to accept your place.
What are you looking for in applications?
We are looking to understand why you are motivated to pursue a career in policy. Please give examples of this in your application. Examples can come from your studies, volunteering, college activities or work experience. Please briefly explain why this insight day will help you. For the purpose of this application please don't use A I/ ChatGPT to directly write your application: we really want to hear from you.
Please note that the Careers Advisers who run the programme (Niamh Walsh and Josephine Allen) will not be able to provide feedback on your application directly.
How do I know this is the right programme for me?
This programme is aimed at those with little or no experience in the sector who want to understand what a career in policy might look like and typical roles available. We recommend booking an appointment with a careers adviser to talk through any questions you have.
When does the programme run?
This is a pilot programme running in Trinity term 2026. Future plans will be announced on our website.
Any other questions?
If you cannot find the answer to your question, please get in touch on courses@careers.ox.ac.uk or book an appointment with a careers adviser.
