SPP students visit Downing Street and the Royal Courts of Justice

Studying public policy in London offers a unique advantage. With the institutions that shape government, law and public decision-making located just minutes from campus, the city itself becomes an extension of the classroom.

Recently, our SPP students had the opportunity to experience this first-hand through visits to two of the UK’s most significant institutions: 10 Downing Street and the Royal Courts of Justice.

A visit to Downing Street

Students were invited to take part in a tour of 10 Downing Street, the historic residence and office of the UK Prime Minister. The visit offered a rare chance to step inside the building at the centre of British political leadership.

For students studying public policy, the visit provided a powerful reminder that the ideas discussed in seminars and lectures often shape decisions made just a short walk away.

Inside the Royal Courts of Justice

Students also visited the Royal Courts of Justice, home to the High Court and the Court of Appeal of England and Wales. The tour introduced students to one of the country’s most important legal institutions and highlighted the role of the judiciary in the UK’s constitutional framework.

Walking through the historic courtrooms and halls offered students a tangible connection to the rule of law and the legal processes that underpin policymaking and governance.

Learning public policy in London

Experiences like these illustrate one of the distinctive advantages of studying at the School of Public Policy. Located in the heart of London, the School sits within walking distance of Parliament, government departments, international organisations, think tanks and major legal institutions.

This proximity allows students to engage directly with the places where policy decisions are debated, developed and implemented.

For SPP students, visits to institutions such as Downing Street and the Royal Courts of Justice are a reminder that public policy is not just something studied in theory, it is happening all around them.