James Watkins
Master of Public Policy (MPP) Class of 2026
Name: James Watkins
Programme and year: MPP Class of 2026
Nationality: British-American
The MPP programme helped me refocus my career on directly helping to solve the issues I care about in the world, by building expertise in how to practice effective policy, politics and public management.
Can you tell us about your background and why you chose to study the MPP programme at SPP?
Having started my career as a reporter, I subsequently held commercial leadership roles in digital marketing at news brands such as The Economist, but always missed engaging directly with policy issues from my time in journalism. For me, the MPP programme helped me refocus my career on directly helping to solve the issues I care about in the world, by building expertise in how to practice effective policy, politics and public management.
What have been some of your takeaways from your studies so far?
My main takeaway from my studies so far is that there are no ‘right’ answers in policy design and implementation — though there are wrong ones. Rather than solving problems with complete information, the role of policymakers can only be to seek to move things in a positive direction. Also, an insight from one of our professors this year that has stuck with me is that the normative question of ‘what’ we are aiming for can be a question of political ideology, but ‘how’ we get there is simply a technical matter of economic policy.
What advice would you give to anyone who is considering studying the MPP? Any practical tips for those preparing to join the MPP from overseas?
My advice for those considering joining the MPP cohort is to prepare for a busy yet rewarding few months! The academic programme is demanding but remains accessible for people from various backgrounds. It goes by very quickly, so embrace it! Activities outside of academics, such as LSE-wide and SPP events, networking opportunities, socialising with your cohort of incredible fellow students, and exploring London will quickly fill up the rest of your time.
What is your favourite thing about living and studying in London?
London is a wonderful city to live and study in. You will never run out of new neighbourhoods to explore, incredible global food to taste, shows to see, or parks to hang out in when the sun comes out. Though a lot of the city can be expensive, London’s best bits — its parks, canals, and beautiful architecture — are free to explore by foot or bike.
Can you describe your SPP experience so far in 3 words?
Global. Stimulating. Inclusive.