PhD programme

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

What is a PhD?

A PhD is a Doctorate of Philosophy, a prestigious qualification which is the highest level of degree that a student can achieve, demonstrating talent, academic excellence and a thirst for knowledge. In a modern knowledge-based economy, highly educated and skilled people such as doctoral graduates, are in great demand. They form the most highly educated and skilled group in the UK and internationally. Many will go on to use their skills within academia or in research-intensive occupations in industry. However, there will be others who will draw on their research background and the skills gained through a doctoral degree in a wide variety of other occupations. Examples of the type of employment opportunities taken up by PhD holders can be found at Vitae: researcher careers.

What will I get from a PhD?

You will get a huge sense of personal achievement. Our doctoral training programme will help you develop transferable skills that will be invaluable in your subsequent career. The research techniques and methodologies you master will enable you to make a direct contribution to the advancement of knowledge in your particular subject area.
Successful candidates are awarded the degree of Doctor of Philosophy and are permitted to use the title ‘Dr’.
 

Entry requirements

You should hold a Master’s degree in an appropriate cognate area from a UK University or other recognised degree-awarding body by the time of application. The comparability of qualifications from outside the UK with The Open University requirements will be determined through reference to UK European National Information Centre (UK ENIC).

Funding

Full-time funded PhDs will be advertised on The Open University jobs page under the heading ‘Studentship’. If you have a sponsor or have sufficient personal funding to support your fees and training requirements, you can apply for a self-funded PhD place.

Residential requirement

Directly registered students must be resident in the UK for the duration of their studies. Full-time students are expected to be available on campus to undertake their research, attend related training or other relevant events and meet supervisors and other members of their academic unit on a regular basis. They are expected to live within easy daily commutable distance of the campus.

Time commitment

Full-time students are required to spend a minimum of 37 hours a week on their studies throughout their registration period up to four years. Part-time students are required to spend a minimum of 18.5 hours per week on their studies throughout their registration period up to eight years.

Fees

Please visit our fees page for more details.

Selection process

All research degree places are subject to a selection process and you will be required to write a research proposal and attend an interview before you are offered a place. Places are decided based on:

• the quality of your proposal
• the view of the selection panel regarding the contribution to knowledge that your research would make
• the availability of supervisors with knowledge and experience relevant to your research
• the University’s current research priorities
• any entry requirements that apply to the research area

Selection is conducted according to the fair selection principles defined in the UK Quality Code for Higher Education: Admissions, Recruitment and Widening Access, and Research Degrees. You can read more about the Quality Code in the Research Degree Student Handbook.

How to Apply

You will need to complete your application via our online applications portal. If you have not used this portal before then you will need to register your interest and follow the instructions to create an account, although OU staff may sign in directly. Please be aware that this portal uses multi-factor authentication to keep your information secure.  
As part of your application, you will be asked to provide information about your academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and, where necessary, your immigration information. You will also be asked to provide the details of two academic referees who can comment on your ability to undertake a research degree. Equality monitoring information is requested but does not form part of the academic selection process.
As part of the application form, you will need to upload:
a research proposal
a CV/resume outlining your most relevant qualifications, professional experience, and any prior research experience
copies of your degree certificates (including translations if not in English)
proof of English language competency (see International research student applications for further details)
for externally funded studentships, you may be asked to complete an additional form. This will be stated on the advertisement