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Full/ part-time PhD Studentship

The Open University and General Osteopathic Council are co-funding a Full-time PhD Studentship, based in the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) at the Open University 

Stipend: Approximately £18,622 per annum for 3 years and UK tuition fees covered

Closing date: 28 February 2024

The School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies (WELS) invites applications for a 3-year full-time UK PhD studentship starting on 1st October 2024. (Applications to study part time will also be considered.)
This co-funded studentship offers a unique opportunity for an intellectually curious and driven individual to design and pursue their own funded doctoral research under the guidance of a team of supervisors from the OU and advisers from the General Osteopathic Council.

The study

The precise focus of the PhD will be developed collaboratively after recruitment. We welcome proposals which are aligned with the following topics: 

  • Study of trust in regulation and regulatory processes and functions (including education, standards, continuing professional development and Fitness to Practise) with patients and/ or with registrants.
  • Improving the information (readability, content, accessibility, usability) presented by the GOsC for the public about the regulation of osteopaths to support public trust and engagement.
  • Evaluating resources to support decision making with patients for registrants/patients/public in collaborative consultations. 

Research proposals are invited to explore ‘trust’ in the General Osteopathic Council from the perspectives of registrants and the public.  This could include: 

Further info on GOsC research

This studentship is co-funded by the General Osteopathic Council, therefore any personal data you share as part of the application process will be shared with them. For further information, lease consult The Open University’s Student Privacy Notice and the General Osteopathic Council’s Privaty Note

We especially welcome students who are interested in developing their social science methods (qualitative, quantitative, or a combination).

The Studentship

The studentship will be fully funded for 3 years by The Open University and GOsC. The studentship covers UK tuition fees, provides a stipend of approximately £18,622 per year and a research support and training grant (£1,000 per annum for 3 years).

Further information about studying for a research degree at the OU.

During the period of the studentship, the holder will be expected to live within reasonable travelling distance of Milton Keynes.

How to Apply

Application forms are available from MPhil and PhD Application | Research | Open University
Completed application forms and details of two referees, together with a Research Proposal of no more than 2000 words, a cover letter indicating your suitability along with supporting documents listed at the bottom of the application form and reasons for applying must be sent to WELS-Student-Enquiries@open.ac.uk

We value diversity and we recognise that different people bring different perspectives, ideas, knowledge, and culture, and that this difference brings strength. 
For further discussion of academic content please contact Prof. Louise Wallace. If you have any queries about the studentships prior to applying, please contact the WELS Postgraduate Research Team

Closing date: 12:00pm on Wednesday 28 February 2024

Interviews will take place in March/April 2024