Recruitment timetable

Please note that the timetable below is for internally funded or self-funded PhD studentships and Professional Doctorates. Externally funded studentships, such as Doctoral Training Partnerships and Oxford, Open Cambridge would follow the timelines mentioned in the advertisements.

Studentship projects are posted on the OU jobs page in November/December
Deadline for applications for an October 2026 start is 16th January 2026 (or as advertised)
Shortlist applicants February
Interview days March
Informal offers made in April/May
Formal offers issued by Research Degrees in July-September
Official start date of new cohort 1st October
Residential Weekend for Year 1 Professional Doctorates – first weekend in October
PhD Induction – early October