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Research degrees

Welcome to The Open University's research degrees prospectus.

Explore our list of research areas to find out more about our research priorities, philosophy, environments and facilities; look at the degrees we offer; find out what it’s like to be an OU research student; see our fees and available funding; and find out how to apply.

Research areas

Explore our research areas: research priorities, the research environment, and facilities available.

Degrees we offer

Learn about the types of research degree available (including PhD and Professional Doctorates) and the options around full- and part-time study.

Research degree fees

Find out about the costs involved in doing a research degree as well as sources of funding and support.

Application process

We walk you through how to make your application for different kinds of degree, and outline the Doctoral Training Partnership and Centres for Doctoral Training schemes of which the OU is a member.

Being an OU research student

Our students enjoy high-quality academic and pastoral support, as well as access to excellent research facilities and a rich research environment.

Student views

"I love being a PhD student, being around people who love to learn and do the research: it is a fantastic community to be part of." Discover more of our students’ views.

Frequently asked questions

If you’ve got a question about what it’s like to be a research student at the OU, we’ve got the answer.

Check out some of our frequently asked questions

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Research degrees

Research areas

Degrees we offer

Research degree fees

Application process

Being an OU research student

Student views

Frequently asked questions

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