Research degrees we offer

Open University research degrees are not delivered by distance learning in the way our undergraduate courses are. All PhD students are expected to be resident in the UK for the duration of their studies, and full-time students need to live within an easily commutable distance of Milton Keynes. Professional Doctorate students can be based anywhere in the world. For more information about residency requirements, see Being an OU student FAQs.

Students applying to study a research degree are expected to already hold a bachelors degree with a minimum of upper-second class honours or an equivalent qualification. Specific entry requirements for each type of research degree are outlined in Degrees we offer. Also, some disciplines require an additional qualification at masters level and these subject-specific requirements are included, where they apply, on the Research topic pages of this website.

If you apply for a full-time research PhD studentship funded by an external body, you will, in addition, be subject to their entry requirements.

If you can show that your professional qualifications and experience or previous research activities are suitable preparation for your proposed research degree studies your application may be considered. Please give as much information as possible on your application form to help the academic staff assess your suitability for study.