The chance to become a member of a very active and internationally recognized group of researchers completing cutting edge science. In the last RAE 70% of the research was recognised as 'world leading' or 'internationally excellent' - and the Department was awarded a Grade 5 in the last RAE and collaborates with many other institutions world-wide.
The opportunity to be fully involved in the vibrant Earth Science and Planetary Science community of over 100 scientists (see CEPSAR)
A team of research-active supervisors. Every project has at least two internal supervisors and many projects have supervisors from other institutions
The projects offer a range of opportunities from fully-funded field work in remote areas of the world such as the Himalaya and Americas to cutting edge geochemical and data processing techniques
Financial and general support
Full tuition fees are paid and there is a maintenance grant of £13,590 per annum for three years with the possible extension for a further six months or so
Your own up-to-date PC on your desk for the duration of your studies
The opportunity to take part each year in our unique distance learning programme
Financial support for presenting your research at an international conference
Office space in the Department shared with a few other postgraduates
Training
Training and use of state-of-the-art research equipment
Comprehensive training programme in generic skills that will be tailored to your needs
Training in scientific and practical skills appropriate to the project that you choose
Detailed self study pack on Postgraduate Research Skills
The opportunity to study an Open University undergraduate course each year free of charge. These include languages, maths, technology and arts courses
Support to attend Research Council-approved short courses as appropriate
Social
Lively social programme organised by the Department's postgraduate Club RocSoc and the Open University Postgraduate Students Society
Milton Keynes can offer: the largest indoor snow slope in the UK, two multiplex cinemas, a new theatre, art gallery, many venues for inexpensive eating and drinking, an extensive shopping centre, lots of green spaces and concrete cows!
Central London is only 35 minutes by train with frequent and late running services
Milton Keynes also has a good supply of reasonably priced rented accommodation and a city wide network of cycle ways
