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For full-time and part-time MPhil and PhD applications, applications are accepted across all research areas for study commencing on 1 October each year, with applications opening in late October/early November the year before. Closing dates for the October cohort can vary depending on the faculty and funding source. Studentship advertisements on the OU Studentships page give details of specific application deadlines for funded projects. For self-funded projects, the application deadlines for the October intake are as follows:
Some research areas also accept applications for study commencing on 1 February:
Before you apply, we recommend that you seek advice from the contact for the research area you are interested in – please read our How to apply page.
You will need to complete an online application form. As part of your application, you will be asked to provide information about your academic qualifications, English language proficiency, and, where necessary, your immigration information. You will also be asked to provide the details of two academic referees who can comment on your ability to undertake a research degree.
As part of the application form, you will need to upload:
Please note that the OU is moving to a new application system, and links will be made available when recruitment reopens in late October 2026. We are unable to accept applications submitted on old forms.
You should check if a proposal is needed from you, and its format, in the studentship advert or by talking to a contact within the research area (see How to apply). If a proposal is required for your chosen degree or studentship, we suggest the following format, but again research proposals may differ by faculty/studentship and it is important to check this before you apply.

The proposal document typically consists of:
The proposal enables the academic staff responsible for selecting applicants to assess:
The following books offer useful advice about how to develop a research degree proposal:
If you are applying for an advertised studentship where the research topic has already been defined, instead of preparing a research proposal, you should explain in writing why you are interested in the project and your suitability for the studentship. Please include information about your knowledge of the relevant literature and research methods. The advertisement will tell you if you need to send a proposal.
If you are applying for self-funded study, you should say what resources you will need (such as laboratory access, equipment, and fieldwork), what they will cost and the proposed source(s) of funding.
When we receive your application it will be forwarded to the relevant research area for consideration. The research area will assess your eligibility to undertake a research degree, determine whether your proposed project will make a significant contribution to knowledge and determine whether a suitable supervisory team can be established with the relevant expertise in the subject area. The research area will also assess whether your proposed project is a good fit with the research strategy of the department, faculty and University.
Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an interview, normally held at the OU campus in Milton Keynes. If you have a disability or other need for which you might need an adjustment to be made in order to participate fully in an interview, please let us know so we can meet your requirements.
Within the selection process, you will be expected to provide your original qualification certificates (including official translation into English, if applicable), transcripts where appropriate, and your passport. We will follow up your references before an offer of registration will be made.
There are additional requirements and considerations for International research student applications.
An image to illustrate the MPhil and PhD how to apply page.
Aerial view of The Open University's 111 acre campus, Milton Keynes.
For advice about applying for a research degree, or sponsoring a research student, email the Graduate School or call +44 (0)1908 653806.
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