Immersive, Inclusive and Embodied Learning

Award Award	Duration Duration	Start dates Start dates	Application Application
PhD or Professional doctorate PhD or Professional doctorate	PhD: Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years Professional doctorate: Part-time: 4–8 years PhD: Full-time: 3–4 years Part-time: 6–8 years Professional doctorate: Part-time: 4–8 years	October October	November to January November to January

The Immersive, Inclusive, and Embedded Learning programme investigates how extended reality (XR), spatial computing, and sensor-based technologies can transform learning by embedding it directly within real-world and simulated environments. The programme futures builds on IET’s long-standing expertise in augmented, virtual, and mixed reality, and inclusivity extending into new domains of accessibility, inclusion, and embodied cognition.

Our research explores how immersive technologies can support authentic learning-by-doing (also in different socio-economic contexts), enable empathy-rich simulations, and offer equitable access to complex or remote experiences. The ‘inclusive’ dimension addresses universal design, accessibility through XR and AI, and co-creation with learners from diverse backgrounds. The ‘embedded’ dimension focuses on seamless, Augmented Reality integration, where learning is not separate from work or play but occurs naturally within lived, spatially, and socially situated contexts.

The programme connects design research, performance analytics, and cognitive science with the social mission of the Open University, ensuring that the immersive revolution enhances – not replaces – human educators. It supports the Open University’s strategic priorities in innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning, while contributing to global EdTech and XR standards.

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and an MA or research methods training at MA level (or equivalent). If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

UK fee UK fee	International fee International fee
Full-time: £5,006 per year Full-time: £5,006 per year	Full-time: £12,705 per year Full-time: £12,705 per year
Part-time: £2,503 per year Part-time: £2,503 per year	Part-time: £6,353 per year Part-time: £6,353 per year

Some of our research students are funded via the Faculty or The Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership and others are self-funded.

For detailed information about fees and funding, visit Fees and studentships.

To see current funded studentship vacancies across all research areas, see Current studentships.

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