The Institute of Educational Technology (IET) is one of the leading education research units in the UK. It is an internationally respected centre of excellence that pursues innovative and rigorous research that influences policy and practice. IET research is multidisciplinary and focuses on the use of diverse media in a wide range of social, cultural, and disciplinary settings.
The Institute provides research students with a supportive environment and excellent research facilities. Research within IET is interdisciplinary across the Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies and other faculties such as Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics for technology, communication, and education topics. IET offers a unique opportunity to study the theory, application and practice of inclusive educational and learning technologies with guidance from world-class experts in the field.
Key facts
A large community of PhD and Professional Doctorate researchers
A vibrant, interdisciplinary and multicultural environment
Opportunities and support provided for research students to attend workshops, seminars and conferences at other national and international institutions
Location
Most of our full-time research students are based at our Milton Keynes campus; for details of residence requirements for different modes of study, see Full-time study and Part-time study.
Facilities
The Open XR Studios, a £5.5m investment from the Office for Students, is our state-of-the-art facility dedicated to expanding research into new learning modalities such as augmented reality (AR), extended reality (XR), virtual reality (VR). With dedicated production facilities for motion and performance capture, virtual and volumetric production, the Open XR Studios opens up possibilities for learning in high-risk or distant environments. IET is also home to the Global Open Graduate Network, the leading international group for doctoral and postdoctoral researchers working in open education. Additionally hosted by IET is the Research Capability Hub, the national point of coordination for interdisciplinary social science training in the UK.
Career prospects
Many of our doctoral students go on to build successful academic and non-academic careers. It’s also common to use our doctoral study as a platform for continuing professional development in a wide variety of occupations at local, national, and international contexts.
Links
Institute for Educational Technology (IET)
Research at The Open University
Find your research topic
Explore specific areas of research, current and prospective projects, entry requirements, fees and funding, available supervisors, how to apply and contact details for advice.
AI, learning analytics and design
Digital education for sustainability
Digital health, wellbeing and learning
Digital participation, social justice and equitable learning
Future of work and professional development
Immersive, inclusive and embodied learning
Related topics
Consider linked topics from other research areas.
Astronomy education
Language and AI
Physics education
Josmario Albuquerque, PhD Student, Faculty of Wellbeing, Education and Language Studies
Undertaking a PhD amid a pandemic is very challenging, but the support from my faculty has been incredible! The postgraduate research team is always ready to help and keen to assist in any adversity a student can face. This has given me a strong sense of belonging and a boost in my motivation throughout the process. I am doubtless the OU is a great place for a research degree.
