Energy and sustainability

Qualifications	Duration	Start dates	Application period
PhD (MPhil also available)	Full time: 3–4 years Part time: 6–8 years	February and October	January to April

Qualifications
PhD (MPhil also available)

Duration
Full time: 3–4 years
Part time: 6–8 years

Start dates
February and October

Application period
January to April

For more than 40 years The Open University has been active in considering the relationship between energy and sustainability. We have research interests in electricity technology and policy, including the growth of renewables. We have much interest in energy recovery from wastes and end-of-life materials.

We are also active in seeking to understand the behaviours of energy users and the linkage of those behaviours to the built environment and design. We have a focus on the role of justice and equity in environmental management and energy sustainability. Our researchers also consider energy knowledge exchange, considerations of stakeholder dialogue and aspects of public communication.

Our diverse research portfolio involves laboratory-based investigation, desk-based assessments and qualitative research including engaging with human subjects Much of the OU’s energy research is interdisciplinary in nature. It combines science, engineering and social science perspectives. The university’s energy and sustainability research often takes a systemic approach with the possibility also of utilizing cognate perspectives such as technology management, environmental management and complexity science.

Entry requirements

Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree in a technical or appropriate science discipline, depending on the project proposed. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.

Potential research projects

For proposed projects in the School of Engineering and Innovation, please email: STEM EI research. The best time to enquire is late autumn each year.

Current/recent research projects

One recent example of an OU PhD student working on energy issues is Madhu Madhavi. In 2020 one of Madhu’s research publications was awarded the James Watt Medal by Institution of Civil Engineers Publishing.