Postgraduate research

Are you considering studying for a PhD with us? Deciding whether to embark on a PhD is an important decision and one that needs to be made after a great deal of consideration and research. We are here to help you at every stage of this process, from deciding whether a PhD is right for you, to finding detailed information on how to apply.

You should find all of the information that you need on this page, from writing a research proposal to when you should (and why you should) contact us. We also include links to our Research Centres and Departments (Psychology, Sociology, Social Policy and Criminology, Geography, Economics, Politics and International Studies), where you will find individual profiles for each member of staff as well as information on staff specialisms, recent PhD topics and current students.

Types of research degree

There are two kinds of research degree available in the Faculty of Social Sciences:

Master of Philosophy (MPhil)

Students for this degree undertake a research programme that requires proficiency in research methods and techniques and shows an adequate knowledge of the literature. The study should also make a distinct contribution to scholarship in your field. A thesis for the MPhil degree should be no more than 60,000 words in length.

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)

A thesis for the Doctor of Philosophy must make a significant contribution to knowledge, be worthy of publication and give evidence of your ability to undertake further research without supervision. A PhD thesis should be no more than 100,000 words in length.

All prospective students applying for a research degree will apply for an MPhil in the first instance. Students will then be required to pass what is referred to as probation to be upgraded to PhD after approximately one year of study full-time and two years part-time. Probation requires students to submit a substantive piece of written work and a discussion about your work with academics other than your supervisors, and is in place to make sure you are prepared to undertake PhD research. While most students seek an upgrade to PhD, this should not diminish the value of MPhil research in some instances.

You can apply to study full-time or part-time.

Full-time research degrees

If you can dedicate the time to a full-time research project, you'll find yourself working with the OU's academic staff at the University's headquarters at Walton Hall, Milton Keynes or, for certain projects, at one of its Regional Centres. Competitive studentships are sometimes available through the University or other funding bodies. We recognise that funding plays a role in many students' decision-making about starting a PhD. For this reason, students who fund their own studies can register either full-time or part-time. Part-time study is often more viable for self-funding students.

Part-time research degrees

Too busy for full-time study or have other commitments? Don't worry. At the OU we can offer a solution: the chance to study without giving up work or those commitments. Part-time external study is just that. You can use research facilities in your home area, as well as the library and other resources at Walton Hall. You will be having regular meetings with your supervisor(s) at mutually agreed times. The Open University is a world-leading resource in providing access to a superb collection of on-line electronic materials, along with support about how to make best use of it.

The university sometimes offers studentships that will cover the fees for part-time study and if you work for the Open University you may receive a fee-waver for part-time study.

Visiting research student scheme

The Faculty offers a scheme whereby research students registered as PT at The Open University, and from other universities, whether based in the UK or Overseas, are able to visit the Faculty for a minimum of one week. The purpose of the Scheme is to allow research students to work with academics relevant to your research and participate in the intellectual life of the university.

As a visiting student you will have access to the Open University Library (subject to registration with the Library) The University also provides access to desk space, computer and a telephone, though at times this may require sharing the facilities with others. The University does not provide any kind of secretarial or other support, other than for activities that directly relate to research work. We offer no financial support for your visit to cover accommodation and other expenses and fees may apply, depending on the circumstances of the student. Please contact the relevant Departmental Postgraduate Co-ordinator for further details.

Writing a proposal

Normally a proposal should be between 1,500 and 2,000 words and will include the following:

• A working title of the topic area
• General overview/introduction of the area - what are you interested in here?
• dentification of the relevant literature - you will need to show an awareness of some key areas of existing research, writing and if relevant policy.
• Key research questions - what are the important questions you have about your topic?
• Methodology - what is your overall approach in your research? Do you want to do qualitative or quantitative research, or both? What kinds of methods do you think will work for you? Or is your research primarily desk-based/theoretical?
• Timescale/research planning - how will you organise your three years for full-time or six years for part-time?
• Bibliography

Download sample field research proposals (PDF document)

Download sample theory based research proposals (PDF document)

Making an application

Should you wish to pursue a formal application, please complete the application forms contained in the Research Degrees Prospectus and return these to the Research Degrees Office with a copy of your research proposal. The Research Degrees Office will then forward your completed application and research proposal to the relevant Department in the Faculty of Social Sciences.

The main application period is from November to March, to begin study in the following October. Applications may occasionally be considered outside this period, to take advantage of particular studentships and funding opportunities.