Current Opportunities and How to Apply

The School of Environment, Earth and Ecosystem Sciences at The Open University (Faculty of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) invites applications for the following full or part-time PhD studentships open to all nationalities. 

We strongly advise that you get in touch with the contact person associated with each project for informal discussion and advice. For any procedural or administrative questions please email STEM-EEES-PHD@open.ac.uk

There are currently no vacancies at the moment

Funding information

For projects funded through the Doctoral Training Partnership CENTA successful candidates will receive:

• An annual stipend of £18,622 paid directly to the student in monthly increments for 3.5 years
• Full university fees at Home level, and successful international candidates should discuss with the OU a fee waiver to cover the difference between Home and International fees.
• A research training support grant (RTSG) of £8,000

For projects funded by the OU STEM faculty the successful candidates will receive:

• An annual stipend of £18,622 paid directly to the student in monthly increments for 3.3 years
• Full university fees, and successful international candidates should discuss with the OU a fee waiver to cover the difference between Home and International fees.
• A research training support grant (RTSG) of £3,300 

Eligibility and Requirements

Applicants must hold a Bachelor’s or equivalent degree in a relevant subject with a grade at least equivalent to a 2:1 OR must demonstrate at least a pass at MSc level.  There is no residency or nationality limit on these studentships. 

How to apply 

For projects labelled either with funding "CENTA" or with funding "CENTA or OU STEM" you will need to submit:

• A CENTA application form, downloadable from: CENTA application
• A CV with the names of at least two referees (preferably three and who can comment on your academic abilities)
• An Open University application form, downloadable from: Home OU application form (if you are resident in the UK) or an Overseas OU application form (if you are an international applicant). In Section 14 of the Open University application form, please insert the title of the project to which you have applied. In Section 15 of the Open University application form please tick "yes".

For projects labelled with funding "OU STEM" you will need to submit:

• A EEES application form, downloadable from: EEES application. Projects labelled 'CENTA or OU STEM' should not complete this form, the CENTA form is sufficient.
• A CV with the names of at least two referees (preferably three and who can comment on your academic abilities)
• An Open University application form, downloadable from: Home OU application form (if you are resident in the UK) or an Overseas OU application form (if you are an international applicant). In Section 14 of the Open University application form, please insert the title of the project to which you have applied. In Section 15 of the Open University application form please tick "yes".