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The OU supports a diverse community of around 900 postgraduate research students, doing cutting-edge PhD and Professional Doctorate projects:
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Want to start a funded Open University doctorate? Closing dates in January and June. Don't miss out.
See current PhD studentships
Find out about our current research areas, the research degrees we offer, sources of funding, how to apply and what it's like to be an OU research student.
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Authentic, interdisciplinary, inspiring: research students talk about why they joined the OU’s ‘lovely research community'.
My supervisors have been amazing. Extremely supportive when needed while also allowing me to have very independent control over my project. They have just been great and made the experience so worthwhile and so much fun.
The love of learning, support and friendship knows no boundaries at The Open University. It is indeed a place that lives up to its name where doors are open, minds are open, people are open, and opportunities are open to everyone.
If you’ve got a question about what it’s like to be a research student at the OU, we’ve got the answer.
Check out some of our frequently asked questions
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