The Open University (OU) is delighted to announce the availability of prestigious doctoral funding through the Grand Union Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). This opportunity represents a cornerstone of the University’s commitment to research excellence, social impact, and widening participation in postgraduate education. The programme offers a pathway for aspiring scholars to pursue doctoral studies within a world-leading institution renowned for its innovation in flexible and supported distance learning.
Through this initiative, the OU—working in partnership with the University of Oxford and Brunel University London—seeks to cultivate the next generation of researchers who will advance the boundaries of knowledge in the economic and social sciences. Successful applicants will join a thriving community of scholars and practitioners dedicated to addressing some of the most pressing challenges facing contemporary societies, both in the United Kingdom and around the world.
The Grand Union ESRC DTP provides funding for both full-time and part-time PhD studentships, including a generous annual stipend of approximately £20,780, tuition fee coverage, and additional research and training support. Applications are invited from individuals with a strong academic background, intellectual curiosity, and a demonstrated capacity for independent research.
The Grand Union DTP is a collaborative consortium that brings together the world-class research environments of the University of Oxford, Brunel University London, and The Open University. Supported by the UK’s Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), the partnership aims to provide a dynamic, student-centred training environment that fosters both disciplinary depth and interdisciplinary engagement.
The Grand Union DTP operates on the principle that doctoral education should be transformative—equipping students not only with advanced research skills, but also with the capacity to translate knowledge into practice, inform public policy, and contribute meaningfully to society. The partnership’s vision is underpinned by a shared commitment to:
Students within the Grand Union DTP benefit from extensive training opportunities, mentoring, and collaboration across the three partner institutions. They gain access to exceptional academic supervision, advanced methodological training, and interdisciplinary research clusters that enhance both scholarly and professional growth.
The Open University is the UK’s largest university, with a proud tradition of excellence in open and distance education. Since its founding, the OU has empowered over two million learners worldwide to access higher education, regardless of their location, background, or personal circumstances.
As a research-intensive institution, the OU’s mission extends beyond teaching—it is to generate and disseminate knowledge that addresses real-world challenges. A commitment to social justice, equity, and sustainability characterises the University’s research.
In the most recent Research Excellence Framework (REF), an impressive 72% of OU research was rated as world-leading or internationally excellent, positioning the University among the top third of UK higher education institutions for research quality.
Doctoral students at the OU join a vibrant and supportive research community. They benefit from expert supervision, structured skills training, and access to a vast network of academic and industry partners. The University’s flexible approach to doctoral study—supported by advanced online learning technologies—enables candidates to balance their academic ambitions with personal and professional commitments.
The Grand Union ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships at the OU are offered across seven thematic pathways within the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS). These pathways encompass a wide range of disciplines and research areas, reflecting the interdisciplinary strength of the OU.
While applicants are encouraged to review specific pathway descriptions before applying, the available fields generally include areas such as:
Each pathway offers unique opportunities for doctoral research that align with the OU’s strategic research priorities. Prospective candidates are encouraged to contact pathway leads prior to submission to discuss potential projects and supervision.
The interdisciplinary nature of the Grand Union DTP ensures that students can engage with a range of perspectives and methodologies, fostering innovative approaches to research questions of social, economic, and cultural importance.
Applicants must meet both the Open University’s doctoral admission requirements and the Grand Union ESRC DTP eligibility standards.
Applicants should hold a first-class or upper second-class undergraduate degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline. A Master’s degree or equivalent professional experience is highly desirable, particularly for those seeking a +3 award (PhD only).
Applicants must satisfy the ESRC’s UKRI eligibility criteria regarding residency and citizenship.
In addition to academic excellence, successful applicants will demonstrate:
Full eligibility details can be found on the Grand Union DTP website and the Open University research degrees portal.
Successful applicants to the Grand Union ESRC DTP Studentships will receive a full doctoral award covering both living costs and tuition fees for the duration of the programme (normally three to four years for full-time study).
Part-time study is also available, with funding adjusted on a pro-rata basis. However, part-time doctoral candidates should not be employed in excess of 0.5 full-time equivalent (FTE) during their studies, ensuring sufficient time is devoted to research and academic training.
Doctoral candidates under this programme become part of a richly interactive research ecosystem that emphasises interdisciplinary dialogue, peer support, and scholarly collaboration.
Each student is assigned a supervisory team comprising leading academics in their chosen field. Supervisors provide guidance on research design, methodology, ethics, and dissemination. Students are encouraged to engage in joint publications, conferences, and collaborative projects with their supervisors and peers.
The OU’s Graduate School Network (GSN) provides structured training in transferable skills, digital research methods, academic writing, and professional development. Students also gain access to international research networks and ESRC-sponsored events that expand their professional horizons beyond the university context.
The Open University and the Grand Union DTP are deeply committed to advancing equality and diversity in postgraduate education. The OU’s ethos of “open to all” remains a guiding principle, ensuring that research opportunities are accessible to individuals from all backgrounds.
Applications are especially encouraged from underrepresented groups, including those from minority ethnic communities, individuals with disabilities, and those from non-traditional academic pathways.
The University maintains robust policies on inclusive learning, workplace accessibility, and anti-discrimination. Funded doctoral students benefit from tailored support, including mentoring programmes and access to wellbeing services.
Equal opportunity is embedded in all stages of the recruitment and selection process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and merit-based assessment.
Applying for a Grand Union ESRC DTP Studentship involves submitting two applications: one to the Grand Union DTP and one to The Open University.
Applicants must prepare a concise, well-structured research proposal that outlines the topic, objectives, methodology, and anticipated contributions of their intended doctoral study. The proposal should demonstrate awareness of relevant literature, feasibility of the research design, and alignment with one of the OU’s DTP pathways.
Guidance for this stage can be found on the official Grand Union DTP website under the “How to Apply” section. Applicants should carefully review all requirements, including supporting documentation and reference expectations.
In addition to the DTP form, candidates must complete and submit:
Referees should be informed in advance and be available for contact during the application period.
All documents must be submitted electronically to:
Email: FASS-PhD-Applications@open.ac.uk
The subject line of the submission email should follow this format:
SURNAME_Initial_Pathway_GU_DTP_PhD_application
Applicants are encouraged to apply early to allow sufficient time for coordination with supervisors and referees. Incomplete or late submissions will not normally be considered.
Shortlisted candidates will be invited to an interview in early February 2026. The interview provides an opportunity to discuss the proposed research, academic background, and suitability for the DTP pathway.
Applicants are advised to check the OU and Grand Union DTP websites regularly for updates regarding deadlines and guidance.
For general enquiries relating to doctoral study at The Open University, applicants may contact:
Email: FASS-PhD-Applications@open.ac.uk
Further details about the Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership can be found at:
Website: www.granduniondtp.ac.uk
The Grand Union ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships at The Open University represent more than just a funding opportunity—they embody a gateway to transformative research, intellectual discovery, and societal contribution.
Through collaboration with world-class institutions and the support of the ESRC, the OU provides doctoral candidates with the tools, mentorship, and environment needed to excel as independent scholars and future leaders.
For individuals driven by curiosity, social responsibility, and a desire to make meaningful contributions to the world through research, this programme offers an unparalleled opportunity to join a vibrant, inclusive, and forward-thinking academic community.
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