The Open University Business and Law Schools are delighted to announce the opening of applications for the 2026 intake of PhD Studentships, commencing on 1 October 2026. These opportunities are available through both the campus-based PhD Programme and the PhD by Distance Learning Programme, enabling candidates from across the United Kingdom and around the world to pursue doctoral research within a world-leading institution for open, inclusive, and high-quality education.

The Open University (OU) is globally recognised for its research excellence and innovative learning model. Within the Faculty of Business and Law (FBL), our academic community conducts research that is intellectually rigorous, socially relevant, and internationally impactful. Doctoral candidates join a dynamic research environment where inquiry is guided by principles of excellence, equity, and engagement with real-world challenges.

By joining our doctoral programmes, students become part of a collaborative community committed to producing research that contributes to academic scholarship, informs policy, and delivers tangible benefits to society, the economy, and the environment.

About the PhD Studentship Programmes

A Foundation for Scholarly and Professional Growth

The Open University offers two modes of doctoral study within the Faculty of Business and Law:

• Campus-Based PhD Programme – conducted at our Milton Keynes campus, designed for students who wish to immerse themselves in a vibrant, in-person academic environment.
• PhD by Distance Learning Programme – a flexible, online-based pathway for students residing across the UK or internationally, supported through remote supervision and engagement.

Both programmes offer candidates the opportunity to undertake original research under the guidance of expert supervisors, supported by comprehensive training and access to the University’s extensive academic and digital resources. Students develop advanced capabilities in research design, data analysis, academic communication, and research impact.

The 2026 studentships call invites applications for ten advertised research projects within the Business and Law Schools, in addition to self- or externally funded projects in other relevant areas of business, management, and law, subject to supervisory capacity.

Available Research Projects

The 2026 studentships cover a diverse range of research topics that reflect The Open University’s commitment to advancing knowledge that responds to global, social, and technological transformations.

Projects Available for Campus-Based or Distance Learning Study

• DAF01 – Accounting, Accountability and Governance
  Investigating contemporary issues in financial transparency, ethics, and organizational accountability frameworks.
• DAF03 – Private Consultants and Notions of Accountabilities
  Examining the evolving roles of private consultants and their influence on accountability structures across sectors.
• DAF04 – The Semantics of Capitalism
  Exploring the shifting language, ideologies, and social meanings associated with capitalism in modern economies.
• DSM01 – Aligning Financial Ecosystems with Sustainable Innovation in Emerging Industries: Pathways, Barriers, and Institutional Dynamics
  Analysing how financial and institutional systems can enable sustainable innovation in new and emerging industries.
• DSM03 – Taking the Energy Transition Forward in Emerging and New Frontier Countries: Complementary Innovations in Off-Grid Systems, Multi-Purpose Energy Hubs, Battery Repurposing, and the Enabling Institutional Reforms
  Assessing the technological and institutional pathways supporting energy transition and clean energy access in developing contexts.

Projects Available for Campus-Based Study Only

• DAF02 – Debt, Growth, and Inequality in Financialised Capitalism
  Exploring how contemporary debt dynamics shape economic growth and inequality in financialised economies.
• DPO01 – The Role of Digital Twin and Thread to Facilitate Whole Lifecycle Information Flow in a Circular Economy
  Investigating how digital technologies can enable sustainability through lifecycle information integration and design innovation.
• DSM02 – Artificial Intelligence vs. Human-Composed Music in Advertising: Exploring Consumer Responses, Brand Perceptions, and the Future of Creative Authenticity
  Comparing the psychological and emotional effects of AI-generated and human-created advertising content on consumers.
• Law01 – Policing Technology-Facilitated Violence Against Women and Girls
  Examining policy, practice, and policing strategies to combat online and technology-facilitated gender-based violence.

Project Available for Distance Learning Study Only

• Law02 – Project in Human Rights Law and/or Migration Law
  Exploring pressing questions in human rights, international migration, and global justice from legal and policy perspectives.

In addition, the Faculty offers studentship opportunities via the ESRC Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (GUDTP) under the Organisation, Leadership and Governance Pathway. These studentships follow separate entry processes, available through the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences (FASS).

Funding and Financial Support

Fully funded studentships are available for full-time study over three years through either the campus-based or distance learning programmes.

• For UK-domiciled candidates (campus-based or distance learning):
  Studentships cover full tuition fees and provide a tax-free stipend of approximately £20,780 per annum for 36 months.
• For international (overseas) distance learning candidates:
  Studentships cover tuition fees only. Applicants wishing to be considered for this option should select the “fee bursary” option on the application form.

All successful candidates receive a Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) to assist with expenses related to data collection, fieldwork, conferences, and dissemination activities.

Part-time students are not eligible for studentship funding; however, the Faculty welcomes self-funded or externally sponsored part-time applications, subject to supervisory capacity.

Residential and Attendance Requirements

Campus-Based Students

Candidates admitted to the campus-based programme are expected to live within an easily commutable distance of Milton Keynes. They should meet with supervisors in person on a monthly basis and spend a minimum of two days per week on campus or at their research site.

Distance Learning Students

Students enrolled in the PhD by Distance Learning Programme may reside anywhere in the UK or in most regions globally, subject to the list of ineligible countries specified in the application guidance. UK-based students must attend a mandatory in-person registration at the start of the programme, while international students are encouraged (but not required) to attend induction events in person.

Supervision, training, and research engagement are conducted remotely through secure online platforms. Please note that international students undertaking the PhD by Distance Learning are not eligible for a UK visa based on this programme.

Working Hours and Employment Policy

Students awarded full-time studentships are permitted to engage in no more than six hours of paid work per week outside of their doctoral studies. Candidates seeking more extensive employment during their studies should apply for a part-time route, which is available on a self-funded or externally funded basis.

Eligibility and Entry Requirements

Applicants should demonstrate strong academic and research potential. The minimum entry requirements are as follows:

• An upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent, or
• A specialist Master’s degree in a relevant subject with a substantial research component.

Applicants with alternative qualifications may be considered if they can provide evidence of equivalent research competence through professional experience, research publications, or other scholarly outputs.

Candidates must provide two academic references attesting to their capability for advanced research. Applicants without a degree-level qualification are not eligible.

Application Procedure

Applications for entry in October 2026 must be submitted by 12:00 (noon) GMT on 7 January 2026. Incomplete or late submissions will not be accepted.

All application materials must be submitted via email to FBL-PHD@open.ac.uk as PDF, Word, or JPEG attachments. Files submitted via online storage links (such as Google Drive) cannot be accepted for security reasons.

Required Application Documents

1. A completed application form (UK citizen, non-UK citizen, or distance learning version).
2. A completed Equal Opportunities and HESA Monitoring Form (available on the OU website).
3. A research proposal (1,000–2,000 words) outlining the applicant’s understanding of the literature, research questions, proposed methodology, and anticipated contribution.
4. A covering letter demonstrating motivation, suitability, and alignment with the chosen project.
5. A detailed curriculum vitae (CV) summarising educational background, achievements, and relevant experience.

Interview and Selection Process

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to an interview between late January and March 2026, conducted primarily via Microsoft Teams. The interview includes a 10-minute presentation by the applicant on their proposed research, followed by a 45-minute discussion with an academic panel.

Candidates will be notified of the outcome of their application in April 2026.

Post-Selection Requirements

Successful applicants recommended for progression to the Graduate School must submit the following documents:

• A copy of a valid passport.
• Official degree certificates and academic transcripts, with certified English translations where applicable.
• Proof of English language proficiency (if required).

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency includes:

• A degree obtained from a recognised majority English-speaking country; or
• A Secure English Language Test (SELT) taken on or after 2 October 2024, meeting the following minimum requirements:
  • IELTS: Overall 6.5, with at least 6.0 in each component.
  • LanguageCert: Overall 70, with at least 60 in each component.

Applicants holding qualifications from non-recognised English-speaking countries must provide an English Language Proficiency Statement (ELPS) from Ecctis.

For further guidance on English language requirements, applicants may contact the Graduate School at Graduate-School@open.ac.uk or phone +44 (0)1908 653806.

Pre-Application Workshop

To support prospective candidates in preparing high-quality applications, the Faculty will host an online workshop titled “Preparing Your PhD Application” on Thursday, 11 December 2025, from 14:00 to 15:30 (GMT).

The workshop, led by faculty academics, will cover:

• Determining whether PhD study aligns with your academic and professional goals.
• Understanding the PhD experience at The Open University.
• Crafting a strong research proposal aligned with the advertised projects.
• Practical guidance on the application process.

Interested participants can register for the webinar via Eventbrite. Attendance is free but registration is required.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

The Open University is firmly committed to promoting equality, diversity, and inclusion across all areas of its research and teaching. The Faculty of Business and Law fosters an environment that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and voices.

We strongly encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those traditionally underrepresented in higher education. The University provides appropriate accommodations to ensure equitable access to study and research opportunities.

Research Training and Academic Development

All doctoral candidates within the Faculty of Business and Law benefit from a comprehensive programme of research training delivered through the Graduate School Network.

Training includes core modules in research design and methods, as well as discipline-specific workshops, seminars, and opportunities for collaboration across faculties. Students also have access to:

• Academic writing and publication training.
• Presentation and conference participation workshops.
• Opportunities to engage with academic networks, research centres, and professional bodies.
• Support for knowledge exchange, public engagement, and research impact initiatives.

Through these activities, students develop the competencies and confidence to become independent researchers and contribute meaningfully to their fields.

A Global and Connected Research Community

The Open University’s doctoral programmes are distinguished by their global reach and flexibility. The PhD by Distance Learning model, in particular, enables candidates to engage in world-class research from any location, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and experienced supervision teams.

Distance learning students have full access to The Open University’s online library, research databases, digital archives, and virtual training resources. Regular supervision meetings and progress reviews are held online, ensuring consistent engagement and collaboration.

This flexible approach reflects The Open University’s broader mission—to make high-quality research and education accessible to individuals wherever they are based.

Contact Information

For general queries regarding the Faculty of Business and Law PhD programmes, advertised projects, or the application process, please contact:

Email: FBL-PHD@open.ac.uk
Contact: +44 (0)1908 653806

For enquiries about English language proficiency, immigration, or Research Degrees Regulations, contact:
Email: Graduate-School@open.ac.uk
Contact: +44 (0)1908 653806

Key Dates

Conclusion

The PhD Studentships 2026 offered by The Open University Business and Law Schools represent an exceptional opportunity for talented researchers to join one of the UK’s leading institutions for doctoral study.

By combining academic excellence, flexibility, and a strong commitment to societal relevance, these programmes equip candidates with the knowledge, skills, and experience to make a lasting contribution to their disciplines and communities.

The Faculty looks forward to welcoming a new cohort of researchers whose work will help shape the future of business, law, and global policy.

For more opportunities, visit: opportunitiesforwomen.org/