Current PhD Studentships

School of Physical Sciences at The Open University

Based in Milton Keynes

The School of Physical Sciences is offering two full-time, fully-funded PhD studentships to start in October 2026. The projects available this year fall within the broad research themes of Astronomy, Planetary and Space Science.

We expect to recruit two candidates for the following projects:

Please note: Both UK and international candidates my apply for these studentships.

P1. Simulating interstellar icy grains in the laboratory. 

P2. Detectors and Science Implications for the Habitable Worlds Telescope.

P3. Exploring chloride deposits on ancient Mars

P4. Investigating Giant Star-forming Clumps in simulations and the real Universe.

P5. Low mass planet discoveries through Bayesian analysis of RV data.

P6. The shocking state of meteorites: Redefining the shock classification scheme of planetary materials.

P7. The evolution of Metal-rich Chondrites and implications for Psyche.

P8. Outer Solar System water – combined petrography and modelling of aqueous alteration in carbonaceous chondrites.

P9. Habitability of Enceladus: implications for planetary protection.

How to apply:

The closing date for applications is Tuesday 31st March. Successful candidates for interview will be informed by Tuesday 7th April. We anticipate interviews to take place on Tuesday 21st April,
 

• a completed Application form UK if you are classed as a home student or if classed as an International student  Application Form International
• HESA Form for all Students HESA Form
• an up-to-date CV.
• a list of individual courses taken and grades obtained.
• a personal statement.
• any other relevant information that you think may support your case for consideration.

Please send all applications to the email address below. 

You do not need to submit a research proposal, as it is already defined by us. You are encouraged to contact the lead supervisor of the project(s) for any informal enquiries.

Interviews will take place remotely shortly after the application deadline. 

Funding and Eligibility

These studentships are funded for 3 years and 3 months, with the possibility of an additional 3-month extension. They attract a stipend of £21,805 per year (2026/27 rate), and cover the home-student university fees. The studentships also include support for training and development opportunities. To be eligible for funding, applicants must meet the UKRI academic requirements. We normally require candidates to have at least a 2:1 at UK B.Sc. or M.Sc. level.

Please contact [email protected] with any questions about general administration, eligibility, suitability, funding or the nature of PhD research. Our PhD administrators, Debbie Briggs/Charlotte Coakley and postgraduate research tutor Richard Greenwood, will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

We are committed to widening participation and awarding PhD studentships to a diverse community of applicants. We particularly welcome applications from under-represented groups. Equal Opportunity is university policy.