Current PhD Studentships

School of Physical Sciences at The Open University

Based in Milton Keynes

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

We expect to recruit two candidates for the following projects:

Please note: In conformity with UKRI rules, only Home Students are eligible for these studentships.

P1. Mysteries of the sulfur cycle on Venus. 

P2. Unveiling the most dusty and distant galaxies in wide-field infrared imaging with machine learning.

P3. Simulating interstellar icy grains in the laboratory. 

P4. Detectors and Science Implications for the Habitable Worlds Telescope.

P5. Exploring rapid astrophysical variability – a pilot study for a network of small-aperture telescopes with CMOS detectors.

P6. Investigating Giant Star-forming Clumps in simulations and the real Universe.

The following PhD project is available through an OU-Te2v collaboration agreement and is contingent on receiving matched funding from the European Space Agency via the OSIP scheme

P7. Development of Next-Generation X-ray Detectors for Astronomy (This project is open to both home and international students) 

How to apply

Applications for October 2026 are now closed

  • a completed Application form UK if you are classed as a home student.
  • 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.

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 £20,780 per year (2025/26 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.