Academic Engagement and Attendance Policy 2024_1.pdf (140.63 KB)
A framework for ensuring that academic engagement and attendance (AE&A) of every PGR is sufficient in order to ensure success in their studies

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/academic-freedom-principles-statement
This is a University statement of academic freedom principles. It ensures that the OU community has a common understanding of what academic freedom means for the University, and the responsibilities that come with that freedom.

Advocacy Appointment Form_V1.1_2020-.docx (56.7 KB)
Research students who are experiencing difficulties communicating with The Open University and require a third party to communicate on their behalf can use this form to appoint an advocate

policy-and-guidance-for-aegrotat-and-posthumous-research-degrees-awards.pdf (198.78 KB)
This policy comes into effect in the event of the diagnosis of a terminal or debilitating illness, severely deteriorating disability, or death of a postgraduate research student prior to the completion of their research degree.

Applicant Recommendation Form Prof Docs_0 (1)_0.docx (55.01 KB)
Use this form to recommend admission for an EdD/DHSC Professional Doctorate applicant

Applicant Recommendation Form Non UK_0 (13)_1.docx (78.48 KB)
Use this form to recommend admission for an MPhil/PhD applicant from overseas

Applicant Recommendation Form Transfer (DS Only) (10)-.docx (96.82 KB)
Use this form to apply to transfer your MPhil/PhD registration to The Open University

Application Recommendation Form UK_1 (10)-.docx (74.04 KB)
Use this form to recommend admission for an MPhil/PhD applicant from the UK

ARC Applicant Recommendation Form 24-25.docx (148.64 KB)
Use this form to request admission for an ARC-based applicant

Research Degree by Distance Learning Application Recommendation Form 2024.docx (76.54 KB)
Use this form to request admission for an Distance Learning PhD applicant

Application Form - ARCs-.docx (70.62 KB)
Use this form for applications to an ARC.

application-form-registration-transfer-.docx (88.78 KB)
Use this form to apply for a research degree if you are applying transfer your registration to The Open University

OU Distance Learning PhD and MPhil Application Form.pdf (608.92 KB)
This form is for all applicants (regardless of nationality) who wish to study a PhD or MPhil by distance learning. All applications must be accompanied by a completed HESA form

OU EdD and DHSC Application Form.pdf (400.52 KB)
This form is for any individual (regardless of nationality) who wishes to apply for an EdD or DHSC at the OU. All application forms must be accompanied by a completed HESA form.

OU PhD and MPhil Application Form - British and Irish Citizens.pdf (461.1 KB)
This form is for applicants who wish to apply for a PhD or MPhil and who hold British or Irish citizenship. All applications much be accompanied by a completed HESA form.
Please note that there is a separate application form for applicants who wish to study by distance learning.

OU PhD and MPhil Application Form - International.pdf (435.77 KB)
This form is for PhD and MPhil applications who do not hold British or Irish citizenship. It must be submitted alongside a completed HESA and Equal Opportunities Monitoring Form.

Please note that a separate form should be used by applicants for distance learning.

Carers Fund December 25.docx (98.17 KB)
The PGR Carers Support Fund issues funding to support PGRs who are carers; this document contains guidance notes and application form

https://css2.open.ac.uk/students/ceremonies/
Link to the Ceremonies website

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/code-of-practice-student-discipline
Code of practice for student discipline policy

https://research.open.ac.uk/environment/policies/code-practice
The Research Code of Practice sets out the principles that govern the conduct of research at The Open University (OU), and the standards for good research practice. All members of the OU research community including PGRs are expected to adhere to these principles and standards in their approach to research, throughout the research cycle. It is a top-level reference guide and cross references to other OU policies and processes relevant in the OU research context where researchers may find more detailed information about particular aspects of the research cycle and sources of advice.

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/complaints-and-appeals-procedure
The Student Complaints and Appeals Procedures enable you to bring matters of
concern to the attention of The Open University and provide mechanisms through
which those concerns may be resolved.

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/computing
Computing code of conduct policy

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/conditions-of-registration-pg
Conditions of registrations for PGR students

https://university.open.ac.uk/students/research/ou/ou/support-z/whos-who-postgraduate-research-ou
A list of the key staff members working in postgraduate research across the University

Creative-Writing-Thesis-Guidance_V1.1_2020_0.docx (53.58 KB)
Guidance for students registered for a research degree that includes creative writing

https://www.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/research-data-management/storing-data
Advice on storing and transferring research data securely

Dependants Fund Application Form_V1.1_2020_0.docx (60.88 KB)
Use this form to apply for the dependants fund

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/dignity-and-respect
Student code for dealing with bullying and harassment

https://msds.open.ac.uk/forms/DSF-PGR/
Form to describe what adjustments might be needed to support research student with a disability

https://stem.open.ac.uk/research/research-degrees/epsrc-dtp-doctoral-training-partnership
Information on the Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) doctoral training partnership scheme

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-equality-diversity-inclusion
OU website covering the OU's commitment and approach to equality and diversity

http://www.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/open-access-publishing/etheses
Guidance on the process of depositing your eThesis on Open Research Online

https://www.open.ac.uk/research/ethics/
Information on research ethics at the Open University

EPC Training Module PDF.pdf (209.52 KB)
Exam panel chair (EPC) training for examiners without access to My Learning Centre

Exam Panel Chair Training Guidelines_0.docx (41.32 KB)
A list of expectations and useful documents for Exam Panel Chairs.

Examination Guidelines 2024.docx (91.75 KB)
Examination guidelines for MPhil, PhD and Professional Doctorates (EdD/DHSC)

EPC Aide Memoire_V1.1_2023-.docx (42.62 KB)
Exam Panel Chairs may use this checklist to help manage the viva process

External-appointment-RTW-eligibility_2024_0.docx (42.33 KB)
Right to work guidance for external examiners and supervisors working in the UK

Claim Form - External Staff Expenses Form (DS Only)_1.docx (46.09 KB)
External staff should use this form to claim expenses associated with examining or supervising a research degree student

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/fee-rules
This page hosts documents that set out the University’s policy on setting and charging fees for both directly registered postgraduate research students and those at Affiliated Research Centres.

https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/research-degrees/fees-and-funding/fees-what-you-need-to-pay
Annual fee amounts for the current academic year

PGR Fieldwork and travel checklist and timeline_0_0.docx (29.48 KB)
A task checklist and timeline to help PGRs prepare for their fieldwork

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/fitness-to-study
Sets out how we can support you with regards to your studies if a mental, emotional or physical disability affects the way you interact with the Open University community

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/freedom-of-information-code-of-practice
This code of practice explains the two main responsibilities of the University under the Freedom of Information Act (2000), how information will be shared and what information is exempt

Additional funding support (research degrees prospectus)
You may be entitled to additional financial support from the University or from other funding bodies depending on your circumstances

Research-Guidance_V1.2 2024 (2).docx (65.46 KB)
Guidance on applying GDPR principles to research. Includes Data protection principles, Specific processing situations, Individuals’ rights, Exemptions and Checklist

research_degrees_handbook_arc_phd_24_25.pdf (1.08 MB)
PDF of Research Degrees in Affiliated Research Centres Handbook (should be read prior to registration and referred to throughout registration)

research_degrees_handbook_arc_phd_24_25.docx (931.56 KB)
Research Degrees in Affiliated Research Centres Handbook (should be read prior to registration and referred to throughout registration)

research_degrees_handbook_dr_phd_25_26_0.docx (10.11 MB)
Word and pdf versions of the Research Degrees Handbook: Directly registered PhDs

research_degrees_handbook_dr_phd_25_26_0.pdf (1.04 MB)
Word and pdf versions of the Research Degrees Handbook: Directly registered PhDs

professional_doctorate_25_26_0.docx (13.6 MB)
Handbook explaining Professional Doctorates at the Open University: support available, milestones and facilities

professional_doctorate_25_26_0.pdf (834.6 KB)
Handbook explaining Professional Doctorates at the Open University: support available, milestones and facilities

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-research-academic-strategy/pages/intellectual-property-advice-and-support.aspx
Contains link to the IP and Commercialisation Handbook, with guidance on Intellectual Property, knowledge exchange, material transfer agreements and non-disclosure agreements

IT for PGR Students.docx (1.75 MB)

IT Guide for PGR Students - Post-October 2022 starters-.docx (1.75 MB)
Helps explain why you have two log-ins and which systems you should use them for; it also has some useful trouble-shooting information.

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-it
IT helpdesk and opening hours

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-it/Pages/Post-Graduate-Students.aspx
Help with getting started with OU IT systems

IT support for PGRs-.pptx (415.77 KB)
Presentation on IT support for new PGRs

https://www.gov.uk/doctoral-loan
Information about doctoral loans for research students.

https://www.studentfinancewales.co.uk/postgraduate-students/postgraduate-doctoral-loan.aspx
Information on doctoral loans for research students in Wales.

Managing-Unsatisfactory-Progress_V1.2.2024.docx (45.87 KB)
Guidance for managing unsatisfactory progress

maternity-paternity-adoption-and-shared-leave-policy 24 25.docx (74.96 KB)
This document relates to PG research students who might need support because their study is affected by pregnancy, maternity, paternity, adoption, and shared leave.

https://msds.open.ac.uk/forms/pgr-mh-self-referrals/
PGR students can now refer themselves directly to MHCAT for one-to-one support. This link takes you to the referral form and link to the MHCAT student factsheet. Once completed and submitted the self-referral form will be triaged, and you will be contacted by the team.

https://www5.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/open-access-publishing/open-university-open-access-policy
In line with its mission, The Open University (OU) believes that the ideas and knowledge from its research should be made available and accessible for public use. This policy covers how PG research students should make their research outputs open.

https://www5.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/research-data-management/ordo-system-information
Explains the terms of use of ORDO when working with live research data, and for depositing archival data for preservation and publication

https://www5.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/research-data-management/open-research-data-online
Open Research Data Online (ORDO) is The Open University's research data repository

OU research degrees HESA form.pdf (255.26 KB)
This form must be submitted alongside all applications for a research degree at The Open University

https://doctoral-research-system.open.ac.uk/do/ou-auth/login
Home page of the PGR Manager system

PGR Manager - Student Guide to Completing your Progress Report-.pdf (79.74 KB)
PGRs completing their progress report using PGR Manager

PGR Manager Dashboards-.pdf (199.21 KB)
Guidance to access dashboards: information tables available to administrative and management staff to support the management of PGR students

Guide for OU staff adding events to the PGR Manager Calendar

PGR Manager - Exam panel nomination-.pdf (203.29 KB)
The process for nominating an exam panel via PGR Manager

PGR Manager Examiner and EPC guide - ARC-.pdf (94.2 KB)
Pre- and post-viva PGR Manager step-by-step guide for examiners and exam panel chairs at Affiliated Research Centres

PGR Manager Examiner and EPC guide-.pdf (97.38 KB)
Pre- and post-viva PGR Manager step-by-step guide for examiners and exam panel chairs for directly registered PGRs

PGR Manager Faculty ARC Admin Guide-.pdf (353.22 KB)
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Faculty Administrators

PGR Manager Planning and booking your training_0.pdf (694.59 KB)
Use with the Training and Development area of PGR Manager to produce a skills audit and use PGRM to plan your development.

PGR Manager Students User Guide V2-.pdf (2.83 MB)
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Directly Supported Students and Affiliated Research Centres (ARC)

Supervision meeting notes guidance-.pdf (364.54 KB)
Guidance to upload your supervision meeting notes to PGR Manager

PGR Manager Supervisor and Approver Guide-.pdf (4.83 MB)
User guide for the PGR Manager system, written for Supervisors and Approvers for both Directly Supported and Affiliated Research Centres (ARC)

PGR Manager Upgrade extension guidance +4 students only-.pdf (218.7 KB)

PGR Manager Upgrade guidance for supervisors and assessors-.pdf (149.43 KB)
The process for Upgrade using PGR Manager, for supervisors and assessors

https://research.open.ac.uk/environment/policies/plagiarism-and-misconduct-policy
This policy defines plagiarism in the context of an Open University research degree. It sets out how incidences of plagiarism and other research misconduct committed by postgraduate research students will be investigated and provides a simple graduated framework of penalties when plagiarism or other research misconduct is confirmed.

https://learn1.open.ac.uk/mod/oucontent/view.php?id=21465
This activity looks at different forms of plagiarism and how to avoid them during the production of your thesis.

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/prevent-principles
OU Prevent (counter-terrorism) Principles agreed by The Council November 2015.

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/privacy-notice
Personal information held by the University, and the purposes for which it is used

https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/research-degrees/how-to-apply/professional-doctorates_process
Guidance and links for applying to a professional doctorate

Professional-Doctorates-Framework_V1.2_2024.docx (52.02 KB)
Guidance for academic staff who want to create a new professional doctorate qualification

Prof_Doc_At_A_Glance.docx (133.43 KB)
For Professional Doctorate students to see what they can access via the Open University Graduate School

https://www.open.ac.uk/postgraduate/research-degrees
Information for new applicants, also contains info on fees and funding

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/public-interest-disclosure-whistleblowing
This Public Interest Disclosure policy provides guidance to staff and students wishing to raise their reasonable suspicions about irregularities in the running of the University or of the activities of colleagues within the University.

Reasonable Adjustments guidance October 2025.docx (84 KB)
This document offers guidance to postgraduate research (PGR) students on the reasonable adjustment support available to you if you have a disability or if you are a registered carer.

Recommending-a-student-be-registered-for-an-alternative-research-degree_V1.2 2024.docx (46.07 KB)
Guidance to supervisors, faculties and students where it is recommended that a student’s work is not of the required academic standard for the research degree they are registered for and they should be registered for an alternative research degree

recruitment-guidelines.pdf (841.3 KB)
To provide guidance to faculties in the recruitment and selection of research students, and to aid the completion of the relevant Applicant Recommendation Form

Recruitment Guidelines ARC_0.pdf (272.5 KB)
Guidelines for recruiting research students based at an Affiliated Research Centre (ARC)

Research Degree by Distance Recruitment Guidelines 2024.pdf (330.29 KB)
Guidelines for recruiting research students studying a distance-learning PhD.

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/research-degree-regulations
These regulations are the definitive statement on the regulatory framework governing Research Degrees at The Open University - both Research Degree Regulations and Research Degree by Distance Regulations are accessible

https://university.open.ac.uk/library-research-support/research-data-management/open-university-research-data-management-policy
Defines the standards that govern the management of research data at The Open University

Proof of English - detailed guidance for applicants.docx (96.59 KB)
This document provides detailed guidance for research degree applicants on proving their English language comptency

research-proposal-prof-docs-.docx (34.05 KB)
Research proposal form to be submitted with 'Application form - Professional doctorates (EdD/DHSC)'

Return to Study Form_V1.3 2024.docx (50.19 KB)
This form should be completed as part of the return to study meeting following a period of suspended registration

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-people-services/pages/a-z.aspx#i%2FImmigration
Guidance on immigration and right to work checks

Sponsorship Agreement_2024_0.docx (49.26 KB)
Complete this form if all or part of your research degree fees will be covered by a sponsor

Staff Fee Waiver Form_V1.2_2025.docx (50.85 KB)
Complete this form if all or part of your fees will be covered by a staff fee waiver and you are employed by the University (excluding Associate Lecturers)

Staff Fee Waiver form-AL_V1.2_2025_0.docx (79.83 KB)
Complete this form if all or part of your fees will be covered by a staff fee waiver and you are employed as an Associate Lecturer (AL)

Student_Assistance_Fund_guidance_notes.docx (104.64 KB)
Guidance notes to help complete the Student Assistance Fund application form

Student Assistance Fund PGR application form_final-.pdf (92.27 KB)

https://help.open.ac.uk/documents/policies/student-charter
This Charter, developed jointly by the University and the OU Students Association, sets out what our responsibilities are and what we can all expect of each other

UKVI Student Route Visa Holder Roles and Responsibilities Form.docx (49.04 KB)
The purpose of this agreement is to ensure that the student is aware of their responsibilities to The Open University as the sponsor for their Student Route visa

Supervision meeting form for student route visa holders.docx (26.33 KB)
Student route visa holders should complete this form and upload it to their formal supervision meeting notes on PGR Manager.

Supervision-Policy-.pdf (175.65 KB)
This policy sets out the University’s expectations and requirements for PGRS supervision

https://ukcge.ac.uk/resources/resource-library/a-guide-to-online-supervision
The UK Council for Graduate Education has published this guide to online supervision, created to help research supervisors navigate the challenges of remote doctoral supervision

Supervisor-Guidelines_V1.1_2020 (DS and ARC)_0.docx (71.79 KB)
This document contains guidance and policy for research degree supervisors

Professional-Doctorate-Supervisor-Guidelines_V1.2 2024.docx (47.75 KB)
Guidance for supervisors of Professional Doctorate students

https://learn3.open.ac.uk/course/view.php?id=300902&cmid=178047
Link to resources including the supervisor handbook and training materials

Supervisor-Training-Guidelines_V1.3 2024.docx (32.78 KB)
Sets out supervisor training obligations and links to relevant resources

Team guidelines-.docx (25.06 KB)
Lays out standards for how we will use our Team spaces and how moderation will work

Thesis-Submission-Guidelines_V1.4 (2).docx (118.33 KB)
Guidelines for thesis submission for examination and the final electronic copy

Third-Party-Monitoring-Guidelines_V1.1_2020 (DS and ARC)-.docx (49.81 KB)
Guidelines for third party monitoring of a research student

https://openuniv.sharepoint.com/sites/intranet-people-services/pages/a-z.aspx#t%2FTransgender
The Transgender Staff Policy

Visiting Students Nomination Form V1.5.docx (94.99 KB)
Use this form to nominate a visiting student

Visiting Students Report Form.docx (67.4 KB)
Report format to capture visiting student activities in Faculty and University.

Postgraduate-Research-Student-Wellbeing-and-Mental-Health-Policy_V1.3 2024.docx (62.58 KB)
Formalises existing good practice around PG research student mental health, including information on different roles, study breaks and support mechanisms

http://www.open.ac.uk/students/research/ou/services/student-wellbeing
GSN page collating student resources to support wellbeing

Writing COVID-19 into your thesis_with license-.pdf (348.04 KB)
Suggestions of how the influence of the pandemic might be referenced in the usual chapters in a thesis