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STEM Computing and Communications

Explore study opportunities from STEM Computing and Communications.

PhD students

The School of Computing & Communications (C&C) has an internationally recognised community of researchers, with expertise in artificial intelligence, data science, cognitive science, cybersecurity, educational multimedia, human-centred computing, human-computer interaction, machine learning and software engineering.

The School currently has about 30 PhD students. The success of our vibrant PhD student programme is due to a comprehensive support infrastructure and training provision that operates throughout our students’ PhD studies. This includes a strong focus on community building and peer learning, weekly postgraduate research forum, funding to participate in conferences, and an annual PhD student conference. The PGForum program is also supported by the pragmatic PhD blog which focuses on the craft skills of doctoral study and supervision. Our PhD students have received best paper and distinguished dissertation awards at prestigious international conferences and have taken up research positions world-wide in academia and industries.

If you are interested in studying a PhD with us, you may want to read Dr. Chris Douce’s practical tips on applying and carrying out doctoral research. While we expect part-time studies to be self-funded, we offer a number of fully funded competitive full-time PhD studentships every year. Check our PhD topics page regularly to discover the latest opportunities.

Postgraduate Tutors:

Initial approach

Before you apply formally for a research degree, we strongly recommend that you approach potential supervisors directly to discuss a possible research proposal. Remember that your chances of success are greater if you align your research interests with those of your potential supervisors.

Please browse our school’s research pages, staff pages and student projects, to find people you can approach.

If you are unsure whom to approach, please contact the School’s research degrees admission tutor, Dr Alistair Willis (stem-cc-phd@open.ac.uk).

For this initial approach, you should include in your email your CV and a brief paragraph describing the research topic you are interested in.

Formal application

Your formal application should include:

  • a 600-1000 words research proposal
  • a covering letter outlining your suitability for your chosen project. Please cleary indicate that you are applying to the School of Computing and Communications. If you are answering an advert, please make sure you quote the related reference number.
  • a copy of your CV
  • a completed application form, including details of two referees
  • copies of relevant degree certificates and transcripts
  • a copy of your SELTS test results (if applicable)

Your application should be sent to the STEM Faculty at STEM-research-student-support@open.ac.uk.

Research degrees admission tutor