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STEM Knowledge Media Institute

Explore study opportunities from STEM Knowledge Media Institute.

PhD Students

The Knowledge Media Institute (KMi) offers an interdisciplinary and international environment for doctoral research. Our PhD students work alongside researchers investigating how advanced digital technologies can help people learn, collaborate, discover knowledge and address societal challenges.

KMi is globally recognised for research in artificial intelligence, data science, cognitive science, educational multimedia, human-centred computing, human–computer interaction, machine learning and semantic technologies.

Studying for a PhD at KMi

PhD students become active members of KMi’s research community. Support and development opportunities include:

  • guidance from an expert supervisory team;
  • participation in research groups and collaborative projects;
  • weekly research forums and seminars;
  • peer learning and community-building activities;
  • an annual KMi PhD student conference;
  • research training and professional development; and
  • opportunities to present work at academic conferences.

Most KMi PhD students study full time and are based at The Open University’s Walton Hall campus in Milton Keynes. Part-time or distance-learning research may also be possible where a suitable supervisor and working arrangement can be identified.

Studentships and research topics

KMi advertises available studentships and potential PhD research topics on its studentships website. Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the named supervisor for a topic before applying and to develop their research proposal with supervisory guidance.

How to apply

Applications normally include the relevant application forms, a curriculum vitae, a covering letter and a research proposal. Applicants should check the current guidance carefully, as available topics, funding arrangements, closing dates and entry requirements may change between recruitment rounds.

Postgraduate Research Student Tutors

Prospective students may contact KMi’s Postgraduate Research Student Tutors for informal advice:

General enquiries about PhD recruitment can be sent to kmi-phd-recruitment@open.ac.uk.