Explore study opportunities from STEM Physical Sciences.
PhD students are an integral part of the School of Physical Sciences and its research community. They work alongside academic staff, postdoctoral researchers, technical specialists and external collaborators to investigate questions spanning the smallest scales of matter to the evolution of planets, stars and galaxies.
Our postgraduate researchers contribute to projects across astronomy, physics, physics education, planetary and space sciences, and space instrumentation. Their research includes theoretical, computational, observational, laboratory and instrument-development approaches.
Research students have access to specialist laboratories, analytical facilities, clean rooms, space-environment simulation chambers, mechanical and electronic workshops, astronomical observations and high-performance computing facilities. Many projects are connected to international collaborations, observatories, space missions and external research organisations.
Students participate in research-group meetings, seminars, workshops and conferences and receive training to support their research, professional development and future careers. Each student is supported by a supervisory team and the wider postgraduate research community.
Prospective students can explore research topics, entry requirements, available supervisors, fees, funding and application guidance through The Open University’s research degrees pages.
Funded studentship opportunities are advertised separately when they become available. Details of eligibility, funding, residence requirements and application deadlines should always be checked on the individual studentship advertisement.
