Deadline for application is 31 March 2016. A quick overview of how to apply can be found here (= filling in the application form (is found in the link), and write a 600 - 1000 word proposal; I put my proposal here as an example). What I did (but not sure whether this approach made a difference), was to start from my research idea, and then see whether people with a OU background had done research in the same area. Then I put that research also into my proposal (not only, just a bit to indicate that I did know OU research). I also contacted a person I knew who worked at the OU, to get a better understanding of what a PhD is like at that institute. Then I referred to that person in my application, just by name to indicate that I was truly actively getting information.
Do it, I did it and it is really worthwhile (strengthening knowledge, great research environment, multiple TEL-laboratories available). Sending a proposal does not take too much time, and it is really worth the effort as this is a worldclass institute for those investigating online learning in all its aspects (mobile learning, MOOC, learning analytics...).
Do it, I did it and it is really worthwhile (strengthening knowledge, great research environment, multiple TEL-laboratories available). Sending a proposal does not take too much time, and it is really worth the effort as this is a worldclass institute for those investigating online learning in all its aspects (mobile learning, MOOC, learning analytics...).
The Centre for Research in Education andEducational Technology at the Open University has an international reputation
for the quality of its research. At the Open University research students are
provided with a supportive environment and excellent research facilities to
ensure a future supply of first class researchers. We are recruiting PhD students
in Technology Enhanced Learning (TEL) who study under guidance from world-class
experts in the field. Open Technology Enhanced Learning (OpenTEL) brings together
CREET researchers in the Institute of Educational Technology and Faculty of
Education and Language Studies with those from Faculty of Business and Law,
Faculty of Mathematics, Computing and Technology, the Knowledge Media
Institute, Faculty of Science, and the Faculty of Social Sciences. We encourage
interdisciplinary research. If you feel that the challenge of research in this
exciting and interesting area is for you and you have the drive and
intellectual curiosity to pursue postgraduate research, then we look forward to
hearing from you!
We are
offering up to 4 fully funded full-time
studentships for a 1+3 programme (MRes and PhD) or +3 programme
(3-year PhD) - the latter is what I am doing, and almost finishing.
You will have, or expect, a 2:1 or above
in an undergraduate degree or a Master’s degree in education (or equivalent), psychology,
computer science or another appropriate discipline. For direct entry to PhD you
will need to have completed postgraduate study that includes appropriate
research methods.
The Open University
is one of the UK’s leading research Institutions. In the 2014 REF 72% of its
research was rated as “world leading” or “internationally excellent”, in
Education we were ranked 2nd for research power, a measure that combines
quality and scale.
There is a
vibrant international community of students studying our MRes and PhD
programmes. The Open University provides excellent support for students and
offers a full range of training in computer, library and presentation skills. The
studentships are full time at the Milton Keynes campus and students are
normally expected to live within commuting distance of Milton Keynes.
Funding is
available for UK, EU and International students. Full funding for studentships
will include fees and maintenance (£14057 in 2016/17) for either four years
(1+3) or three years, depending on satisfactory progress.
Further
information, including more details of CREET research, can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/creet/main/.
Closing date: 31
March 2016
Interviews
will commence in early May 2016
For detailed information and how to
apply for the studentships go to www3.open.ac.uk/employment, call
Anne Foward, Student Coordinator, on 01908 655364 or e-mail CREET-student-enquiries@open.ac.uk.
Equal Opportunity is University
Policy.