Grand Union DTP Studentships

Grand Union ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership Studentships

The Open University 

Stipend: Approximately £20,780 per annum 

Closing Date: Midday – Wednesday 7^th January 2026

Interview date: Early February 2026

The Open University is pleased to offer Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding through the Grand Union (GU) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP). The DTP is a consortium of Oxford, Brunel and the Open University, built on a foundation of world-leading research excellence, a dynamic student-centred approach to postgraduate training and a strong commitment to intellectual discovery and widening participation. 

The Grand Union (GU) Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP) studentships are available in the Open University across seven pathways. You are welcome to contact the pathway leads before submitting your applications.  EU nationals who are resident in the UK are advised to consult ESRC guidelines on eligibility prior to application.

About the Open University

The Open University (OU), the UK’s largest university, is a global leader in flexible and supported distance learning, with a community of over 2 million learners. As a research-intensive institution, the OU addresses major global challenges through world-class research that informs policy, practice, and innovation. Our doctoral training reflects a deep commitment to inclusion, social justice, and equity, offering a collaborative and interdisciplinary research culture with expert supervision, skills training, and global networks. In the latest Research Excellence Framework, 72% of our research was rated world-leading or internationally excellent, placing us in the top third of UK universities for research excellence.

Eligibility

Applicants must meet eligibility requirements for the Grand Union ESRC DTP and the Open University. 

The eligibility requirements can be found at Eligibility | Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (granduniondtp.ac.uk) and OU Eligibility 

You will have an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject. A master’s or equivalent experience is desirable. 

Value of award 

Successful doctoral students are eligible for a full award (three to four years), which includes both a stipend to support living costs and coverage of tuition fees. 

Funding is adjusted on a pro-rata basis for part-time students. Please note part-time students should not be employed more than 0.5 FTE during the studies.  The DTP offers a variety of award structures and lengths, depending on prior training and course arrangements. 

Please visit Studentships | Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership (granduniondtp.ac.uk) for further information.

Those in receipt of studentships will be eligible for the same benefits as other UKRI-funded students, including additional support for research expenses and individual skills training, funded sick leave (up to 28 weeks in any 12-month period), funded maternity leave, and Disability Support Allowance (DSA).

How to apply 

In making an application you are applying to both the Grand Union DTP and to the OU. This means you will need to complete two application forms. Please read OU guidance and GU DTP guidance before completing the application forms 

• GU DTP Application form – Please refer How to Apply | Grand Union Doctoral Training Partnership

• Research Proposal 

• OU Application form and HESA form 

• You are reminded that you must sign the form and should give name and institutional email addresses who are willing to comment on your academic achievements to date and on your potential for undertaking research. (Please check that your referees will be available to be contacted during the application period.)   

• For general enquiries relating to doctoral study at The Open University, please contactFASS-PhD-Applications@open.ac.uk.

• Please send completed applications to  FASS-PhD-Applications@open.ac.uk indicating your subject area in the subject of your application email 

(e.g. SURNAME_Initial_Pathway_GU _DTP_PhD_ application)

We recommend that you make contact/apply at the earliest stage so that we can work with you to maximise your potential for a successful application. Please note you are responsible for making sure that all required documents, including references, are submitted in time for your chosen deadline and meet the University’s requirements. If your application is submitted late, and/or it is incomplete, it will not normally be assessed.

Closing date: midday 7^th January 2026

Equal opportunity is University Policy.

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