Unit: Faculty of Education and Language Studies

Location: Milton Keynes

Please quote reference: ۹۵۹۵

Closing Date: ۱۸ July, 2016 – 00:00

Learning in the 21st century is undergoing subtle and radical transformation as a result of the impact of digital, networked technologies. Open learning gives unprecedented access to information and education and provides support to learners across the globe. However, it is not the technologies themselves that represent the biggest change, but the opportunities for openness that flow from their thoughtful application, in the form of availability of and access to formal and informal learning. Without research, these changes in learning may exclude the very people who most stand to benefit from them.

In 2016, the Open University is offering three-year, full-time Doctoral Scholarships in Open World Learning fully funded by the Leverhulme Trust. Candidates should have, or expect to gain, a 2.1 or above in an undergraduate degree or a Masters degree in education, language studies, psychology, computer science or another appropriate discipline.

Funding is available for UK, EU and International students. Full funding for the Leverhulme Trust Doctoral Scholarship includes fees and a living allowance for three years, depending on satisfactory progress. The living allowance is currently £۱۴۰۵۷ in 2015/16.

To apply, write a short research proposal linked to one topic from the list (see below) and explain how your proposal fits the overall theme of Open World Learning and how you intend to conduct research on the topic. In generating your proposal please refer to the additional information for each topic available at http://www.open.ac.uk/creet/main/news/leverhulme-doctoral-scholarships.

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”. The Open University is ranked 2^nd in the UK for its Education research based on quality and breadth (Times Higher research power).

The Centre for Research in Education and Educational Technology (CREET), at the Open University has an international reputation for the quality of its research. Providing postgraduate students with a supportive environment and excellent facilities ensures a future supply of first class researchers. CREET offers you a unique opportunity to study for a PhD in areas such as Technology Enhanced Learning, Learning Analytics, Open Educational Research, International Education and Development and Language and Literacy Studies, guided by world experts.

A vibrant international community of students is currently 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.

If you feel that the challenge of research in these exciting and interesting areas is for you and you have the drive and intellectual curiosity to pursue postgraduate research, then we look forward to hearing from you!

Please indicate explicitly in your application that you are applying for Leverhulme Doctoral Scholarship in Open World Learning.

Further information, including more details of CREET research, can be found at http://www.open.ac.uk/creet/main/.

Interviews will commence in August 2016.

Email: [email protected]

An application form and job related information are available from the links located below.  Hard copies and access details for disabled applicants are available from the Anne Foward, Student Co-ordinator on 01908 655364 or by email (on the link above), quoting the reference number.