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Being an OU research student

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What’s it like being a research student at the OU?

The OU is world-leading in its research and student support – over 1000 students are registered for OU research degrees and enjoy high quality academic support, access to excellent facilities and being part of a thriving research environment.  You might be living in the Milton Keynes area as a full-time student based on campus, or studying part-time and coming to the campus at regular intervals to meet with your supervisor and engage with the University community.  You’ll also be able to integrate with academic staff and fellow researchers from a distance via the Virtual Research Environment (VRE), a portal for training materials, communications, online resources and more - coming in 2013.

Depending on the type of degree you are undertaking, you will be supported in a number of ways including seminars, supervisory sessions and a doctoral training programme covering research methodologies and thesis writing. Wherever you are, you will have access to a wide range of resources and the opportunity to be actively involved in the life of the research group to which you are attached.

If you’re living in Milton Keynes, you’ll be part of a vibrant, busy, city community and will have access to superb services and facilities.  The Walton Hall campus is set in parkland on the outskirts of the city, with plenty of green spaces, cycle routes and walks nearby.  The city has one of the largest undercover shopping centres in Europe, with hundreds of places to eat and socialise.  Sports facilities are available across the city, and the campus has its own tennis courts, cricket and football fields, running groups and plenty of clubs for shared interests.  If you’re a part-time student studying off-campus, you’ll be able to access virtual resources and visit the campus regularly.  Find out here about the city, the University, the campus and its facilities: