Registration with the Open University (Students)

Dates

All registrations begin on the first day of the month. Registrations can not be backdated beyond the first day of the month in which the application was received. The first part of the Open University form ARC9 must be completed by the student.  There is also local copy of the student application ARC9. 

Research Proposal

The application must include a research proposal of no longer than 5 pages in length, which should include:

1. the topic or area to be investigated
2. the problem or hypothesis to be tested
3. the methods and techniques to be used in the investigation
4. the relationship of the proposed research to the published literature and to current research in the applicant’s field and an indication of the contribution to knowledge the thesis would make (particularly important for students who wish ultimately to undertake a PhD)
5. details of the applicant’s and supervisor's previous work in the proposed field
6. and a timetable for completion of the project.

Application process

The supervisor, in consultation with the student and Research Degree Coordinator, should complete the remainder of the application.  In addition, the supervisor and all committee members must complete a ARC4, which is a CV with additional information on number of students supervised and a short description of each members supervisory experience.  See the Student Advisory Committee link for further information on the constitution of the committee.

Stipend and support

While a graduate student in good standing, the Stowers Institute will pay tuition and applicable fees to the Open Universtiy.  The graduate student will receive a regular stipend, paid in accordance with the pay practices of the Stowers Insitute plus applicable benefits. Cost of books and extracurricular activity fees are the graduate student's responsibility.

Registration for a degree

When a student is admitted to the research degree programme s/he are registered for research degree study but not for a particular degree. Supervisors may be able to advise you at the beginning of your project, on the basis of your qualifications and proposed research programme, about the degree your study should be directed towards, though they aren't asked to make a formal recommendation (MPhil or PhD) until the progress report at the end of your probationary period. The recommendation may be deferred if supervisors need to see more work before they can give an opinion, or if the Open University requires more information before confirming a specific degree registration.

Continuing your registration

To maintain registration you must make progress to the satisfaction of your supervisors, your Student Advisory Committee, the SIMR Graduate Programme Coordinating Committee, and comply with any academic requirements. Once you've been registered for a particular degree, your registration will be renewed automatically each year until the submission date, as long as a report of satisfactory progress has been received by the Open University.

Other study and employment

Unless you're undertaking a programme of related study, you may not study for any other degree or qualification at the Open University or any other institution at the same time as your research degree study at the Stowers Institute. In addition, current members of staff, must relinquish their current position and salary and receive a student stipend and benefits.