About the programme
In particular, Mountain Dynamics research at The Open University UK focuses on mountain belts that form during continent-continent collision, such as the modern Himalayas and Caucasus and the ancient Caledonides.
We try to unravel how, when and how quickly the mountain belts formed, the tectonic processes and mechanisms in operation during their uplift, and how their growth fed back into the solid Earth-surface processes-climate system. We achieve this through a combination of geochronology, structural geology, geochemical studies and metamorphic/igneous petrology.
Programme Structure
Current/recent research projects:
- The effect of crustal melting on the structural and geodynamic evolution of mountain belts
- The evolution of major tectonic structures in mountain building processes
- The role of major structures in driving exhumation during mountain building
- Determining the evolving balance between buoyancy, tectonics and surface processes during plate collisions
- The geochemistry of magmatism during and following plate collision
Admission requirements
Academic requirements
GPA: Upper Second Class
English requirements
TOEFL iBT: 87
General requirements
- Minimum 2:1 undergraduate degree (or equivalent) and prior research experience is preferred. If you are not a UK citizen, you may need to prove your knowledge of English.
Key information
Duration
- Full-time: 36 months (3–4 years)
- Part-time: 72 months (6–8 years)
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting October 2027 — Apply before Apr 2027
- Starting February 2028 — Apply before Apr 2027
Language
English. TOEFL iBT: 87
Delivered
On Campus
Campus Location
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
Disciplines
Earth Sciences
Tuition Fees
International
Applies to non-residents: 30,874 AUD / year (≈ 16,420 GBP / year)
Domestic
Applies to citizens or residents: 9,413 AUD / year (≈ 5,006 GBP / year)
Living costs
Milton Keynes, United Kingdom
1,594–2,529 AUD / month. The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.