Vision

Our Grand Union brings together Brunel University London, The Open University (OU) and the University of Oxford to create a social science research training community with distinctive and complementary research strengths, student profiles and approaches to research training. Together we combine:

  • world-leading research excellence
  • a dynamic student-centred approach to postgraduate training, and
  • a firm commitment to intellectual exploration and widening participation.

By working in partnership we are able to develop new thematic training pathways, to expand our provision of cross-institutional training and co-supervision, and ensure our scholars benefit from the best elements of all three universities.

Our partnership also brings together our academics, building collaborations and new thematic research networks. Each university will learn from the others, sharing innovations in doctoral pedagogy, knowledge exchange, collaboration and widening access.