PhD Studentship in Enterprise Education and Rural Schools (Business, Education, Sociology) The Open University in United Kingdom

PhD Studentship – Enterprise Education in Rural Schools is available at The Open University, Faculty of Business and Law, within the Departments of Public Leadership & Social Enterprise and People & Organisations. This opportunity is offered via distance learning only, making it accessible to candidates regardless of location.

Project Overview: The project addresses the gap in research and policy regarding enterprise and entrepreneurship education in rural UK schools. While such education is increasingly promoted to enhance employability, creativity, and economic participation, rural contexts remain under-examined. The PhD will explore how enterprise education is conceptualised, implemented, and experienced in rural primary and secondary schools, focusing on structural, social, and pedagogical realities, localised learning, community engagement, and issues of educational equity and territorial inequality.

Research Aims & Objectives: The project aims to develop a theoretically informed, empirically grounded understanding of rural enterprise education, examine the influence of rurality on educational practices and outcomes, analyse the intersection of enterprise education with community engagement, and assess its potential to address or exacerbate educational inequalities. The research will inform policy and practical interventions in rural schooling.

Theoretical Framework: The study draws on critical entrepreneurship education, place-based and rural education theories, and organisational theory, considering schools as organisations navigating policy, funding, and community pressures.

Methodology: The research will proceed in three phases: (1) desk-based policy analysis and mapping of rural enterprise activities; (2) in-depth case studies of diverse rural schools, including interviews and observations; and (3) cross-case comparison and theoretical synthesis. Ethical considerations, especially regarding research with children and small communities, are central.

Expected Contributions: The project will foreground rurality in entrepreneurship education theory, challenge urban-centric assumptions, and integrate organisational and place-based perspectives. It offers an original, policy-relevant, and empirically rich opportunity to explore enterprise education as a socially embedded, community-responsive practice in rural UK schools.

Eligibility: Applicants should have a strong background in education, sociology, business, or related fields, with an interest in qualitative research and rural studies. Ethical awareness is important. No specific funding or deadline details are provided.

For more information and to apply, visit the provided link.