LISS DTP Fully-Funded Social Science PhD Studentships

The London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) is led by King’s College London and funded by the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)

The LISS DTP Open studentship competition for October 2026 entry is now open. LISS DTP invites applications for four and a half year (1+3.5) studentships for candidates for a Masters’ degree leading to a PhD, and for three and a half year (+3.5) doctoral studentships (PhD only) at one of the LISS DTP institutions: King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London or Imperial College London. Part-time studentships are also available.

LISS DTP trains future research leaders to tackle global challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration, data-driven approaches, and impactful research. We welcome applications in any of the LISS DTP’s 6 Thematic Research Areas covering a range of social science disciplines:

• RA1, Global Health Innovation
• RA2, Business Analytics, Management, and Applied Economics
• RA3, Language, Culture, and Education
• RA4, Environment and Sustainability
• RA5, Global Order and Security
• RA6, Public Policy and Governance

The DTP particularly welcomes project proposals utilising advanced data skills and quantitative methods and interdisciplinary approaches and has dedicated awards to offer in these areas. For more information on the LISS DTP core principles and vision please go to our webpage here.

Research in Practice is a core component of doctoral experience for all ESRC funded students. Working together with non-academic partners is encouraged and our studentship funding includes funding for a 3-month placement.

We offer ringfenced studentships for home students from underrepresented backgrounds, disabled students and students with caring responsibilities.

Eligibility – For LISS DTP students

Funding Eligibility for LISS DTP Studentships

We welcome applications from UK and International students (including EU) and our goal is to recruit outstanding and diverse candidates across the full range of studentships.

You must however be aware of the definitions of each category and their funding implications. Nationality and residency requirements for both Home and International students can be found on the UKRI website. Please read this document to determine whether you will be classed as a Home or International student.

Contact the Admissions team at the institution to which you have applied if you are uncertain of your tuition fee status. LISS DTP is unable to advise on complex cases and will abide by your institution’s assessment of your status.

Home Students

To be classed as a home student, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have settled status, or
• Have pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or
• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter

International Students

International students (including EU students) are eligible for ESRC studentships. The total number of international studentships a DTP is able to offer has been capped by UKRI at 30% of the total number of studentships awarded each year, and so studentships for international students will be limited in number and competitive.

LISS DTP institutions will fund the difference between the home and international fee for a limited number of international students and at this stage we cannot guarantee that every international student offered a LISS DTP studentship will receive this funding as part of their studentship.

Academic Eligibility – For LISS DTP students

Due to the limited number of studentships available, successful applicants are likely to have:

• a very good first degree (BA or BSc Honours or equivalent) at 1st class standard or upper 2nd with average of 65% or above,
• for +3 awards, an appropriate Masters degree (at distinction or at least high merit level) is expected,
• other qualifications relevant to the proposed area of study, such as professional or work-related expertise, will also be considered.

What the Studentship Covers

The Studentship will cover the UKRI Home Fees for a Masters’ and/or PhD programme, and an annual tax-free stipend (valued at £22,780 in October 2025). As part of your award, you will be able to access additional funding to help cover some of the costs of training, fieldwork, travel and more.

How to Apply

Candidates should complete their application for LISS DTP funding for their chosen studentship (1+3.5 or +3.5). Forms and guidance on their completion can be found on our LISS DTP Open Competition webpage.

Candidates must also apply for admission to their chosen Masters’ or PhD programme at one of the LISS DTP partner institutions.

The deadline for applications for LISS DTP funding is 23 January 2026, 17:00 GMT.