LISS DTP Fully-Funded Social Science PhD Studentships

Applications are now open for the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC)- funded London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) Open Competition Studentships for October 2027 Entry.

These fully funded studentships support student-led research projects, giving applicants the opportunity to develop and propose their own research ideas in collaboration with an academic supervisor.

Led by King’s College London, in partnership with Imperial College London and Queen Mary University of London, the LISS DTP provides a dynamic and supportive environment for interdisciplinary social science research.

For more information on LISS DTP vision please visit the LISS DTP webpage.

LISS DTP offer the following studentship options:

• 1+3.5 studentships: one year of Master's study followed by a 3.5-year PhD.
• +3.5 studentships: a 3.5-year PhD for applicants who already have the required training and preparation.
• Part-time studentships are also available.
• Current postgraduate research (PGR) students in their first year of full-time study, or first or second year of part-time study, may apply for funding for the remainder of their PhD.

Research Areas

We welcome applications across six interdisciplinary research areas:

• 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  

LISS DTP particularly encourage proposals that use advanced data skills, quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary approaches. Dedicated steered awards are available in these areas.

Inclusive Funding

We are committed to recruiting outstanding and diverse candidates from across the UK and internationally, including the EU.

We offer nine ringfenced studentships for Home students who face barriers to postgraduate study and are currently underrepresented within the LISS DTP.

Funding Eligibility

LISS DTP welcomes applications from both Home and International students.

Nationality and residency requirements for both Home and International students can be found in EU and international eligibility for UKRI studentships from 2021 – UKRI. Please read this document to determine whether you will be classed as a Home or International student and what this means for the funding available to you.

You can find out more on our Funding Eligibility webpage.

Academic Eligibility

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 +3.5 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.

The following are NOT eligible:

• Students who will have less than 50% of their study time (usually 3.5 years for a full-time PhD) remaining when they start their LISS-funded studentship.
• Students enrolled on OR applying for distance learning programmes.
• Applicants who have already been awarded a PhD or equivalent degree.

Studentship Funding

Each studentship includes:

• UKRI Home fees for Master’s and/or PhD study
• Annual tax-free stipend of approximately £23,805 (2026/27 rate)
• Additional funding for training, fieldwork, placements and more.

International students may be eligible for institutional fee waiver/ support to cover the fee difference. 

All funded students must undertake a 3-month placement, integrating research with practical experience.

All funded students must submit their PhD thesis within their funded period.

How to Apply

Candidates must complete their application for LISS DTP for their chosen studentship (1+3.5 or +3.5) and apply for admission to their chosen Masters’ or PhD programme at one of LISS DTP’s partner institutions.

The application deadline is 20 January 2027, 17:00 GMT.