Doctoral Studentship (Full-Time; Home and Overseas) PhD in History of Science and Technology

The Centre for the History of Science, Technology and Medicine at the Department of History, King’s College London, invites applications for Hans Rausing Scholarships to study the history of science and/or technology at Masters and PhD-level at the Centre, starting in autumn 2026. The scholarship fully funds Overseas, EU and UK applicants, and is offered only for full-time studies.

The scholarships are available in two schemes: 1+3 award (MA+PhD) or 3-year award (PhD only), Applicants should have an outstanding academic record and outstanding research potential in the history of science and/or technology. Candidates are expected to have, or in some cases to develop, masters-level expertise in the history of science and/or technology.

Applicants are advised to contact a prospective supervisor at the Centre to discuss their research interests and proposals before submitting their applications.

Research projects in the history of medicine are not eligible, though projects in all the life sciences and the history of technologies applied to medicine are. Projects will be exceptionally considered when topics in the history of medicine overlap with the history of science and technology. Please discuss suitability with your prospective supervisor.

***Applications close 17 April 2026 (23:59 UK time).***

How to apply

Applicants must submit:

• a sample of written work;
• a 1-2 page personal statement of academic interests and reasons for undertaking doctoral research;
• a research proposal (1,000-1,500 words) plus bibliography outlining the historical questions being addressed and their significance, relevant historiography, and sources.

There is no separate form to apply for the Hans Rausing Scholarship. To be considered, applicants must submit their application to one of the Master of Arts programmes or the History Research PhD via King's College London electronic application system. Please indicate to your prospective supervisor that you wish to be considered for the Hans Rausing Scholarship.

1+3 year awards

This scheme funds the student to pursue one of the taught History postgraduate programmes, with progression to doctoral study conditional to satisfactory completion of the MA. Applicants should apply to one of the History MA programmes for entry in September 2026.

Please note the first round of applications to pursue MA at the Department of History closes 9 March 2026. Applications may be considered after this deadline depending on number of vacancies available.

3-year awards

This scheme funds 3 years of doctoral study. Applicants should apply for the History Research MPhil/PhD programme to begin in October 2026. Start in January 2027 might be considered under exceptional circumstances.

Students must already have a Master’s in History (or a related humanities or social science field) with either a strong history of science and technology taught component or history of science and technology research experience, or be studying a degree in the History of science and technology.

Please note applications to begin in October 2026 the MPhil/PhD in Historical Research close 1 June 2026.

What we offer

• Full tuition and fees (Home, EU or Overseas rates);
• Monthly stipend (equivalent to that offered by the UK Arts and Humanities Research Council for the duration of the award);
• Research allowance.

We are not able to cover visa or health surcharge expenses, nor fund a 4th year of the PhD programme.

***Hans Rausing awards will be announced by mid-May 2026.***

Advert information