King’s College London offers a fully funded PhD studentship in 2026 focused on justice and energy transitions. This chance lets researchers study critical minerals governance with full support, including an annual stipend. If you care about environmental justice and sustainable energy, this program could shape your career.
About the PhD Studentship
The studentship comes from King’s College London under the African Leadership Centre. It ties into a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr. Clement Sefa Nyarko. The title is Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions.
Researchers will look at how mining critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, and nickel affects communities. These minerals power clean energy tech, but extraction often harms the environment and people in mining areas. The project uses community-centered methods to explore justice, equity, and governance.
You start in October 2026 and join a group known for African-led ideas on leadership, peace, and development. The School of Global Affairs provides strong training and mentorship.
Funding and Support Details
This fully funded King’s College London PhD studentship covers everything you need. Key benefits include:
- Full tuition fees for home students
- £23,805 annual stipend at UKRI rates
- £1,350 yearly research allowance
- Training in doctoral skills
- Mentorship from top scholars
- Help with conferences, fieldwork, and publishing
- Links to global partners
- Possible fieldwork in Africa, Latin America, or Australia
With this package, you can focus on your research for the full time.
Program Length and Timeline
The PhD lasts 3.5 years full-time. It begins in October 2026. Plan ahead to meet the tight deadline.
Key Research Areas
Shape your project around these themes:
Justice and Equity in Supply Chains
Study how mining benefits and harms spread across groups. Look at fair sharing of gains and losses.
Community Views on Justice
Talk to locals about their experiences with mining. Cover exclusion, voice, and participation.
Governance and Accountability
Examine leaders, rules, and checks in resource areas. Focus on transparency in extraction.
Bottom-Up Energy Transitions
Explore ways communities lead sustainable changes. Highlight inclusive methods.
New Research Methods
Use tools like hermeneutical ethnography, narrative analysis, or software such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, or MAXQDA.
These areas fit the goal of ethical energy shifts.
Why This Opportunity Stands Out
Clean energy demand grows fast for net-zero goals. Yet mining sites see land loss, pollution, and unfair deals. This PhD centers community stories to push for better policies.
It tackles real issues like displacement and marginalization in global transitions.
Life at the African Leadership Centre
The centre offers a lively space for work on development and justice. You get:
- Team-based guidance across fields
- Leadership training
- Connections to scholars and policymakers
- Method skills
- Group support with African views
It’s a top spot for ethical research.
Who Can Apply: Requirements
You need a master’s degree or near completion in fields like international development, political science, geography, sociology, anthropology, or law.
Show skills in:
- Interpretive or ethnographic work
- Reading narratives and symbols
- Participatory methods
- Qualitative software
Interest in environmental justice, energy shifts, or resource politics helps. Extra points for fieldwork, sustainability knowledge, or indigenous studies.
How to Apply
Two steps:
Step 1: Email Your Materials
Send one PDF to [email protected]. Use subject: Application for PhD Studentship on Justice in Energy Transitions.
Include:
- 2,000-word research proposal (questions, methods, case studies, significance; bibliography extra)
- Writing sample
- 1-2 page personal statement
- Transcripts
- Two references (one academic)
Step 2: Official Application
Apply via King’s Apply for the PhD in Leadership Studies with Reference to Security and Development at the African Leadership Centre.
Application Deadline
Submit by 25 May 2026. Act fast, as late entries may not count.
Ideal Candidates
This suits early researchers into justice, governance, or extractives. If you want community-driven work on sustainability, apply now.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the focus of this PhD studentship?
The program studies justice in critical minerals governance and energy transitions, looking at how mining lithium, cobalt, and nickel affects communities and the environment.
What funding and support does it offer?
It provides full tuition for home students, a £23,805 annual stipend, £1,350 research allowance, training, mentorship, and help with conferences and fieldwork.
Who is eligible to apply?
You need a master’s degree or near completion in fields like international development, geography, or anthropology, plus skills in qualitative methods and interest in environmental justice.
How do I apply and what is the deadline?
Email your research proposal, writing sample, personal statement, transcripts, and references to [email protected], then apply officially via King’s Apply; deadline is 25 May 2026.
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