King’s College London Offers Fully Funded PhD in Psychology
King’s College London is offering a fully funded three-year PhD studentship in the Department of Psychology for the 2026/27 academic year. This program provides a significant opportunity for talented graduates to conduct groundbreaking research at a world-renowned institution. The studentship includes a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee support, dedicated research funding, and valuable teaching experience.
The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) at King’s College London is a leading global center for mental health and psychological research. This doctoral opportunity is ideal for individuals passionate about advancing psychological science through innovative and impactful research. The application deadline is June 21, 2026.
Why Choose King’s College London?
King’s College London is consistently ranked among the top universities worldwide, recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The IoPPN, where this PhD studentship is based, is one of the largest and most influential centers for mental health and psychological research globally. Students at King’s benefit from world-class supervision, access to leading researchers, state-of-the-art research facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and international networking. This studentship offers a unique chance to conduct high-impact research while developing advanced academic and professional skills.
Overview of the Fully Funded Psychology PhD Studentship
The Department of Psychology is seeking one outstanding PhD candidate to conduct research within one of four pre-defined doctoral projects. The studentship begins on October 1, 2026, and is for a full-time PhD program lasting three years.
Financial Benefits of the Studentship
This fully funded doctoral scholarship offers substantial financial support throughout the three-year PhD program.
Annual Stipend
The selected student will receive an annual stipend equivalent to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate. For the current academic year, this is £23,805 per year, which includes London weighting. This stipend amount is subject to annual updates.
Full Tuition Fee Coverage
The studentship covers full tuition fees for Home students, along with PhD registration costs for the entire three-year duration of the program.
Research and Travel Funding
In addition to the stipend, students will receive up to £3,000 annually for research activities. This funding can be used for research expenses, conference attendance, fieldwork costs, academic travel, and other project-related expenses. Over three years, this could amount to a total of £9,000 in additional research support.
Available PhD Research Projects
Applicants must choose and apply for one of the following four research projects:
Project 1 (FC01): Food and the Self
This project investigates the connection between food, eating habits, and personal identity. It examines how food identity has been understood in psychological literature and explores how food choices contribute to self-concept and identity formation. The research will also delve into lived experiences related to food and identity. Methods will include systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and the development and validation of new measures for food identity. The findings could improve understanding of eating behavior and inform public health interventions and nutrition programs.
Project 2 (JF02): Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in Autistic Adults
This project focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic adults, using a framework of disorders of gut-brain interaction. It involves reviewing existing scientific evidence, analyzing secondary datasets, and comparing autistic and non-autistic adults. The research will also examine healthcare utilization patterns, exploring key variables such as anxiety, interoception, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental mechanisms. The study aims to enhance understanding of gastrointestinal conditions in autism, inform clinical practice, and support better healthcare interventions.
Project 3 (CH03): Described and Experienced Risk in Decision-Making
This project examines how individuals make decisions when they receive information about risk both directly and through personal experience. It investigates how people combine described and experienced information, how their risk perceptions change over time, and what factors influence the quality of their decisions. Using experimental methods, the project will assess the timing and sequencing of information, its completeness, and resulting behavioral responses. The results could offer insights for consumer behavior research, marketing strategies, financial decision-making, and public communication campaigns.
Project 4 (SY04): Intergenerational Play
This project explores the differences between parent-child and grandparent-child interactions and their impact on development and well-being. The research includes video-recorded play sessions, behavioral coding analysis, questionnaires, and interviews with families. Researchers will examine interaction patterns, child developmental outcomes, family relationships, and grandparent well-being. The findings may provide valuable insights into child development, family psychology, healthy aging, and intergenerational relationships.
Teaching and Professional Development Opportunities
A key part of this studentship involves serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Responsibilities may include leading seminars, supporting practical classes, marking coursework, and providing feedback to undergraduate students. These teaching duties offer valuable academic experience for those considering careers in higher education, research, or academic leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following minimum academic requirements:
- Standard Entry Route: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its overseas equivalent.
- Alternative Entry Route: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 Honours classification plus a Master’s degree with Merit may also be considered.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts: Official academic transcripts where applicable.
- Qualification Documents: Copies of degree certificates and qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including educational background, employment history, research experience, and publications.
- Personal Statement: Explain interest in the project, academic interests, research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. The statement must clearly identify the selected project code (e.g., FC01, JF02, CH03, or SY04).
- Teaching Experience Information: Details of any teaching, tutoring, or academic mentoring activities.
- Academic Reference: One academic reference is required, submitted from an institutional email address and meeting the specified submission timeline.
Important Application Instructions
Applicants should apply through the King’s College London admissions portal. They need to select “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-Time)” or “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Part-Time),” tick Box 5 in the Funding Section, and include the project reference code. Applicants should skip the Research Proposal section as the projects are predefined. Contacting supervisors for more information before applying is encouraged.
Selection Process
The selection process involves several stages:
- Stage 1: Application Review: Applications will be assessed based on academic excellence, research experience, project alignment, and academic potential.
- Stage 2: Interview: Shortlisted applicants will be invited for an online or in-person interview.
- Stage 3: Final Selection: Selection will consider academic merit, research capability, motivation, references, and fit with the project. Successful applicants will be notified after the process is complete.
Key Funding Information
- Funding Type: Bench Fees, Research Training & Support Grant, Stipend, Tuition Fee Support
- Number of Awards: 1
- Study Level: Postgraduate Research (PhD)
- Academic Year: 2026/27
- Funding Code: AC11147
- Duration: 3 Years
- Start Date: 1 October 2026
Application Deadline
The deadline for applications is June 21, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Applications submitted after this time will not be considered.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does the fully funded PhD studentship at King’s College London cover?
The studentship covers a generous annual stipend, full tuition fees, dedicated research funding up to £3,000 per year, and teaching experience.
What are the eligibility requirements for this PhD program?
You need a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its overseas equivalent. A 2:2 Honours degree plus a Master’s degree with Merit may also be considered.
How do I apply for one of the specific research projects?
You must select one of the four predefined research projects and include its reference code (e.g., FC01) in your personal statement and application.
When is the application deadline for this PhD opportunity?
The deadline for applications is June 21, 2026, at 23:59 GMT.
