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 aspiring researchers to conduct groundbreaking work at a world-renowned institution. Successful candidates will receive a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage, dedicated research funding, and valuable teaching experience. The studentship is based within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), a leading global center for mental health and psychological research.
The doctoral opportunity is designed for talented graduates interested in advancing psychological science through innovative and impactful research. The program focuses on four cutting-edge research projects: food psychology, autism and gastrointestinal health, decision-making under risk, and intergenerational development. Applications are open until June 21, 2026.
Why Choose King’s College London?
King’s College London is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) is a major hub for mental health and psychological research worldwide. Students at IoPPN 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 at King’s College London 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 the program lasts for three years on a full-time basis.
Financial Benefits of the Studentship
This fully funded doctoral scholarship offers substantial financial support throughout the three-year program. The selected student will receive an annual stipend equivalent to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate, which is currently £23,805 per year, including London weighting. This stipend is subject to annual updates.
In addition to the stipend, the studentship covers full tuition fees for Home students and PhD registration costs for the entire duration of the program. Furthermore, students will receive up to £3,000 annually for research activities, conference attendance, fieldwork expenses, academic travel, and other project-related costs. Over three years, this can amount to up to £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 investigate lived experiences related to food and identity. Students will conduct systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and develop and validate new psychological assessment tools 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 disorders of gut-brain interaction framework. Research activities include reviewing existing evidence, analyzing secondary datasets, comparing autistic and non-autistic adults, and examining healthcare utilization patterns. Key variables will include 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 information about risk is presented both directly and learned through experience. The study investigates how people combine described and experienced information, how risk perceptions change over time, and what factors influence decision quality. Using experimental methods, the project will assess the timing and sequencing of information, its completeness, and resulting behavioral responses. The results could inform research on consumer behavior, 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. Research components include 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 offer valuable insights into child development, family psychology, healthy aging, and intergenerational relationships.
Teaching and Professional Development Opportunities
A key part of the 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 duties offer valuable academic experience for those considering careers in higher education, research, or academic leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
To be eligible for this studentship, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements. The standard entry route requires a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its overseas equivalent. An alternative entry route is available for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree classified as 2:2 Honours, who also hold a Master’s degree with Merit.
Required Application Documents
Applicants must submit several documents as part of their application:
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for all relevant academic qualifications.
- Qualification Documents: Copies of degree certificates and other relevant qualifications.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This should include educational background, employment history, research experience, and any publications.
- Personal Statement: Applicants must explain their interest in the chosen project, their academic interests, research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. The statement must clearly state 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 within the specified timeline.
Important Application Instructions
To apply, candidates must use the King’s College London admissions portal. They should select “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-Time)” or “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Part-Time)” and tick Box 5 in the Funding Section, including the project reference code. Applicants should skip the Research Proposal section, as the projects are pre-defined. It is encouraged to contact supervisors for more information before applying.
Selection Process
The selection process involves several stages. First, applications will be reviewed based on academic excellence, research experience, project alignment, and academic potential. Shortlisted candidates will then be invited for an interview, which may be conducted online or in person. The final selection will consider academic merit, research capability, motivation, references, and the candidate’s fit with the chosen project. Successful applicants will be notified after the selection 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 date will not be considered. This studentship represents an excellent opportunity for prospective psychology researchers seeking fully funded doctoral study at a leading global university.
