King’s College London Offers Fully Funded PhD in Psychology
King’s College London is providing a fully funded three-year PhD studentship in the Department of Psychology for the 2026/27 academic year. This is a significant opportunity for students interested in advancing psychological science through research. The program offers a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee support, research funding, and teaching experience.
The studentship is based within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), a leading global center for mental health and psychological research. Successful candidates will contribute to groundbreaking research in one of four specialized areas: food psychology, autism and gastrointestinal health, decision-making under risk, or intergenerational development. The application deadline is June 21, 2026.
Why Choose King’s College London?
King’s College London is recognized worldwide for its excellence in research and teaching. The IoPPN is a major hub for mental health and psychological research, offering students access to top researchers, advanced facilities, and a strong network of academic and professional connections. This studentship is designed to equip individuals with advanced academic and professional skills for impactful careers in research and beyond.
Overview of the PhD Studentship
This doctoral program is a full-time, three-year PhD. The successful applicant will begin their studies on October 1, 2026. The studentship is designed to provide comprehensive support, allowing students to focus on their research and development.
Financial Support Provided
The fully funded studentship includes substantial financial benefits for the duration of the PhD.
Annual Stipend
The selected student will receive an annual stipend that matches the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate. For the current academic year, this is £23,805 annually, which includes London weighting. This stipend is subject to yearly adjustments.
Tuition Fee Coverage
All tuition fees for Home students are fully covered by the studentship. This also includes the costs associated with PhD registration for the entire three-year period.
Research and Travel Funding
Beyond the stipend, students will have access to up to £3,000 per year for various research-related expenses. This funding can be used for research activities, attending conferences, fieldwork, academic travel, and other project-specific costs. Over the three years, this amounts to a potential total of £9,000 in additional research support.
Available PhD Research Projects
Applicants must choose one of the following four pre-defined research projects to apply for:
Project 1 (FC01): Food and the Self
This project, supervised by Dr. Francesca Cotier, explores the connection between food, eating habits, and personal identity. It will examine how food identity is understood in psychological literature, how food choices shape self-concept, and the lived experiences related to food and identity. The research methods will include systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and the development and validation of new psychological assessment tools for food identity. The findings are expected to improve understanding of eating behaviors and inform public health and nutrition programs.
Project 2 (JF02): Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in Autistic Adults
Under the supervision of Dr. James Findon, this project investigates gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic adults through the lens of DGBI. The research will involve reviewing existing evidence, analyzing secondary datasets, and comparing autistic and non-autistic adults’ healthcare utilization patterns. Key variables such as anxiety, interoception, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental mechanisms will be explored. The study aims to enhance the understanding of gastrointestinal conditions in autism and guide clinical practice.
Project 3 (CH03): Described and Experienced Risk in Decision-Making
Dr. Claire Heard will supervise this project, which looks at how people make decisions when they receive risk information both directly and through experience. The study will investigate how individuals combine these different types of information, how their risk perceptions change over time, and what factors influence decision quality. Using experimental methods, the research will assess the timing and sequencing of information, its completeness, and resulting behavioral responses. The results could have applications in consumer behavior, marketing, financial decisions, and public communication.
Project 4 (SY04): Intergenerational Play
This project, led by Dr. Sumeyra Yalcintas, examines the differences between parent-child and grandparent-child interactions and their impact on development and well-being. It includes analyzing video-recorded play sessions, coding behaviors, using questionnaires, and conducting interviews with families. Researchers will study interaction patterns, child developmental outcomes, family relationships, and grandparent well-being. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights into child development, family psychology, and intergenerational relationships.
Teaching and Professional Development
A key part of the studentship involves serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). This role may include leading seminars, assisting with practical classes, marking coursework, and providing feedback to undergraduate students. These duties offer valuable experience for those considering careers in higher education, research, or academic leadership.
Eligibility Criteria
To be considered for the studentship, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:
- Standard Entry: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its international equivalent.
- Alternative Entry: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 Honours classification, combined with a Master’s degree with Merit, may also be considered.
Required Application Documents
Applicants need to submit the following documents:
- Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for all relevant academic qualifications.
- Qualification Documents: Copies of degree certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV): This should include educational background, employment history, research experience, and any publications.
- Personal Statement: This statement should explain the applicant’s interest in the chosen project, their academic interests, research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. It 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
- Apply through the King’s College London admissions portal.
- Select the appropriate program: Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-Time) or (Part-Time).
- Tick Box 5 in the Funding Section.
- Include the project reference code.
- The Research Proposal section can be skipped as the projects are predefined.
It is recommended that applicants contact supervisors for more information before submitting their applications.
Selection Process
The selection process involves several stages:
- Stage 1: Application Review: Applications will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research experience, alignment with the chosen project, and overall academic potential.
- Stage 2: Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for an online or in-person interview.
- Stage 3: Final Selection: The final decision will consider academic merit, research capability, motivation, references, and the candidate’s suitability for the 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 21 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT. Applications received after this date will not be considered.
This studentship offers a strong financial package, expert supervision, and extensive research opportunities for aspiring psychology researchers aiming for a career in academia or related fields.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What does ‘fully funded’ mean for this PhD studentship?
It means the studentship covers your annual stipend, all tuition fees, and provides additional funding for research and travel expenses for three years.
What are the eligibility requirements for this PhD program?
You generally need a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification, or a 2:2 with a Master’s degree with Merit. Specific academic transcripts and qualifications are required.
How do I apply for this PhD opportunity?
You need to apply through the King’s College London admissions portal, select the correct PhD program, tick Box 5 in the Funding Section, and include the specific project reference code in your application.
What is the deadline to apply for the PhD studentship?
The application deadline is June 21, 2026, at 23:59 GMT. Late applications will not be considered.
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