Fully Funded PhD in African Health Economics & Diagnostics at LSE 2026

Are you looking for a fully funded PhD that combines health economics, diagnostics, and real-world impact in Africa? The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) offers two exciting PhD studentships through the Wellcome-funded African Health, Economics and Diagnostics (AHEaD) Project. Starting in September 2026, this program trains researchers to improve diagnostic tools and health systems across Africa. It covers tuition for all students, home or overseas, and includes hands-on policy work.

About the AHEaD Project

The AHEaD Project studies how diagnostics fit into African health systems. Diagnostics like point-of-care tests help detect diseases early and guide treatments. Yet, issues like cost, supply chains, and policies often limit their use.

The project looks at key challenges:

• How diagnostic tools get made, shipped, and sold.
• Their effects on health and economies.
• Policies that shape diagnostic markets.
• Barriers to access in different countries.

PhD students join this effort. They help create evidence that can change policies and improve care.

Programme Overview

You will enroll in LSE’s MPhil/PhD in Health Policy program. This links academic study with the AHEaD team in LSE Health and the Department of Health Policy.

Here are the main details:

• Institution: London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)
• Departments: LSE Health and Department of Health Policy
• Program: MPhil/PhD in Health Policy
• Start Date: September 2026
• Duration: 4 years full-time
• Funding: Fully funded, covers home and overseas tuition
• Deadline: April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM

This setup gives top training plus practical research experience.

Research Scope and Thematic Areas

The fully funded PhD in African Health Economics & Diagnostics at LSE 2026 lets you explore many topics. Focus on economics of diagnostics with an Africa lens. You can add global views too.

Key Research Areas

1. Political Economy of Diagnostics
   Study manufacturing, supply chains, market rules, and institutions. See how governments and groups affect diagnostic access.

2. Health and Economic Impact
   Check cost-effectiveness of tests. Look at benefits from local production and better health results.

3. Health Technology Assessment (HTA)
   Evaluate tools for value. Explore pricing, payments, and ways to roll out tests widely.

4. Financing and Regulatory Frameworks
   Examine investments, rules, and incentives. Find paths to strong markets.

5. Access and Uptake of Diagnostics
   Tackle costs, behaviors, and system blocks. Include data and digital health links.

Proposals should fit project goals and use strong methods.

Structure of the PhD Programme

The 4-year plan mixes classes, research, and project work.

Year 1: Foundation and Research Development

Take courses in health policy and economics. Shape your PhD topic. Start AHEaD tasks.

Years 2-4: Advanced Research and Fieldwork

Do full research. Collect data in the field, with travel. Work with partners worldwide. Share project results.

Ongoing Academic Engagement

Meet supervisors often. Join seminars and workshops. Team up on studies. Build networks.

Funding and Financial Support

Funding removes money worries so you focus on work.

What the Funding Covers

• All tuition fees, for UK or international students.
• Pay as a research assistant, up to 20 hours weekly.
• Travel for fieldwork.
• Costs for conferences and networks.

Roles and Responsibilities of PhD Candidates

You act as researcher, team member, and contributor.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead your PhD study tied to AHEaD.
• Review literature and sum up evidence.
• Gather and analyze data.
• Work with diverse teams.
• Help make policy outputs.

Show drive, curiosity, and teamwork skills.

Eligibility Criteria and Person Specification

Target motivated people with solid backgrounds.

Essential Requirements

• Master’s in economics, political economy, or similar.
• Strong math and analysis skills.
• Work with data on economics or policy.
• Interest in diagnostics, health systems, or policy.
• Good writing and speaking.
• Can work alone or in groups.

Additional Requirements

• Live in UK during program.
• Travel abroad 1-2 months at times.
• Solve problems well.

Desirable Qualifications

• Africa experience, like in Senegal or Ethiopia.
• Speaks French.
• Knows econometrics, HTA, or applied economics.
• Understands diagnostics or health markets.

Entry Requirements

Meet LSE PhD standards:

• Master’s with 65% average.
• Dissertation at least 65%.

No prior diagnostics knowledge needed. Open to varied backgrounds.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Apply formally to LSE’s MPhil/PhD in Health Policy.

1. Submit to the program.
2. Note “Economics of Diagnostics: AHEaD” clearly.
3. Add a research proposal, max 1,000 words.

Writing a Strong Research Proposal

Make it stand out:

• Spot a research gap.
• Explain why it matters now.
• Name stakeholders.
• Detail methods and data.
• Show policy impact.

Use clear ideas, strong methods, at micro, meso, or macro levels.

Application Deadline

Submit by April 27, 2026 (5:00 PM). No late entries. Start early.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

This goes beyond a standard PhD.

Key Advantages

• Train at a top school.
• Do high-impact research.
• Get global travel and partners.
• Build skills in a key field.
• Help African health systems.

Contact Information

For questions, email Lesong Conteh at [email protected].

Frequently Asked Questions