Fully Funded PhD in International Development History (2026) – King’s College London: Apply Now! @King’s College London: Apply Now!

King’s College London is offering fully funded PhD studentships in the History of International Development in the Global South for the 2026 academic year.

This prestigious opportunity is part of a major research initiative examining how development projects were experienced, contested, and reshaped across Africa, Asia, and Latin America.

With full tuition coverage and an annual stipend of £23,805, this programme is ideal for candidates interested in global history, development studies, and postcolonial research.

About the DEVHIST Project

The PhD studentships are embedded within the research project:

“Actually Existing Development: Twentieth Century International Development and the Global South (DEVHIST)”

Led by Agnieszka Sobocinska and funded by the European Research Council, this five-year project explores how international development initiatives unfolded in practice between the 1950s and 1990s.

Rather than focusing only on top-down policies, the project examines real-world interactions between:

• Local communities
• Aid workers
• Governments
• International organisations

By analysing these encounters, DEVHIST aims to rethink global development history and highlight the agency of Global South actors.

PhD Research Areas

Two fully funded PhD positions are available, focusing on:

1. Southeast Asia

• Focus on Indonesia (preferred), Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines
• Time period: 1950s–2000s

2. Africa

• Focus on Ghana, Nigeria, or Ethiopia
• Time period: 1950s–1990s

Each project will explore how communities experienced and responded to development interventions, including:

• Acceptance, resistance, or adaptation
• Social and political mobilisation
• Long-term impacts on governance and policy

Research Approach and Methodology

Successful candidates will apply interdisciplinary approaches, including:

• Social history
• Global and international history
• Economic history

The research will involve:

• Archival work using project files and historical records
• Fieldwork and possibly oral history interviews
• Analysis of Global South-produced narratives

Scholars will also examine how perspectives differed across:

• Class
• Gender
• Ethnicity
• Religion
• Geographic location

This approach ensures a nuanced understanding of development beyond traditional narratives.

Funding and Benefits

The studentship offers a comprehensive funding package, including:

• Full tuition fees (Home, EU, or Overseas rates)
• Annual stipend: £23,805 (aligned with UKRI funding rates)
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• Additional funding for:
  • Fieldwork
  • Conferences
  • Research activities

Students will also benefit from being part of a vibrant academic environment within King’s College London, including:

• Research seminars and workshops
• Collaborative publications
• Networking with leading scholars

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following requirements:

• A Master’s degree in history, development studies, or a related field (completed by September 2026)
• Experience in archival research
• Strong analytical, communication, and teamwork skills
• Ability to work independently and demonstrate initiative
• Proficiency in relevant research languages
• High level of English language proficiency

Experience with oral history methods or region-specific archives is considered an advantage.

Application Process

Candidates must submit the following documents in a single PDF:

• Research proposal (2,000 words) outlining:
  • Research focus and questions
  • Historical significance
  • Relevant literature
• Writing sample
• Personal statement (1–2 pages)
• Academic transcripts
• Two references (at least one academic)

Application Deadline: 29 April 2026

Interviews: Expected 13–14 May 2026

Shortlisted candidates will then need to submit a formal PhD application through King’s College London’s admissions system.

Why This PhD Matters

This programme offers a unique opportunity to rethink the history of international development by focusing on lived experiences rather than top-down narratives.

Key contributions of the research include:

• Highlighting the role of Global South communities in shaping development
• Revealing overlooked forms of resistance and negotiation
• Providing new insights into post-war global governance

For students passionate about historical justice, global inequality, and development policy, this PhD provides both academic depth and real-world relevance.

Key Dates at a Glance

• Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
• Interviews: 13–14 May 2026
• Programme Start: 2026/27 academic year

APPLY NOW

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization that is fully funded program . For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.