Applications are now open for the prestigious Fully Funded 3-Year PhD Studentship in the Department of Psychology at King’s College London for the 2026/27 academic year. This exceptional doctoral opportunity offers aspiring researchers the chance to pursue a fully funded PhD at one of the world’s leading universities while receiving a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee support, dedicated research funding, and valuable teaching experience.

Hosted within the renowned Department of Psychology at the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN), the studentship provides an outstanding platform for talented graduates interested in advancing psychological science through innovative and impactful research.

Successful candidates will join one of four cutting-edge research projects spanning food psychology, autism and gastrointestinal health, decision-making under risk, and intergenerational development.

Application Deadline: 21 June 2026 (23:59 GMT)

Why Study at King’s College London?

King’s College London is consistently ranked among the world’s leading universities and is internationally recognized for excellence in research, teaching, and innovation.

The university’s Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience is one of the largest and most influential centers for mental health and psychological research globally. Students benefit from:

World-class supervision
Access to leading researchers
Cutting-edge research facilities
International academic networks
Interdisciplinary collaborations
Excellent career development opportunities

This studentship offers a unique opportunity 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 undertake research in one of four pre-defined doctoral projects.

The studentship will begin on:

Start Date: 1 October 2026

The successful applicant will be enrolled in a full-time PhD program lasting three years.

Financial Benefits

This fully funded doctoral scholarship provides substantial financial support throughout the duration of the PhD.

Annual Stipend

The selected student will receive:

Annual stipend equivalent to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate.
Current stipend value: £23,805 per year, including London weighting.
Stipend subject to annual updates.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

The studentship covers:

Full tuition fees for Home students.
PhD registration costs for the entire three-year duration.

Research and Travel Funding

In addition to the stipend, students will receive:

Up to £3,000 annually for:
- Research activities
- Conference attendance
- Fieldwork expenses
- Academic travel
- Project-related costs

Over three years, this could amount to:

Up to £9,000 in additional research support

Available PhD Research Projects

Applicants must apply for one of the following projects.

Project 1 (FC01): Food and the Self

Supervisor Contact:
Dr Francesca Cotier

This innovative project investigates the relationship between food, eating behaviors, and personal identity.

Research Areas

The project will:

Examine how food identity has been conceptualized across psychological literature.
Investigate how food choices contribute to self-concept and identity formation.
Explore lived experiences related to food and identity.

Research Methods

Students will:

Conduct systematic reviews.
Carry out qualitative interviews.
Develop psychological assessment tools.
Validate new measures of food identity.

Potential Impact

Findings could contribute to:

Better understanding of eating behavior.
Improved public health interventions.
More culturally sensitive nutrition and health programs.

Project 2 (JF02): Disorders of Gut-Brain Interaction (DGBI) in Autistic Adults

Supervisor Contact:
Dr James Findon

This project focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms among autistic adults using a disorders of gut-brain interaction framework.

Research Activities

The project will involve:

Reviewing existing scientific evidence.
Analyzing secondary datasets.
Comparing autistic and non-autistic adults.
Examining healthcare utilization patterns.

Key Variables

Research will explore:

Anxiety
Interoception
Sensory processing
Neurodevelopmental mechanisms

Expected Outcomes

The study aims to:

Improve understanding of gastrointestinal conditions in autism.
Inform clinical practice.
Support better healthcare interventions.

Project 3 (CH03): Described and Experienced Risk in Decision-Making

Supervisor Contact:
Dr Claire Heard

This project examines how individuals make decisions when information about risk is both explicitly provided and learned through experience.

Research Questions

The study investigates:

How people combine described and experienced information.
How risk perceptions evolve.
Which factors influence decision quality.

Research Approach

Using experimental methods, the project will assess:

Timing of information
Sequencing effects
Information completeness
Behavioral responses

Real-World Applications

Results could inform:

Consumer behavior research
Marketing strategies
Financial decision-making
Online review systems
Public communication campaigns

Project 4 (SY04): Intergenerational Play

Supervisor Contact:
Dr Sumeyra Yalcintas

This project explores the differences between parent-child and grandparent-child interactions and their effects on development and wellbeing.

Research Components

The project includes:

Video-recorded play sessions
Behavioral coding analysis
Questionnaires
Interviews with families

Areas of Investigation

Researchers will examine:

Interaction patterns
Child developmental outcomes
Family relationships
Grandparent wellbeing

Importance of the Research

The findings may provide valuable insights into:

Child development
Family psychology
Healthy ageing
Intergenerational relationships

Teaching and Professional Development Opportunities

An important component of the studentship involves serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA).

Responsibilities may include:

Leading seminars
Supporting practical classes
Marking coursework
Providing feedback to undergraduate students
Supporting the BSc Psychology programme

These teaching duties provide valuable academic experience for students considering careers in:

Higher education
Research
Academic leadership

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants must meet the following minimum academic requirements:

Standard Entry Route

Bachelor’s degree with 2:1 Honours classification (or overseas equivalent).

Alternative Entry Route

Applicants with:

Bachelor’s degree with 2:2 Honours
Plus a Master’s degree with Merit

may also be considered.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit:

Academic Transcripts

Official academic transcripts must accompany the application where applicable.

Qualification Documents

Copies of degree certificates and qualifications.

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

Including:

Educational background
Employment history
Research experience
Publications (if any)

Personal Statement

Applicants must explain:

Why they are interested in the project.
Their academic interests.
Their research experience.
Their motivation for pursuing a PhD.

The personal statement must clearly identify the selected project code (e.g., FC01, JF02, CH03, or SY04).

Teaching Experience Information

Applicants should include any:

Teaching experience
Tutoring experience
Academic mentoring activities

Academic Reference

One academic reference is required.

References must:

Be submitted from an institutional email address.
Meet the specified submission timeline.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants should:

Apply through the King’s College London admissions portal.
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.
Include the project reference code.
Skip the Research Proposal section because the projects have already been predefined.

Applicants are encouraged to contact supervisors for additional information before submitting their applications.

Selection Process

Following the application deadline:

Stage 1: Application Review

Applications will be assessed based on:

Academic excellence
Research experience
Project alignment
Academic potential

Stage 2: Interview

Shortlisted applicants will be invited to:

Online interview; or
In-person interview

Stage 3: Final Selection

Selection will consider:

Academic merit
Research capability
Motivation
References
Fit with the project

Successful applicants will be informed after the completion of the selection process.

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

Deadline: 21 June 2026 at 23:59 GMT

Applications submitted after the deadline will not be considered.

For prospective psychology researchers seeking a fully funded PhD opportunity at one of the world’s leading universities, this studentship offers exceptional financial support, world-class supervision, extensive research opportunities, and a pathway toward an impactful academic or professional career.

Apply here

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