Fully Funded LSE PhD Studentships in African Health Economics and Diagnostics 2026

The London School of Economics and Political Science offers two fully funded PhD studentships in African Health Economics and Diagnostics for 2026. These spots come through the AHEaD Project, funded by Wellcome. They target people eager to study health systems, economics, and diagnostic tools in Africa.

This program mixes strong academic work with real policy research. Students help shape diagnostics and healthcare in Africa. It stands out for its focus on practical impact.

About the AHEaD Project

The African Health, Economics and Diagnostics Project looks at how diagnostics fit into African health systems. Diagnostics like point-of-care tests help spot diseases early and guide treatments. Yet costs, access, and systems often block their full use.

The project studies key issues:

• How diagnostic tools get made, shipped, and sold.
• Their effects on health and economies.
• Policies that shape diagnostic markets.
• Roadblocks to getting and using them.

PhD students join this work. They create evidence to guide policies and improve care.

Programme Overview

Students join the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy at LSE. They work with LSE Health and the Department of Health Policy.

Key facts:

• Start: September 2026.
• Length: 4 years full-time.
• Funding: Covers all tuition for UK and overseas students.
• Deadline: April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM.

This setup gives top training plus project involvement.

Research Scope and Thematic Areas

Students pick topics in diagnostics economics. Proposals should fit AHEaD goals and use fresh ideas.

Main areas include:

1. Political Economy of Diagnostics: Supply chains, markets, and rules.
2. Health and Economic Impact: Costs, benefits, and care improvements.
3. Health Technology Assessment: Tool reviews, pricing, and rollout.
4. Financing and Regulatory Frameworks: Investments and market growth.
5. Access and Uptake: Costs, barriers, and digital tools.

Africa leads the focus, but global views help too.

Structure of the PhD Programme

The program splits into clear stages.

Year 1: Foundation and Research Development

Take courses in health policy and economics. Shape your research idea. Start AHEaD tasks.

Years 2-4: Advanced Research and Fieldwork

Do main research. Gather data in the field, with travel. Team up with partners. Share findings.

All years include supervisor meetings, seminars, and team work.

Funding and Financial Support

Funding removes money worries.

It pays:

• All tuition fees.
• Pay for research assistant work, up to 20 hours weekly.
• Travel for field studies.
• Conference costs.

Roles and Responsibilities of PhD Candidates

Students act as researchers and team players.

Duties cover:

• Own PhD research.
• Review studies and sum up evidence.
• Collect and analyze data.
• Join teams.
• Help make policy reports.

Show drive, smarts, and teamwork skills.

Eligibility Criteria and Person Specification

Target sharp candidates into health economics.

Must-haves:

• Master’s in economics or similar.
• Strong math and analysis skills.
• Dataset experience.
• Interest in diagnostics or policy.
• Good writing.

Extras:

• UK stay ready.
• Travel ok, 1-2 months trips.
• Problem-solving.

Nice-to-haves:

• Africa work, like in Senegal or Ethiopia.
• French skills.
• Econometrics or market knowledge.

Entry Requirements

Meet LSE PhD standards:

• Master’s with 65% average.
• 65% on dissertation.

No prior diagnostics know-how needed.

Application Process: Step-by-Step Guide

Apply via LSE’s formal form.

Steps:

1. Pick MPhil/PhD in Health Policy.
2. Note “Economics of Diagnostics: AHEaD”.
3. Add 1,000-word research proposal.

Strong proposals show gaps, why it matters, methods, and impact.

Application Deadline

Submit by April 27, 2026, 5:00 PM. No late entries.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

Work at a top school on real-world issues. Gain global ties in a key field. Help African health systems.

Contact Information

Email Lesong Conteh at [email protected] for questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the application deadline for these PhD studentships?

You must submit your application by April 27, 2026, at 5:00 PM. Late entries are not accepted.

What does the funding cover?

Funding pays all tuition fees, provides pay for research assistant work up to 20 hours a week, covers travel for field studies, and conference costs.

What are the main eligibility requirements?

You need a Master’s degree in economics or a related field with at least a 65% average, including on your dissertation, plus strong math and analysis skills.

How do I apply for the AHEaD PhD studentships?

Apply through LSE’s online form for the MPhil/PhD in Health Policy, note ‘Economics of Diagnostics: AHEaD’ in your application, and include a 1,000-word research proposal.