Fully Funded PhD in Psychology at King's College London - 2026

King’s College London Offers Fully Funded PhD in Psychology

King’s College London is opening applications for a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship in Psychology for the 2026/27 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is based within the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN) and offers a chance to conduct groundbreaking research at a world-leading university. The studentship includes a generous annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage, dedicated research funding, and valuable teaching experience.

Why Study at King’s College London?

King’s College London is consistently ranked among the top universities globally, recognized for its excellence in research, teaching, and innovation. The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience is a major international center for mental health and psychological research. Students benefit from world-class supervision, access to leading researchers, state-of-the-art research facilities, and opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and career development. This studentship provides a unique path 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 looking for one exceptional PhD candidate to conduct research within one of four specific doctoral projects. The studentship begins on October 1, 2026, and is a full-time PhD program lasting three years.

Financial Benefits

This fully funded scholarship offers significant financial support throughout the PhD program. The selected student will receive an annual stipend equivalent to the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate. For the current academic year, this is £23,805 per year, which includes London weighting. This stipend amount is subject to annual updates.

In addition to the stipend, the studentship covers full tuition fees for Home students and PhD registration costs for the entire three-year duration. Furthermore, students will receive up to £3,000 annually for research activities, conference attendance, fieldwork expenses, academic travel, and other project-related costs. Over three years, this could amount to up to £9,000 in additional research support.

Available PhD Research Projects

Applicants must choose one of the following four research projects to apply for:

Project 1 (FC01): Food and the Self

This project, supervised by Dr. Francesca Cotier, investigates the connection between food, eating habits, and personal identity. It will explore how food identity is understood in psychological literature, how food choices influence self-concept and identity formation, and examine lived experiences related to food and identity. Research methods will include systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and the development and validation of new measures for food identity. The findings are expected to improve understanding of eating behavior and inform public health interventions and nutrition programs.

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

Under the supervision of Dr. James Findon, this project focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic adults using a gut-brain interaction framework. Research activities involve reviewing existing evidence, analyzing secondary datasets, comparing autistic and non-autistic adults, and examining healthcare utilization patterns. Key variables include anxiety, interoception, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental mechanisms. The study aims to enhance understanding of gastrointestinal conditions in autism, inform clinical practice, and support better healthcare interventions.

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

Dr. Claire Heard will supervise this project, which examines how individuals make decisions when risk information is both given directly and learned through experience. The study will investigate how people combine described and experienced information, how risk perceptions change over time, and what factors affect decision quality. Using experimental methods, the project will assess the timing and sequencing of information, its completeness, and behavioral responses. Results could influence consumer behavior research, marketing strategies, financial decision-making, and public communication campaigns.

Project 4 (SY04): Intergenerational Play

This project, led by Dr. Sumeyra Yalcintas, explores the differences between parent-child and grandparent-child interactions and their impact on development and well-being. It includes analyzing video-recorded play sessions, behavioral coding, questionnaires, and interviews with families. Researchers will examine interaction patterns, child developmental outcomes, family relationships, and grandparent well-being. The findings may offer valuable insights into child development, family psychology, healthy aging, and intergenerational relationships.

Teaching and Professional Development Opportunities

A key part of the studentship involves serving as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA). Responsibilities may include leading seminars, supporting practical classes, marking coursework, and providing feedback to undergraduate students. These duties offer valuable academic experience for those considering careers in higher education, research, or academic leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this studentship, applicants must meet the minimum academic requirements. The standard entry route requires a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its overseas equivalent. An alternative entry route is available for applicants with a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 Honours classification plus a Master’s degree with Merit.

Required Application Documents

Applicants must submit several documents as part of their application:

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: Applicants must clearly explain their interest in the specific project, their academic interests, research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. The personal statement must identify 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 meeting the specified timeline.

Important Application Instructions

Applicants should apply through the King’s College London admissions portal. They need to select the appropriate PhD program (Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD, Full-Time or Part-Time) and tick Box 5 in the Funding Section. It is essential to include the project reference code. Applicants should skip the Research Proposal section as the projects are predefined. Contacting supervisors for more information before applying is encouraged.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages. First, applications will be reviewed based on academic excellence, research experience, project alignment, and academic potential. Shortlisted applicants will then be invited for an interview, which may be conducted online or in person. The final selection will consider academic merit, research capability, motivation, references, and the applicant’s fit with the chosen project. Successful candidates will be notified after the process is complete.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is being offered by King’s College London?

King’s College London is offering a fully funded 3-year PhD studentship in Psychology for the 2026/27 academic year.

What does ‘fully funded’ mean for this PhD?

It covers full tuition fees, provides an annual stipend (currently £23,805+), and offers up to £3,000 per year for research activities.

What are the research areas for the PhD projects?

The projects focus on food psychology, autism and gastrointestinal health, decision-making under risk, and intergenerational development.

What are the eligibility requirements for this studentship?

You need a Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification, or a 2:2 with a Master’s degree with Merit. You also need to submit specific application documents.