King’s College London Fully Funded PhD in Psychology: A Detailed Look

King’s College London is offering a fully funded three-year PhD studentship in Psychology for the 2026/27 academic year. This prestigious opportunity is based within the university’s renowned Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience (IoPPN). It provides aspiring researchers with the chance to conduct groundbreaking work in a supportive and well-resourced environment. The studentship includes a substantial annual stipend, full tuition fee coverage, and dedicated research funding, making it an attractive prospect for talented graduates.

Why Choose King’s College London for Your PhD?

King’s College London is recognized globally for its excellence in research and teaching. The Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience is a leading center for mental health and psychological research worldwide. Students at IoPPN benefit from world-class supervision, access to leading researchers, and state-of-the-art facilities. The institute fosters interdisciplinary collaborations and provides excellent career development opportunities, preparing students for impactful careers in academia and beyond.

Overview of the Fully Funded Psychology PhD Studentship

This studentship is designed for one outstanding PhD candidate who will focus on one of four pre-defined research projects. The program begins on October 1, 2026, and lasts for three years of full-time study. The successful applicant will become part of a vibrant research community, contributing to the advancement of psychological science.

Financial Support and Benefits

The fully funded nature of this scholarship ensures that students can concentrate on their research without financial worry.

Annual Stipend

The selected student will receive an annual stipend that matches the UK Research and Innovation (UKRI/RCUK) doctoral stipend rate. For the 2026/27 academic year, this amounts to £23,805 per year, which includes London weighting. This stipend is subject to annual review and adjustment.

Full Tuition Fee Coverage

All tuition fees for Home students are covered for the entire three-year duration of the PhD program. This also includes PhD registration costs, removing a significant financial barrier for doctoral study.

Research and Travel Funding

Beyond the stipend and tuition support, students are allocated up to £3,000 annually for research-related expenses. This funding can be used for various activities, including research projects, attending conferences, fieldwork, academic travel, and other project-specific costs. Over the three years, this could provide up to £9,000 in additional research support.

Available PhD Research Projects

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

Project 1 (FC01): Food and the Self

This project investigates the complex relationship between food, eating habits, and personal identity. It examines how food identity is understood in psychological literature and explores how food choices influence self-concept and identity formation. Researchers will conduct systematic reviews, qualitative interviews, and develop new tools to measure food identity. The findings are expected to improve understanding of eating behaviors and inform public health interventions.

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

This research focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic adults, using a disorders of gut-brain interaction framework. The project involves reviewing existing evidence, analyzing secondary datasets, and comparing autistic and non-autistic adults regarding healthcare use. Key variables include anxiety, interoception, sensory processing, and neurodevelopmental mechanisms. The study aims to enhance the understanding of gastrointestinal issues in autism and improve clinical practice.

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

This project examines how individuals make decisions when faced with risk information that is both explicitly described and learned through experience. It investigates how people combine these different types of information, how their risk perceptions change over time, and what factors affect decision quality. Using experimental methods, the research will assess the impact of information timing, sequencing, and completeness on behavioral responses. The results could have applications in consumer behavior, marketing, and financial decision-making.

Project 4 (SY04): Intergenerational Play

This project explores the differences between parent-child and grandparent-child interactions and their impact on development and well-being. The research will involve video-recorded play sessions, behavioral coding, questionnaires, and family interviews. It will examine interaction patterns, child developmental outcomes, family relationships, and grandparent well-being. The findings are expected to offer valuable insights into child development, family psychology, and intergenerational relationships.

Teaching and Professional Development

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. This teaching experience is invaluable for those considering careers in higher education, research, or academic leadership.

Eligibility Criteria

To be considered for this studentship, applicants must meet the following academic requirements:

• Standard Entry Route: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:1 Honours classification or its overseas equivalent.
• Alternative Entry Route: A Bachelor’s degree with a 2:2 Honours classification, combined with a Master’s degree with Merit.

Required Application Documents

Prospective candidates must submit the following documents as part of their application:

1. Academic Transcripts: Official transcripts for all relevant academic qualifications.
2. Qualification Documents: Copies of degree certificates.
3. Curriculum Vitae (CV): Including educational background, employment history, research experience, and any publications.
4. Personal Statement: This statement should clearly articulate the applicant’s interest in the chosen project, their academic interests, research experience, and motivation for pursuing a PhD. It must also clearly state the selected project code (e.g., FC01, JF02, CH03, or SY04).
5. Teaching Experience Information: Details of any teaching, tutoring, or academic mentoring activities.
6. Academic Reference: One academic reference is required, submitted from an institutional email address and within the specified timeline.

Application Instructions

Applicants should follow these steps when applying:

1. Apply through the King’s College London admissions portal.
2. Select either the “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-Time)” or “Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Part-Time)” option.
3. Tick Box 5 in the Funding Section.
4. Include the specific project reference code for the chosen research project.
5. The Research Proposal section can be skipped, as the projects have already been defined.

It is recommended that applicants contact the supervisors for additional information before submitting their applications.

Selection Process

The selection process involves several stages:

• Stage 1: Application Review: Applications will be evaluated based on academic excellence, research experience, alignment with the chosen project, and overall academic potential.
• Stage 2: Interview: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for either an online or in-person interview.
• Stage 3: Final Selection: The final decision will consider academic merit, research capability, motivation, references, and the applicant’s suitability for the specific project.

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