The King’s College London PhD Studentship on Justice and Energy Transitions with Emphasis on Critical Minerals is a fully funded opportunity for doctoral research. It is part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project exploring how clean energy transitions can be made fair and just for communities affected by mining and resource extraction.
King’s College London is a world-leading research institution in the UK. The studentship is hosted by the African Leadership Centre (ALC), a globally recognised hub for research on security, leadership, peace, and development. The ALC is committed to producing African-led knowledge and advancing innovative approaches to global challenges.
King’s College London PhD Studentship Benefits
- Stipend: £23,805 per year (paid at UKRI rate)
- Tuition fees: £8,000 (plus inflation for additional years)
- Research allowance: £1,350 per year
- Support for fieldwork, conferences, and publications
King’s College London PhD Studentship Eligibility Criteria
- Open to Home (UK) applicants only; visa sponsorship available for international applicants
- Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in International Development, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, or a related field
- Strong interest in interpretive, ethnographic or community-centred research approaches
- Demonstrated ability or clear potential to work with bottom-up, participatory or co-creation methodologies
- Experience using qualitative or multimodal analysis software (e.g., NVivo, Atlas.ti, MAXQDA)
- Demonstrated interest in natural resource governance, energy transitions, environmental justice, or extractive politics
- Must be able to begin study in October 2026 and commit to full-time study for 3.5 years
- Applicants whose first language is not English must meet King’s College London’s English language requirements for PhD programmes
How to Apply for King’s College London PhD Studentship?
- Submit via the King’s Apply portal
- CV (max 2 pages)
- Cover Letter (1–2 pages) explaining your interest in the studentship, relevant experience, and alignment with the project
- Research Proposal (3,000–5,000 words) outlining your intended area of focus within the themes of justice, critical minerals, or energy transitions
- Academic transcripts
- Two references (at least one academic)
- Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are the most frequently asked questions about the King’s College London PhD Studentship. These answers cover eligibility, benefits, deadlines, and how to apply.
Is this PhD fully funded for international students?
The studentship covers full tuition fees at the Home rate and provides a stipend and research allowance. International students may need to cover the difference in tuition fees or secure additional funding. Visa sponsorship is available.
What is the application deadline?
The deadline for applications is Sunday 17 May 2026. Late applications are not accepted. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interview shortly after the deadline.
What research areas are supported?
Applicants can design their own research within themes of justice, extractive industries, socio-environmental transitions, community participation, or bottom-up knowledge production. Comparative studies focusing on Ghana, Chile, or Australia are looked upon favourably.
Do I need a Master’s degree to apply?
Yes, a Master’s degree (completed or near completion) in a relevant field such as International Development, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, or Law is required.
What is the duration of the studentship?
The studentship is for 3.5 years of full-time study, starting in October 2026. Candidates must be able to commit to this duration.
What funding is provided?
The award includes a stipend of £23,805 per year, tuition fees of £8,000 (plus inflation for additional years), and a research allowance of £1,350 per year. Support for fieldwork, conferences, and publications is also available.
What is the research methodology used?
The project uses a cutting-edge approach called Hermeneutical Ethnography, which studies community voices, stories, and silences, focusing on lived experiences rather than just policy data. This method bridges the gap between policy and real-life impact.
Can I apply if my first language is not English?
Yes, but you must meet King’s College London’s English language requirements for PhD programmes. Proof of proficiency may be required at the point of offer.
What documents are required for the application?
You need to submit a CV (max 2 pages), a cover letter (1–2 pages), a research proposal (3,000–5,000 words), academic transcripts, and two references (at least one academic) via the King’s Apply portal.
Who can I contact for informal queries?
For informal queries, please contact Dr Clement Sefa-Nyarko at [email protected]. He is the supervisor for this studentship.
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