LISS DTP Open Competition Studentships – 2026 Entry Now Open
We are pleased to announce that applications are now open for the ESRC-funded London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership (LISS DTP) Open Competition studentships. These awards offer full funding for postgraduate study starting in October 2026, and the deadline to apply is 23 January 2026, 5pm.
Led by King’s College London, in partnership with Queen Mary and Imperial College London, the LISS DTP provides a dynamic and supportive environment for interdisciplinary social science research. Find out more about the LISS DTP vision.
Studentship Options
We offer:
- 1+3.5 studentships: One year of Master’s study followed by a 3.5-year PhD
- +3.5 studentships: 3.5-year PhD only
- Part-time studentships are also available
- Current PGR students (1st year full-time or 1st/2nd year part-time) may apply for funding for the remainder of their PhD.
Research Areas
We welcome applications across six interdisciplinary research areas:
- RA1: Global Health Innovation
- RA2: Business Analytics, Management, and Applied Economics
- RA3: Language, Culture, and Education
- RA4: Environment and Sustainability
- RA5: Global Order and Security
- RA6: Public Policy and Governance
We particularly encourage proposals that use advanced data skills, quantitative methods, and interdisciplinary approaches. Dedicated steered awards are available in these areas.
Inclusive Funding
We are committed to recruiting outstanding and diverse candidates. Applications are welcome from UK and international students (including EU).
We particularly welcome applications from individuals who are currently underrepresented within the LISS DTP community, including home students from ethnically diverse backgrounds and mixed heritage.
To help ensure equitable access to postgraduate study, we offer ringfenced studentships for:
- Students from underrepresented backgrounds
- Disabled students
- Students with caring responsibilities, including those who are primary carers for children or adult family members
Funding Details
Each studentship includes:
- UKRI Home fees for Master’s and/or PhD study
- Annual tax-free stipend of approximately £22,780 (2025/26 rate)
- Additional funding for training, fieldwork, travel, and more.
All funded students must undertake a 3-month placement, integrating research with practical experience.
International students may be eligible for institutional fee waiver/ support to cover the fee difference.
Apply Now
For full guidance and access to our online application form, please visit our webpages:
If you have any questions, the LISS DTP Team is here to help, please contact us at liss-dtp@kcl.ac.uk.
Attend an Open Competition Online Applicant Briefing Session!
The LISS DTP will run an online briefing session for students preparing applications for the Open Competition for October 2026 Entry. The purpose of the briefing session is for interested applicants to find out more about the LISS DTP and to ask questions about the application process.
This session will take place on Wednesday 3 December, 10-11.30am. Sign up.
Workshop: How to Write a Good Studentship Application
This workshop is especially dedicated to encouraging UK based applicants from underrepresented backgrounds and applicants from non-research intensive higher education institutions, but is open to all. The event will take place on Friday 14 November 12-2pm. Sign up .
If you are excited by research, social issues and ideas but are not sure what a Masters/PhD entails or how to write an application, this workshop is for you.