King's College London PhD Studentships

King's College London PhD Studentships in Global South History 2026

Are you a passionate historian ready to redefine the narrative of global development by uncovering the lived experiences of communities in the Global South? King's College London is offering fully funded PhD Studentships as part of the groundbreaking European Research Council project, "Actually Existing Development". Step into an elite academic environment to conduct original archival research, travel for fieldwork, and shape international history with a generous stipend and full tuition coverage.

Particulars & Details

About the Programme & Work Environment

Actually Existing Development (DEVHIST) is a five-year research project led by Agnieszka Sobocinska and funded by a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council. This project systematically examines the encounters between individuals, groups, and worldviews that attended and often reshaped international development at points of implementation across the Global South, from the 1950s to the 1990s. You will be uncovering the complex negotiations that remade international development projects, focusing on the viewpoints and agency of Global South communities.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct original archival materials and fieldwork research applying the 'Actually Existing Development' approach to either Southeast Asian or African experiences.
• Trace how aid-recipient communities understood, conceptualized, and experienced specific international development interventions.
• Assess how specific groups mobilized for or against interventions, and the impact of their responses on international development agencies.
• Regularly participate in project activities, team meetings, reading groups, guest lectures, seminars, and joint publications.
• Complete all coursework and milestone requirements as required for PhD student cohorts at King's College London.

Eligibility Criteria & Qualifications

• Educational Status: Candidates are expected to have a Masters-level qualification in history, development studies, or a related discipline completed by September 2026.
• Experience: Experience with archival research is strictly expected, and familiarity with oral history techniques is highly desirable.
• Language Proficiency: Applicants must be fully proficient in relevant research languages at the start of their candidature, and a high level of English language proficiency is also required.
• Core Competencies: Must demonstrate strong communication skills, intellectual independence, a proactive attitude, and the ability to work both individually and as part of a team.

Remuneration & Conditions

• Tuition Coverage: You will receive a fee waiver for full tuition and fees at Home, EU, or Overseas rates.
• Stipend: The studentship provides a stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate (approx. £23,805 - £24,805 per annum) for a duration of 3 years.
• Additional Funding: Further funding for approved research activities, including fieldwork and conference travel, is also available.

How to Apply

1. Prepare a 2,000-word research proposal identifying your chosen areas/groups, outlining historical questions, and including a bibliography.
2. Gather a sample of relevant written work, an official academic transcript, and a 1-2 page personal statement explaining your academic interests.
3. Secure two references, ensuring at least one is academic.
4. CRITICAL STEP: Combine all the aforementioned materials into one single PDF file.
5. Email the single PDF to agnieszka.sobocinska@kcl.ac.uk by 29 April 2026.
6. If shortlisted, be prepared for interviews expected to take place on 13 and 14 May 2026.

Important Links

• Official Listing: Click Here to View Original Posting
• Learn About KCL: Discover King's College London

FAQs

• What are the specific regions of focus for the PhD? Project 1 focuses on Southeast Asia (preferably Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, or Philippines). Project 2 focuses on Africa (preferably Ghana, Nigeria, or Ethiopia).
• Is this open to international students? Yes, the funding covers full tuition and fees at Home, EU, or Overseas rates.
• Do I apply directly through the KCL portal first? No, you first email your application package to the project lead. Successful candidates will then need to submit a formal application via the King's Apply portal ahead of subsequent fee status deadlines.

Disclaimer: This opportunity is shared for informational purposes only. We at 99jobs.org are not the organizing or recruiting institution. We do not accept or process applications and cannot influence selection decisions. Applicants must apply directly through the official organization website. Please verify all details from the official source before applying.