The Department of Psychology, based in the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology & Neuroscience, is looking for an applicant for a fully-funded scholarship, on one of the following projects:
Project 1 FC01: Food and the Self
Contact: [email protected]
This project explores how food and eating shape identity and self-concept. It will:
- review how food identity has been conceptualised and measured
- conduct qualitative interviews to explore lived experiences of food and identity
- develop and validate a new psychological measure of food identity
The research aims to improve understanding of eating behaviour and support more culturally informed health interventions.
Project 2 JF02: Disorders of Gut–Brain Interaction (DGBI) in Autistic Adults
Contact: [email protected]
This project investigates gastrointestinal symptoms in autistic adults using a disorders of gut–brain interaction framework. It will:
- systematically review existing evidence
- analyse secondary datasets comparing autistic and non-autistic adults on gastrointestinal symptoms and healthcare use
- conduct an empirical study examining psychological and neurodevelopmental mechanisms (e.g., anxiety, interception, sensory processing) associated with DGBIs
The project aims to improve understanding of mechanisms and clinical implications.
Project 3 CH03: Described and Experienced Risk in Decision-Making
Contact: [email protected]
This project examines how people make decisions when risk information is both described and experienced. It addresses how these two sources of information interact in shaping choice, using experimental methods.
The study will test how factors such as timing, completeness, and sequencing of information influence decision-making, with applications to real-world contexts such as consumer behaviour and reviews.
Project 4 SY04: Intergenerational Play
Contact: [email protected]
This project compares parent–child and grandparent–child play and examines their impact on development and well-being. It will use video-recorded play sessions with behavioural coding to compare interaction patterns, alongside questionnaires and/or interviews across families.
The project will explore how intergenerational play relates to child outcomes and grandparent well-being.
Table of Content
Summary
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Benefits
- The successful PhD student will receive a stipend for the full three years, equivalent to the RCUK stipend for postgraduate research students (currently £23,805 [including London weighting]).
- In addition, the department will provide up to £3,000 per year for travel and research expenses.
Start date: 1 October 2026
Requirements
- Applicants should have (or be expected to obtain) a bachelor’s degree with 2:1 honours (or Overseas equivalent). A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a master’s with Merit.
Award conditions
- The studentship lasts for three years.
- Successful applicants will be registered for a PhD for three years.
- Tuition fees are fully funded for Home applicants.The successful student will receive a stipend equivalent to the RCUK rate (£23,805 including London weighting, subject to annual updates).
- Up to £3,000 per year will be provided for travel and research expenses.
- The student will be expected to undertake Graduate Teaching Assistant duties, including leading seminars and practicals, marking, and providing feedback on the BSc in Psychology programme.
Selection Process
- Applications will be reviewed after the closing date. Shortlisted candidates will be invited to interview (online or in person), where academic background, research experience, and suitability for the project will be assessed.
- Selection will be based on academic merit, research potential, and alignment with the project. References may also be considered. Candidates will be informed of the outcome after the selection process is complete.
Check also:
Free Ongoing Fully Funded Scholarships Guide 2026 (Download Now)
Application Deadline
June 21, 2026How To Apply
Applicants must complete and submit an online admissions application, via the admissions portal by midnight (23:59 GMT), 21 June 2026.
On the ‘Choosing a programme’ page, please select Department of Psychology Research MPhil/PhD (Full-time) or (Part-time).
In your application, you will be asked to include:
- Academic Transcripts – where applicable, academic transcripts must be submitted with the online admissions application
- Details of your qualifications – you will need to attach copies
- Details of previous employment – please include your CV
- A personal statement describing your interests and why you wish to apply for this project. Make sure you state the project code of the project you are applying to (e.g., CC01, etc.). Please include this as an attachment rather than using the text box.
- In addition to your research interests make sure to provide information on any teaching or teaching-related experience.
- Academic References – all admissions applications require one supporting reference. If the applicant is relying on their referees to submit a reference directly to the College after they have submitted their admissions application, then the applicant must ensure that (1) their chosen referee is made aware of the funding deadline (i.e. seven days from application deadline) and (2) that the reference needs to be sent from an institutional email address.
In the Funding section, please tick box 5 and include the following reference: (Project reference)
Please note there is no need to complete the Research Proposal section in your application as the project has already been set. You are welcome to email the contact supervisor for more information regarding the project and studentship.
For more information, kindly visit King's College London scholarship webpage.
