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Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy

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Doctoral School for Social Science & Public Policy

 

Launched in 2026, the King’s Doctoral School for Social Science & Public Policy is the home of social science research and training excellence at King's College London.

Shaping the future of social science research  

SSPP doctoral researchers are tackling some of the most pressing challenges facing societies around the world, from climate change, global health and migration to conflict, inequality, democracy, education and social justice. Through the SSPP Doctoral School, students will be part of a dynamic and interdisciplinary research community that combines academic excellence with real-world impact.

Drawing on SSPP's extensive partnerships with governments, international organisations, NGOs, think tanks and industry, doctoral researchers will have opportunities to engage beyond the university and develop the skills, networks and experience needed to influence policy and practice. Close collaboration with the SSPP Methods Centre will provide access to cutting-edge training in quantitative, qualitative and digital research methods, helping students build robust methodological expertise alongside their subject knowledge.

New initiatives, including expanded training and development opportunities, and enhanced professional support, will help doctoral researchers strengthen their research, broaden their career horizons and maximise the impact of their work. From developing advanced methodological expertise to influencing real-world policy and practice, the SSPP Doctoral School will support researchers to become the next generation of scholars, leaders and changemakers.

The SSPP Doctoral School will be the home for social science doctoral students, providing a community for students and a platform for them to flourish during their studies.

Professor Cathy McIlwaine, Vice Dean (Research), Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy

 

Explore our studentships

LISS DTP

LISS DTP

Studentships in the social sciences allowing students to work with leading experts.

Studying at the Doctoral School

Policy excellence

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We inform policy through our world-leading expertise across the social sciences and our deep relationships with government, business, civil society and international organisations.

Find out more about our research areas: 

Qualification(s): PhD 
Duration: Expected to be PhD (initial registration for MPhil), three-four years FT, six-seven years PT.

Blended PhD in European and International Studies from the Department of European & International Studies at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): PhD 
Duration: Expected to be PhD three years FT, four-six years PT. Normal start date September but students may commence at other times by arrangement.

PhD Brazilian Studies Research from the Brazil Institute at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be MPhil two years FT, three years PT. PhD three years FT, four-six years PT. Normal start date September but students may commence at other times by arrangement.

We are interested in particular in political economy, political science of contemporary China, Chinese international relations, and China and its natural environment.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be MPhil two years FT, three years PT. PhD three years FT, six years PT.

MPhil/PhD Contemporary India Research from the India Institute at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: MPhil two years full-time (four years part-time); PhD expected three years full-time (six years part-time).

MPhil/PhD Defence Studies Research in Defence Studies Department at King's College London

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: 3-4 years full-time or 6-7 years part-time.

PhD Development Studies with reference to Emerging Economies in International Development Institute at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: 2-4 years FT, 6-7 years PT. There are two entry points for the programme each academic year in October and February

MPhil/PhD Education Research at King's College, London

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be PhD (initial registration for MPhil), three-four years FT, six-seven years PT.

MPhil/PhD from the Department of European & International Studies Research at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected duration: MPhil, two years full time, four years part time; PhD. three years full time, six years part time.

MPhil/PhD Research from the Department of Geography at King's College London, option of joint PhD with Hong Kong University/Humboldt/National University of Singapore.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be three years FT, six years PT. Most candidates begin the programme in October; February entry may be considered.

MPhil/PhD Gerontology Research at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Duration MPhil: two years FT, four years PT. PhD: three-four years FT, six-seven years PT. Most candidates begin the programme in October; February entry may be considered.

MPhil/PhD Social Science, Health & Medicine Research in the Department for Social Science, Health and Medicine at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: 2-4 years FT, 6-7 years PT. There are two entry points for the programme each academic year in October and February

MPhil/PhD Interdisciplinary Policy Research Studies at King's College, London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be PhD (initial registration for MPhil), three-four years FT, six-seven years PT

MPhil/PhD in International Political Economy from the Department of European & International Studies Research at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): PhD 
Duration: Expected to be MPhil two years FT, three years PT. PhD three years FT, four-six years PT.

Study PhD International Relations in the Brazil Institute at King's College London and the University of São Paulo.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: For the PhD: 3-4 years FT, 6-7 years PT. There are two entry points for the programme each academic year in October and February

MPhil/PhD Linguistics Research at King's College London, joint PhD with Hong Kong University or National University of Singapore.

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Qualification(s): PhD 
Duration: 3-4 years f/t or 6-7 years p/t

Study Leadership Studies with reference to Security & Development PhD, in the African Leadership Centre in the Faculty of Social Science & Public Policy at King's College London or Joint PhD Leadership and Security Studies with the University of Pretoria.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: MPhil: two years full-time, three years part-time. PhD: three years full-time, four to six years part-time.

MPhil or PhD Political Economy Research in the Department with Political Economy, with the option of a join PhD with NUS, at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: MPhil: two years full-time, three years part-time. PhD: three years full-time, four to six years part-time.

MPhil/PhD Contemporary History at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: MPhil: 2 years full-time/4 years part-time. PhD: 3-4 years full-time/6-7 years part-time.

MPhil/PhD in Politics Research in Department of Political Economy at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: MPhil two years FT, four years PT, PhD three-four years FT, six-seven years PT.

MPhil/PhD Public Policy Research at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): PhD 
Duration: MPhil two years full-time (four years part-time); PhD expected three years full-time (six years part-time).

PhD in Russian & Eurasian Studies in Russia Institute at King's College London.

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Qualification(s): MPhil  PhD 
Duration: Expected to be: MPhil, two years FT, four years PT; PhD. three years FT, six years PT.

MPhil/PhD from the Department of War Studies at King's College London, option of joint PhD with Hong Kong University of the National University of Singapore.

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