Henry Izuu 
LISS DTP 2026: Complete Guide to Fully Funded Social Sciences PhD Studentships
The LISS DTP 2026 Open Competition is now accepting applications for prestigious, fully funded doctoral studentships in social sciences. This competitive program, supported by the UK Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC), provides comprehensive financial and academic support for exceptional researchers ready to address pressing global challenges.
About the Program
The LISS DTP 2026 (London Interdisciplinary Social Science Doctoral Training Partnership) is a collaborative initiative between three world-class institutions: King’s College London, Imperial College London, and Queen Mary University of London.
This ESRC-funded program is designed to train the next generation of social science leaders through interdisciplinary research and professional development. The LISS DTP 2026 studentships cover the full spectrum of social sciences, including political science, sociology, economics, environmental studies, and global health. Successful candidates will commence their studies in October 2026.
Eligibility Requirements
The LISS DTP 2026 seeks candidates who demonstrate exceptional academic ability, research potential, and commitment to advancing social science inquiry.
Academic Qualifications
To be competitive for LISS DTP 2026, applicants typically need:
- A very good first degree (BA or BSc Honours or equivalent) achieving first-class standard or upper second-class with an average of 65% or above
- For the PhD-only route (+3.5 awards), an appropriate Master’s qualification at distinction or at least high merit level
- A strong research proposal aligned with LISS DTP 2026’s interdisciplinary pathways
- Relevant professional or work-related expertise may also be considered
Residency Status
The LISS DTP 2026 welcomes both UK and international applicants:
Home Students: UK Nationals meeting residency requirements, or those with settled status, pre-settled status (meeting residency requirements), or indefinite leave to remain/enter.
International Students (including EU students): International applicants are eligible but face intense competition, as these studentships are capped at 30% of total LISS DTP 2026 awards. While the ESRC funds the Home Fee rate, partner institutions fund the fee difference for a limited number of international students—this additional funding is not guaranteed. Note that LISS DTP 2026 awards do not cover visa or travel costs.
Ineligibility Criteria
You cannot apply for LISS DTP 2026 if you:
- Are interested in distance learning programmes
- Have already been awarded a PhD or equivalent
- Are a current doctoral student with less than 50% of study time remaining when the LISS DTP 2026 studentship begins (first-year doctoral students may apply for second and third-year funding)
Benefits
The LISS DTP 2026 studentships provide comprehensive support designed to nurture future leaders in social research:
- Full tuition fee coverage at either home or international rate
- Generous annual living stipend aligned with ESRC funding standards
- Research and training support funds for your doctoral work
- Professional development opportunities, including interdisciplinary workshops, organizational placements, and mentoring programs with leading public and private sector partners
These LISS DTP 2026 benefits enable doctoral students to produce impactful research addressing critical issues such as health inequalities, education reform, sustainability, data ethics, and governance.
Application Guidelines
Choose Your Pathway
LISS DTP 2026 offers two routes—select ONE only:
- 1+3.5 pathway: One-year Master’s program plus 3.5 years of PhD research (for applicants without a relevant Master’s or whose existing Master’s is in a significantly different field)
- +3.5 pathway: 3.5 years of PhD research (for applicants with a relevant Master’s degree)
Identify Your Supervisor
All LISS DTP 2026 applications require a named first supervisor. Contact an academic at King’s, Imperial, or Queen Mary to develop your research idea and secure their agreement to supervise.
Apply for Institutional Admission
You must simultaneously apply for admission to the relevant Master’s or doctoral program at your chosen institution. In the ‘Funding’ section, indicate you’re applying for ESRC Studentship Funding.
KCL 1+3.5 applicants: Request an application fee waiver by completing the designated form by 20 January 2026.
Selection Criteria
LISS DTP 2026 applications are assessed using weighted criteria:
For 1+3.5 applicants:
- Student Research Potential: 60%
- Scientific Quality of Proposal: 40%
For +3.5 applicants:
- Student Research Potential: 40%
- Scientific Quality of Proposal: 60%
Required Documents
A complete LISS DTP 2026 application includes four essential components, all due by the deadline:
- Online LISS DTP 2026 student application form (1+3.5 or +3.5)
- Supervisor statement completed by your proposed primary supervisor through the online portal
- Degree transcripts (undergraduate and Master’s for +3.5 applicants; interim transcripts accepted, but degree certificates are not)
- Academic reference from someone other than your supervisor, uploaded or submitted via the portal
Additional requirement for Imperial applicants: Submit a “Confirmation of Departmental Support” form to the LISS DTP Imperial Team.
Program Structure and Duration
The LISS DTP 2026 offers flexible pathways:
1+3.5 Route (4.5 years total):
- Year 1: Master’s degree at your chosen institution
- Years 2-4.5: Full-time PhD research
+3.5 Route (3.5 years):
- Full-time PhD research for candidates with existing Master’s qualifications
Both pathways begin in October 2026 and provide comprehensive training through interdisciplinary workshops, research seminars, and professional development activities across all three partner institutions.
Why You Should Apply
The LISS DTP 2026 represents a unique opportunity to:
- Join a world-leading research community spanning three prestigious London universities
- Receive comprehensive funding eliminating financial barriers to advanced research
- Access interdisciplinary training that enhances your research impact
- Build professional networks through placements and mentoring with leading organizations
- Address real-world challenges through research that shapes policy and practice
- Develop transferable skills preparing you for diverse career pathways in academia, policy, business, and the nonprofit sector
The LISS DTP 2026 program positions you at the forefront of social science research, equipping you to become a leader in addressing society’s most pressing challenges.
How to Apply
Key Deadlines for LISS DTP 2026
| Event | Date and Time |
|---|---|
| Applications Open | 23 October 2025 |
| Workshop: How to Write a Good Studentship Application | 14 November 2025, 12:00–14:00 GMT |
| Online Briefing Session | 3 December 2025, 10:00–11:30 GMT |
| KCL 1+3.5 Fee Waiver Request Deadline | 20 January 2026 |
| Final Application Deadline | 23 January 2026, 17:00 GMT |
| Formal Offer Letters Issued | Week of 27 April 2026 |
Application Steps
- Attend information sessions to understand the LISS DTP 2026 requirements
- Develop your research proposal aligned with ESRC priorities
- Contact potential supervisors at King’s, Imperial, or Queen Mary
- Complete institutional application for your chosen program
- Submit LISS DTP 2026 application with all required components
- Ensure supervisor and referee complete their sections by the deadline
Final Deadline: 23 January 2026, 17:00 GMT
The LISS DTP 2026 Open Competition offers an exceptional opportunity to launch your research career within a world-leading interdisciplinary environment. Begin preparing your proposal and contacting potential supervisors today to secure your place in this prestigious program.
The LISS DTP 2026 represents more than funding—it’s an investment in the future of social science research. Success requires demonstrating not only academic excellence but also showing how your research vision aligns with the program’s commitment to interdisciplinary innovation and real-world impact.
About The Author
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