Fully Funded King’s College London PhD Studentship 2026 on Justice and Energy Transitions

Fully Funded King’s College London PhD Studentship 2026 on Justice and Energy Transitions

Applications are now open for the Fully Funded PhD Studentship at King’s College London under the African Leadership Centre focused on justice, governance, and energy transitions in the context of critical minerals extraction.

This prestigious doctoral opportunity is part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project titled “Justice in Critical Minerals Governance and Energy Transitions,” led by Dr Clement Sefa Nyarko.

The studentship offers a unique opportunity for researchers interested in environmental justice, sustainability, governance, natural resource politics, and community-centered research methodologies.

Selected candidates will begin their studies in October 2026 with full financial support including tuition fees, annual stipend, and research funding.

PhD Studentship Overview

About the PhD Project

As global demand for clean energy technologies increases, the need for critical minerals such as lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements continues to grow.

However, extraction activities often create major environmental, political, and social challenges for local communities.

This PhD project aims to critically examine issues related to:

• Justice and equity
• Governance and accountability
• Community participation
• Sustainability transitions
• Extractive politics
• Natural resource governance

The project particularly focuses on interpretive and community-centered approaches to understanding how energy transitions affect communities in resource-rich regions.

The studentship is hosted by the African Leadership Centre within the School of Global Affairs at King’s College London.

Funding Benefits

Selected candidates will receive:

• Full Home tuition fee coverage
• Annual stipend of £23,805 at UKRI rate
• Research support allowance of £1,350 annually
• Specialist doctoral training opportunities
• Academic mentorship from leading scholars
• Support for conferences, fieldwork, and publications
• Opportunities for international research collaboration

Depending on the research design, field engagement opportunities may also be available in:

• Africa
• Latin America
• Australia

Research Themes

Applicants are encouraged to align their research interests with the broader goals of the fellowship while developing independent doctoral research agendas.

Potential Research Areas Include:

1. Justice and Equity in Critical Mineral Supply Chains

Research examining how benefits and burdens of mineral extraction are distributed across communities.

2. Community Experiences of Justice

Exploring local perspectives on participation, exclusion, and justice in extractive industries.

3. Governance and Accountability

Studying transparency, leadership, and institutional accountability in natural resource extraction.

4. Participatory Energy Transition Approaches

Research focused on inclusive and community-led sustainability transitions.

5. Innovative Qualitative Methodologies

The fellowship welcomes approaches such as:

• Hermeneutical Ethnography
• Narrative Analysis
• Interpretive Research
• Symbolic Analysis
• Community-Centered Methodologies

Eligibility Criteria

Applicants should possess:

• A completed or near-completed Master’s degree in:
  • International Development
  • Political Science
  • Environmental Studies
  • Geography
  • Sociology
  • Anthropology
  • Law
  • Related disciplines

Applicants should also demonstrate:

• Interest in interpretive and ethnographic research approaches
• Understanding of qualitative methodologies
• Ability to work with participatory research methods
• Experience using qualitative analysis software such as:
  • NVivo
  • Atlas.ti
  • MAXQDA

Desirable Qualifications

The following experiences are considered advantageous:

• Previous fieldwork experience
• Sustainability transitions research background
• Indigenous studies expertise
• Environmental governance knowledge
• Strong communication skills

Application Process

The application process consists of two stages.

Part 1: Submit Documents by Email

Applicants must send a single PDF file via email to:

clement.1.sefa-nyarko@kcl.ac.uk

Email Subject Line

Application for PhD Studentship on Justice in Energy Transitions

Required Documents

• Research Proposal (Maximum 2,000 words)
• Sample of Written Work
• Personal Statement (1–2 pages)
• Academic Transcripts
• Two References

At least one reference must be academic.

Part 2: Submit Formal King’s Apply Application

Applicants must also submit an official application through King’s Apply for the PhD programme:

Leadership Studies with Reference to Security and Development at the African Leadership Centre.

Who Should Apply?

This opportunity is ideal for:

• Early-career researchers
• Sustainability scholars
• Environmental justice researchers
• Students interested in governance and extractive politics
• Researchers passionate about community-centered methodologies
• Individuals interested in ethical energy transitions research

Apply Links

Application Deadline

Last Date to Apply: 25 May 2026

Final Words

The King’s College London PhD Studentship 2026 on Justice and Energy Transitions offers an outstanding opportunity for researchers committed to exploring environmental justice, sustainability governance, and equitable energy transitions.

With full funding support, advanced doctoral training, and access to an internationally recognized academic environment, the programme provides a strong platform for impactful interdisciplinary research in critical minerals governance and sustainability studies.