King’s College London is inviting applications for fully funded PhD studentships focusing on the History of International Development in the Global South for the 2026 academic year. These positions are part of the prestigious DEVHIST project (Actually Existing Development: Twentieth Century International Development and the Global South), led by Professor Agnieszka Sobocinska and funded by the European Research Council.
This initiative seeks to move beyond top-down policy analysis to explore how development was lived, contested, and reshaped by local communities, aid workers, and governments across Africa, Asia, and Latin America between the 1950s and 1990s.
Research Focus & Regions
The project prioritizes a “history from below” approach, looking at social, economic, and political mobilization. Candidates will focus on one of the following areas:
- Africa: Specifically focusing on Ghana, Nigeria, or Ethiopia.
- Southeast Asia: Specifically focusing on Indonesia (preferred), Malaysia, Thailand, or the Philippines.
Research will involve deep archival work, analysis of narratives produced within the Global South, and potentially oral history interviews to capture perspectives often missed by traditional Western-centric records.
Funding Package
The studentships offer a highly competitive financial and professional support package:
| Benefit | Detail |
| Tuition Fees | Full coverage (Home, EU, and Overseas rates) |
| Annual Stipend | £23,805 (aligned with UKRI rates) |
| Duration | 3 years (Full-time) |
| Additional Support | Funding for fieldwork, conferences, and research activities |
Eligibility Requirements
Prospective scholars must demonstrate the following:
- Academic Background: A Master’s degree in History, Development Studies, or a related field (completed by September 2026).
- Skills: Experience in archival research and proficiency in relevant research languages for the chosen region.
- Language: High level of English language proficiency.
- Qualities: Strong analytical skills and the ability to work both independently and as part of the DEVHIST research team.
Application Essentials
Applications must be submitted as a single PDF containing:
- Research Proposal: (2,000 words) detailing research questions, significance, and literature.
- Writing Sample: A piece of academic work demonstrating research capability.
- Personal Statement: (1–2 pages).
- Transcripts & References: Two references (at least one must be academic).
Important Dates
- Application Deadline: 29 April 2026
- Interviews: 13–14 May 2026
- Programme Start: 2026/27 Academic Year
This is a significant opportunity for researchers dedicated to historical justice and understanding the complex evolution of global inequality through the lens of those who experienced it firsthand.
