Fully Funded PhD Opportunities in Space, Security, Wellbeing, UFOs, and Earth–Space Sustainability at the University of Leicester University of Leicester in United Kingdom

The University of Leicester’s Leverhulme Centre for Humanity and Space (LCHS) is recruiting five fully funded PhD studentships based at Space Park Leicester. This is a major interdisciplinary opportunity focused on the human, cultural, political, and social dimensions of space, with research connected to arts, humanities, social sciences, and space-related policy and industry contexts.

Available PhD themes include nuclear strategy, security and space; human wellbeing and performance in space; UFOs and the UK National Archives; contesting and co-creating Earth–Space sustainability; and European space strategy. The projects are supervised by academic staff including Professor Andrew Futter, Professor Wyn Bowen, Professor Ana-Cristina Costa, Dr Ben Parsons, Dr Scott Davidson, and Dr Raul Gonzalez, alongside external collaboration with The National Archives.

Funding is strong: the studentship covers 4 years of full tuition fees (UK or overseas as required) and a 4-year UKRI-rate stipend of £21,805 per year for 2026/27, paid monthly. The programme is part of a £10m, 10-year initiative and is designed to support interdisciplinary doctoral research and collaboration with researchers, start-up space companies, business, and governmental bodies.

Eligibility highlights: applicants need a 2:1 UK bachelor’s degree or overseas equivalent in a relevant subject, plus a Master’s degree. University of Leicester English language requirements apply. Applicants should prepare a research proposal using the required form and choose the application link for the relevant project.

Deadline: 26 April 2026. Start date: 21 September 2026.

To apply, use the University of Leicester application portal, download and complete the Research Proposal Form, and submit the required documents including CV, personal statement, transcripts, degree certificates, English evidence if needed, and referee details.