PhD Studentship: Knowledge Orders before Modernity King's College London in United Kingdom

[Fully funded PhD studentships; five funded by the Leverhulme Trust and one by King's College London. Covers tuition and stipend for UK and international students who meet UKRI residency requirements.]

King's College London, in partnership with the Leverhulme Trust and the University of Kent's Centre for Medieval and Early Modern Studies (MEMS), is offering fully funded PhD studentships for the Knowledge Orders before Modernity programme. This innovative academic consortium focuses on the study of intellectual history, knowledge systems, and cultural orders in the medieval and early modern periods. For 2026 entry, six scholars will be appointed: five funded by the Leverhulme Trust (shared between King's College London and Kent) and one funded by King's College London.

The programme encourages applicants to either propose their own research project or apply for one of the advertised projects within the consortium's themes. The research environment is interdisciplinary, drawing on history, philosophy, literature, and related humanities fields to explore how knowledge was structured and transmitted before the modern era. Successful candidates will benefit from a vibrant academic community, tailored skills training, and opportunities for collaboration across institutions.

Eligibility is open to UK and international students who meet UKRI residency requirements. Applicants should hold a good undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline and a Masters-level qualification or equivalent that satisfies KOM research training standards. Those with significant professional or work experience relevant to the field are also encouraged to apply. Admission is contingent on meeting the host university's criteria, and students currently enrolled in a PhD are not eligible.

Funding covers full tuition and a stipend for the duration of the PhD. The application process involves submitting an application to the relevant university (King's College London or University of Kent), specifying the Knowledge Orders scholarship and project. Once a candidate number is received, applicants must complete an online expression of interest form, including a research proposal, personal statement, CV, academic transcript, and two referee letters. Referees must send their letters by the application deadline.

The deadline for applications is 12pm, 13 February 2026, with interviews for shortlisted candidates scheduled for late March 2026. The programme values diversity and aims to build relevant skills training into each student's work-plan. Successful candidates are expected to begin their studies in October 2026, unless exceptional circumstances are approved.

For further details and to access the application form, visit the programme website. This studentship offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the understanding of knowledge orders before modernity within a supportive and dynamic academic setting.