A flexible Multidisciplinary Training Programme: 0+4 PhD Studentship pathway, with compulsory training elements in year 1
Admission date in October to follow the academic year. Please note this is a non-clinical programme.
Overview
This innovative programme is designed to cultivate your multidisciplinary skills and help you reach your full potential. An exciting first year filled with training elements aims to set you on the path to success. Students apply to the programme rather than to specific Faculty members and spend the first six months of the programme undertaking two rotation projects aligned with the research themes of the Roger Williams Institute of Liver Studies (RW-ILS). This unique approach provides invaluable exposure to a variety of disciplines and allows students to gain a better overall picture of the Institute and the different opportunities that are available.
At the end of each rotation students are required to write a short (1500-2000 word) report for formative assessment. In addition, at the end of the second rotation, students are required to present a summary of both rotation projects at the Institute’s Seminar Series.
Selection of the final PhD project and group is not limited to the rotation selections and will be by mutual consent between the student and supervisor and takes place towards the end of the 2nd rotation period. Final project allocation will be agreed after discussion with the programme lead, selected supervisors and students. A project proposal will need to be submitted by the student, with the support of the selected supervisors and will be reviewed by a RW-ILS panel before proceeding.
Funding
This 4-year KCL PhD programme, funded by the Foundation for Liver Research, offers the following financial support:
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A stipend aligned with standard UKRI rates (to be reviewed annually) which is usually non-taxable: £23,805 per annum including London weighting from October 2026.
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UK ‘Home’ rate KCL PhD Tuition Fees
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A standard consumables budget of £7000 per year.
Supervision and scientific advisory board
Each student has a primary PhD supervisor from within the RW-ILS who provides day-to-day supervision of their research. Additional supervisors from other disciplines can be selected. All students have access to an internal mentor, as well as mentoring programmes led by KCL and the Student Union. It is expected that students and their work will be predominantly based in the Roger Williams Building.
The Thesis Committee, which consists of an independent chair, the supervisors and selected thesis experts, primarily serves as a scientific advisory board for the student throughout their PhD work. Its function is to offer comments, advice and support to the student in order to ensure that the thesis can be completed in an appropriate time frame and with the best possible output. In addition to the student’s own research group, the Thesis Committee provides an independent forum for scientific discussion.
Students are expected to complete their research and submit their thesis within the 4-year time frame of the award. Monitoring of each student’s progress will be achieved through the submission of their first year report, their third year thesis plan, and by regular Thesis Committee meetings held three months after registration and at six-monthly intervals thereafter. During their PhD, students are expected to attend training courses in transferable and general research skills, present their work regularly and attend seminars (including SIMS seminars).
Training opportunities
We offer world-class scientific training, provided in a flexible, student-led fashion. Students on our 4-year PhD Programme are expected to attend training courses in transferable and general research skills. Through King’s Doctoral College, the funded students will have access to:
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Extensive range of live courses
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Suite of online, on demand training
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Dedicated one-to-one support in key areas.
This comprehensive programme of support pinpoints and tackles the training and development needs of students, setting them up for success in their future career. All activities are arranged into eight key doctoral development themes.
There is also a weekly Seminar Series on site which all students are expected to attend and present. Also, students have the opportunity to meet and have informal discussions over lunch with speakers in the Seminar Series. In addition, relevant seminar programmes within the University are widely advertised, and students are encouraged to attend.
All students will have the opportunity to present their work regularly to their group. In addition, students are encouraged to present their work at both national and international scientific meetings, allowing for networking and communication skills development.
To apply you must:
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Have (or expect to have by 30 September 2026) a first/upper second-class honours degree (2:1) or an equivalent overseas qualification. A 2:2 degree may be considered only where applicants also offer a Master's degree with Merit or above in a relevant subject.
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Be eligible for “Home fees” (in accordance with the KCL criteria) and a UK Resident/National
Apply Today
Please review the studentship page for full information and submission instructions.
Please note, that the applications portal deadlines are for admissions to receive applications only and are separate to the closing date relating to this studentship.
The closing date for applications is 27th March 2026.
Once you have applied you will need to follow admissions’ instructions and return their requested documents before your application can be passed to the school’s operations officer (education) for processing.
Eligible candidates will be shortlisted to complete a follow-up questionnaire and again shortlisted for a formal interview.
Expected Timeline (subject to change):
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Candidates notified of application outcome by 15 April
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Successful candidates to complete questionnaire by 30 April
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Candidates notified of questionnaire outcome by 14 May
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Interview Period – 18 – 22 May
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Final Decisions communicated by 29 May.