About the opportunity
What this programme is offering
King’s College London has announced applications for a fully funded PhD studentship focused on justice, governance, and energy transitions, with a particular emphasis on critical minerals and their role in the global shift toward clean energy technologies. The opportunity is hosted by the African Leadership Centre within the School of Global Affairs and forms part of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Dr Clement Sefa Nyarko
Potential Research Themes
While the PhD aligns with the broader objectives of the UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project, candidates are encouraged to shape their own original research agenda within the programme’s thematic areas.
Academic funding portal
Potential areas of focus include:
Justice and equity in critical mineral supply chains
Community experiences and interpretations of justice in extractive regions
Governance, accountability, and leadership in resource-rich contexts
Participatory and bottom-up approaches to energy transition research
Environmental justice and sustainability governance
Innovative qualitative and interpretive methodologies
Hermeneutical ethnography and narrative-based research approaches
The programme particularly values research methodologies that foreground lived experiences, community participation, and non-traditional forms of meaning-making.
Eligibility Requirements
King’s College London is seeking highly motivated candidates with strong academic backgrounds and a demonstrated interest in qualitative and community-centred research approaches.
Essential requirements include:
A Master’s degree, completed or near completion, in fields such as International Development, Political Science, Environmental Studies, Geography, Sociology, Anthropology, Law, or related disciplines
Strong interest in interpretive, ethnographic, or participatory research methods
Experience or demonstrated potential in bottom-up and co-creation methodologies
Familiarity with qualitative or multimodal analysis software such as NVivo, Atlas.ti, or MAXQDA
Interest in natural resource governance, environmental justice, energy transitions, or extractive politics
Desirable qualifications include:
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Previous fieldwork experience in extractive regions such as Africa, Latin America, or Australia
Academic background in sustainability transitions, Indigenous studies, or environmental governance
Funding and Financial Support
The PhD studentship provides a comprehensive funding package designed to support the researcher throughout the duration of the programme.
Funding includes:
Full Home tuition fees
Annual stipend of £23,805, paid at the UKRI rate
Research support allowance of £1,350 per year
Additional institutional support for conferences, publications, and fieldwork opportunities
The funding package ensures that selected candidates can fully dedicate themselves to conducting high-impact research within a globally relevant field.
Application Process
Applicants must complete a two-stage application process before the deadline of 25 May 2026.
Part One: Email Submission
Candidates are required to submit a single PDF document via email to Dr Clement Sefa Nyarko.
The application package must include:
A research proposal of up to 2,000 words
A sample of written academic work
A personal statement of one to two pages
Academic transcripts
Two references, including at least one academic referee
The email subject line should read:
“Application for PhD Studentship on Justice in Energy Transitions.”
Part Two: Formal University Application
Applicants must also submit an application through King’s Apply for the PhD programme titled:
Leadership Studies with Reference to Security and Development at the African Leadership Centre
Advancing Justice in Global Energy Transitions
This PhD studentship offers a unique opportunity for aspiring scholars to contribute meaningful research to one of the most pressing global issues of the modern era. By examining the intersection of energy transitions, justice, governance, and community experiences, the programme aims to shape more equitable and inclusive approaches to sustainable development.
For researchers passionate about environmental justice, extractive governance, and transformative global policy, this opportunity at King’s College London represents a significant platform for academic growth, international collaboration, and impactful scholarship.
How to apply