Apply to a CASE Project – for PhD applicants

Find a funded PhD opportunity with real-world impact.

Recruitment for October 2026 is now open

CASE studentships foster collaboration between social scientists at King’s College London, Queen Mary University of London, and Imperial College London, and non-academic partner organisations (public, private, or third sector).

A CASE studentship is a PhD programme where the student works closely with a partner organisation to co-develop their research project, gaining valuable experience beyond academia.These studentships span a wide range of interdisciplinary social research themes explored by LISS DTP staff and students.

Opportunities are available as:

  • +3.5: PhD only
  • 1+3.5: Master’s plus PhD

Funding includes UKRI Home Tuition Fees (£5,006 per annum in 2025/26) and a stipend (£22,780 per annum in 2025/26) at the UKRI rate. Students may also apply for additional funding to support training and research activities including Research Training Support Grant of around £940 per annum​, additional funding support for overseas fieldwork, difficult language training, overseas institutional visits and placement related expenses.

How to apply for a CASE PhD studentship

Step 1. Check eligibility requirements

Applicants for CASE studentships must meet the ESRC eligibility criteria for both residency and academic qualifications.

Academic Eligibility

  • +3.5 awards (PhD only): You must have already completed the required core research training.
  • 1+3.5 awards (Master’s + PhD): Core training will be completed during the Master’s year.

Please review the ESRC guidelines carefully before submitting your application.

 

Funding Eligibility

LISS DTP studentships are now open to both Home and International students. You must however be aware of the definitions of each category and their funding implications.

International students (including EU) are eligible for ESRC studentships, but places are limited and highly competitive (capped at 30% of total awards).

Nationality and residency requirements for both Home and International students can be found in the UKRI guidance here. Please read this document to determine whether you will be classed as a Home or International student.

Contact the Admissions Team at the institution to which you have applied if you are uncertain of your tuition fee status. LISS DTP is unable to advise on complex cases and will abide by your institution’s assessment of your status.

Step 2. View CASE studentship projects below

20 CASE PhD projects will be approved for October 2026 entry. Projects will be added throughout December and January.

Each project linting will include:

  • Project title and outline
  • Supervisors and host institution (KCL, QMUL, Imperial)
  • Non-academic partner organisation
  • Application details and deadline
  • Award type: +3.5 or 1+3.5
  • Study mode: full-time or part-time
  • International eligibility
Step 3. Apply to the Academic Supervisor (LISS Application)

Follow the instructions in the CASE project listing. Requirements may vary by institution.

All applicants must submit the following directly to the CASE supervisory team:

Additionally, all applicants must complete:

Step 4. Apply to the home institution – academic admissions application

You must also complete an academic admissions application via the host institution’s PhD portal (KCL, QMUL, or Imperial).

The academic programme name will depend on the institution and department. Your supervisory team will advise.

Step 5. What happens after my application is submitted?
  • Supervisory teams review applications and invite shortlisted candidates for interview.
  • Interviews follow LISS DTP and institutional guidelines and will use the LISS DTP CASE interview form to record information from the interview.
  • After interviews, supervisors submit a ranked shortlist to LISS DTP.
  • LISS DTP checks funding eligibility and training background.
  • Ratification Panel meets in April; decisions confirmed week commencing 27 April 2026.

CASE recruitment timeline

Applications open Mid-December 2025 onwards
Application deadline Detailed in CASE project listing (usually up to end February 2026)
Interviews Varies by project. Usually during March 2026
Shortlist to LISS DTP 31 March 2026
Formal offer letters issued Week commending 27 April 2026

October 2026 CASE projects

Past projects