Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Social Work, UK

  •  PhD
  •  01-Nov-2025
  •   United Kingdom
  • $$  Tuition fees (Home/Overseas rate) and a doctoral stipend equivalent to £19,237 per annum for 36 months

Are you passionate about making a difference in social work? The University of Kent invites you to apply for a unique PhD studentship, funded by the UKRI Future Leadership Fellowship. This fully funded position, open to applicants globally, covers tuition and provides a generous stipend to support your research into transracial adoption and the lived experiences of Black children in social care.

Eligibility criteria refer to the specific qualifications and requirements applicants must meet to qualify for a scholarship, program, or opportunity. These criteria ensure that candidates possess the academic background, skills, and relevant experiences necessary for success in the role or program.The University of Kent is known for its strong commitment to research, diverse academic programs, and global outlook. Founded in 1965, it has grown into a prominent institution, offering a broad range of undergraduate, postgraduate, and doctoral programs across disciplines. Kent emphasizes interdisciplinary study and practical learning, with dedicated research centers focusing on fields like social policy, law, and biosciences.

University of Kent Information

University of Kent Grants

Fully Funded PhD Studentship in Social Work, UK Founded in 1965, University of Kent is a non-profit public higher education institution located in the suburban setting of the large town of Canterbury (population range of 50,000-249,999 inhabitants), South East England. This institution has also branch campuses in the following location(s): Medway, Paris, Brussels, Athens. Officially accredited and/or recognized by the Privy Council, University of Kent (KENT) is a large (uniRank enrollment range: 15,000-19,999 students) coeducational higher education institution. University of Kent (KENT) offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees such as pre-bachelor degrees (i.e. certificates, diplomas, associate or foundation degrees), bachelor degrees, master degrees, doctorate degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. This 54 years old higher-education institution has a selective admission policy based on students' past academic record and grades. International students are welcome to apply for enrollment.

Eligibility Criteria

  • University or Organization: University of Kent
  • Department: School of Social Policy, Sociology, and Social Research
  • Course Level: PhD
  • Award: Tuition fees (Home/Overseas rate) and a doctoral stipend equivalent to £19,237 per annum for 36 months
  • Access Mode: Online
  • Number of Awards: 1
  • Nationality: Domestic and International
  • The award can be taken in: United Kingdom

Offered Benefits

The successful candidate will receive full tuition coverage and an annual stipend of £19,237 for a three-year period, offering the opportunity to conduct research within the UKRI Future Leadership Fellowship Project, led by Dr. Sweta Rajan-Rankin at the University of Kent. The award provides resources for training, fieldwork, and conference participation, and supports capacity building among underrepresented groups.

Application Process

Interested applicants should apply for a PhD programme in social work (select the pathway FLF PhD in Social Work) through  KentVision. Include “PhD Studentship in Social Work UKRI FLF 26063” in the application title, and select Dr. Sweta Rajan-Rankin and Dr. Aravinda Kosaraju as prospective supervisors. Required documents:

  • CV (including academic qualifications and relevant experience)
  • A 1000-word personal statement
  • Research proposal addressing a specific area within transracial adoption (maximum 2 pages)
  • Academic writing sample (e.g., thesis chapter)
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