Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Conduct original research on international development in the Global South, focusing on Southeast Asia and Africa.
- Company: King's College London, a prestigious institution with a vibrant academic community.
- Benefits: Full tuition waiver, annual stipend of £24,805, and funding for research activities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by uncovering the lived experiences of communities affected by international development.
- Qualifications: Masters-level qualification in history or related field; strong research and communication skills required.
- Other info: Engage in collaborative projects, seminars, and conferences while pursuing your PhD.
The predicted salary is between 24805 - 24805 £ per year.
Actually Existing Development: Twentieth Century International Development and the Global South (DEVHIST) is a five-year research project led by Agnieszka Sobocinska and funded by a Consolidator Grant from the European Research Council. Actually Existing Development systematically examines the encounters between individuals, groups and worldviews that attended and often reshaped international development at points of implementation across the Global South, from the 1950s to the 1990s. Uncovering the complex negotiations that remade international development projects at the point of implementation, this project aims to reveal the viewpoints, agency and impacts of Global South communities and mid-level aid workers on the international system. A more granular understanding of the lived experience of international development, including the coercion, resistance and renegotiation that frequently attended development projects in the Global South, will also facilitate a re-evaluation of historical international development and the broader systems of global governance that emerged in the post-war period.
To achieve these outcomes, DEVHIST employs a multiscalar historical methodology that traces international development programmes through every stage of their lifecycle, and draws upon a previously neglected source base including Project Files and Global South-produced accounts. It applies this approach to programmes and projects implemented by a range of development actors, including Western and Eastern bloc state development agencies, multilateral development banks, international organisations, and development NGOs in selected nations within Asia, Africa and Latin America.
The PhD projects: We are looking for two PhD scholars to conduct original research applying the ‘Actually Existing Development’ project approach to:
- Southeast Asian Experiences of International Development, with a focus on Indonesia (preferred), Malaysia, Thailand or Philippines, ca. 1950-2000
- African Experiences of International Development, preferably with a focus on Ghana, Nigeria or Ethiopia, ca. 1950-1990
Each PhD project will uncover and assess the perspectives of specific groups, communities and/or individuals targeted for international development projects/interventions, and how they changed over time. They will trace how aid-recipient communities understood, conceptualised and experienced specific international development projects, how they responded (including whether and how they mobilised for/against the interventions), and the impact of their responses on international development agencies, regional and national governments, and others. Research will be sensitive to differences in perspectives along class, gender, ethnic, geographical and religious lines, as well as divergences between national elites and grassroots communities. Scholars are encouraged to apply methodologies from social history, global and international history, and economic history.
You will be expected to complete a PhD thesis based on original archival materials and fieldwork research. You will regularly participate in and contribute to activities and events of the project and your associated department including team meetings, reading groups, guest lectures, seminars, conferences, joint publications, etc. You will also have to complete coursework and milestone requirements as required for PhD student cohorts at King’s College London. You will receive a fee waiver for full tuition and fees at Home, EU or Overseas rates, and a stipend equivalent to the UKRI rate of £24,805 per annum for 3 years. Further funding for approved research activities including fieldwork and conference travel is also available.
Eligibility Criteria: Candidates are expected to have a Masters-level qualification in history, development studies, or a related discipline completed by September 2026. Experience with archival research is expected. Research experience in archival collections related to the project, or with oral history techniques, is desirable. Candidates require strong communication and social skills and the ability and willingness to work as part of a team as well as individually. They need to demonstrate intellectual independence and a proactive attitude. Applicants must be fully proficient in research languages at the start of their candidature. A high level of English language proficiency is also required.
How to apply: Email the following materials as a single pdf file to agnieszka.sobocinska@kcl.ac.uk by 29 April 2026:
- Research proposal (2,000 words) identifying the areas, groups, projects and/or temporalities to be examined; outlining the historical questions to be addressed and their significance to the relevant historiography; and including a bibliography.
- Sample of relevant written work.
- Personal statement (1–2 pages) explaining academic interests and reasons for undertaking doctoral research.
- Official academic transcript(s) showing subjects studied and marks obtained.
- Two references, at least one of which must be academic. Professional references may be submitted if your qualifications were completed more than five years ago.
Interviews for shortlisted candidates are expected to take place on 13 and 14 May 2026. Successful candidates will need to submit a formal application to a relevant PhD programme via the King's Apply portal ahead of the following application deadlines:
- Overseas fee status: 1 June 2026
- Home fee status: 25 August 2026
Full tuition and fees (Home, EU or Overseas rates) + PhD stipend (equivalent to the UKRI rate): £23,805 per annum.
PhD Studentships in the History of International Development in the Global South employer: King's College London
Contact Detail:
King's College London Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land PhD Studentships in the History of International Development in the Global South
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to current PhD students or faculty in your field. They can provide insider info about the application process and might even give you a heads-up on opportunities that aren't widely advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions related to your research interests. We recommend doing mock interviews with friends or mentors to boost your confidence and refine your answers.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your passion for the subject! During interviews, share your insights on international development and how your research can contribute to the field. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly cares.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, we’re always looking for enthusiastic scholars ready to dive into exciting research projects.
We think you need these skills to ace PhD Studentships in the History of International Development in the Global South
Some tips for your application 🫡
Craft a Compelling Research Proposal: Your research proposal is your chance to shine! Make sure it clearly outlines the areas and groups you want to study, the historical questions you're tackling, and why they matter. Keep it engaging and well-structured – we want to see your passion for the topic!
Showcase Your Relevant Experience: When you submit your sample of written work, choose something that highlights your skills in archival research or oral history techniques. This is your moment to demonstrate how your past experiences align with the project’s goals. We love seeing how you’ve engaged with similar topics!
Personal Statement with Personality: In your personal statement, let your personality shine through! Explain your academic interests and why you’re excited about this PhD opportunity. We want to know what drives you and how you see yourself contributing to the team and the project.
Double-Check Everything Before Sending: Before you hit send, make sure all your documents are in one PDF and everything is polished. Check for typos, ensure your references are included, and confirm that you’ve followed the application guidelines. A neat and complete application shows us you’re serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at King's College London
✨Know Your Research Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in your research proposal and the historical context of international development. Be ready to discuss your chosen focus areas, like Southeast Asian or African experiences, and how they fit into the broader narrative of the project.
✨Showcase Your Methodology Skills
Since the project emphasises a multiscalar historical methodology, be prepared to explain how you plan to apply this approach in your research. Discuss any relevant archival research experience and how you intend to use oral history techniques to enrich your findings.
✨Demonstrate Team Spirit
This role involves collaboration with various teams and participation in project activities. Highlight your ability to work both independently and as part of a team. Share examples of past experiences where you successfully collaborated on research or projects.
✨Prepare Thoughtful Questions
Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare insightful questions about the project, the team, and the expectations for PhD candidates. This shows your genuine interest and helps you assess if the position aligns with your academic goals.