MPhil/PhD Studentship 2026 at SOAS University of London – Fully Funded Pan-African Frontiers Scholarship
The MPhil/PhD Studentship – Pan-African Frontiers: Reparative Futures and Global Order at SOAS University of London offers a fully funded doctoral opportunity for candidates interested in Pan-Africanism, global justice, reparations, and international governance.
This studentship is part of a UKRI Future Leaders Fellowship project led by Daniel Mulugeta and hosted at the SOAS Centre for Pan-African Studies (CPAS) within the Department of Politics and International Studies.
Key Information
- Host Institution: SOAS University of London
- Programme: Full-time MPhil/PhD in Politics and International Studies
- Academic Year: 2026/27
- Funding: Full tuition fees plus maintenance stipend
- Minimum Stipend: £20,622 (2026/27 estimate)
- Duration: 3 years (full-time)
- Number of Awards: 1
- Deadline: 15 May 2026 (12 noon UK time)
Scholarship Overview
The Pan-African Frontiers project explores Pan-Africanism as a transcontinental political formation linking Africa, the Caribbean, and diasporic communities. It focuses on:
- Global justice and reparations
- Historical redress for slavery and colonialism
- Institutional reform and global governance
- New forms of political agency and solidarity
The research programme brings together scholars and practitioners across Africa, the Caribbean, Europe, and North America to examine how historically marginalised communities are shaping the future of global order.
Scholarship Benefits
- Full tuition fees (Home and Overseas applicants)
- Maintenance stipend (minimum £20,622)
- Three years of doctoral funding
- Teaching experience through the SOAS Teaching Scholarship scheme
- Access to interdisciplinary research networks and global collaboration
Research Areas
Applicants should propose projects aligned with themes such as:
- Reparations and historical justice
- Pan-Africanism and global political order
- Diaspora engagement and transnational networks
- African and Caribbean participation in global governance
- Multilateralism and institutional reform
- Regional cooperation in Africa and the Caribbean
- Political responses to global inequality and structural injustice
Projects may adopt political, sociological, historical, or interdisciplinary approaches and may focus on continental, regional, or diasporic contexts.
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must:
- Apply for a new MPhil/PhD programme starting in 2026/27
- Hold or expect a Master’s degree with merit or distinction (or international equivalent)
- Meet SOAS English language requirements (if applicable)
- Be eligible for Home or Overseas fee status
Required Documents
Applications must include:
- Personal statement (maximum 1 page)
- Research proposal (maximum 4 pages)
- CV (maximum 2 pages)
- One academic reference
- Academic transcripts and certificates
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable)
Incomplete applications will not be considered.
How to Apply
Step 1: Apply for the Programme
All applications must include the following documents. Applications that do not contain these documents will not be considered.
- Personal statement explaining your motivation for applying and how your proposed research relates to the themes of the project (maximum 1 page).
- Research proposal outlining the proposed doctoral project (maximum 4 pages).
- Curriculum vitae (CV) including relevant academic background and experience (maximum 2 pages).
- One academic reference.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Proof of English language proficiency (if applicable), such as IELTS or equivalent.
Step 2: Apply for the Scholarship
The deadline for application is 12 noon UK local time on 15 May 2026. You must apply for this scholarship via the admissions portal. You will need to have applied for a course to get login credentials for this.
If you do not see the scholarship you are hoping to apply for within your admissions portal, please double-check you meet the eligibility criteria. Should you have any queries, please contact scholarships@soas.ac.uk.
Selection Process
Applications will be assessed based on:
- Academic merit
- Quality and relevance of research proposal
- Personal statement
- Relevant academic or professional experience
Late or incomplete applications will not be considered.
Notification of Results
- Shortlisting and selection expected from June 2026
- Successful candidates contacted first
- All applicants notified once the process is complete
Contact Information
- Programme enquiries: dsadmissions@soas.ac.uk
- Scholarship enquiries: scholarships@soas.ac.uk
Why This Opportunity Matters
This fully funded PhD offers a strong platform for candidates seeking to contribute to global debates on justice, reparations, and institutional reform. It provides the opportunity to work within a leading research environment and engage with critical issues shaping Africa, the diaspora, and the future of global governance.
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