United Kingdom · Fully funded
LSE Demography PhD Studentship 2027 in UK (Fully Funded)
Updated 24 October 2026
Open
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) invites applications for its MPhil/PhD in Demography (Social/Formal) for September 2027 entry. Strong applicants are considered for fully funded LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC studentships, which are open to both UK and international students.
Demography at LSE is based in the Department of Methodology and is one of the leading centres for population research in the world. PhD students work on topics such as fertility and family change, migration, ageing, health and mortality, population data and formal demographic methods.
What the studentship covers
LSE PhD Studentships provide:
- Full tuition fees, at either the home or overseas rate
- Annual stipend of £22,780 (2025 entry rate), which rises each year
- Up to four years of funding, renewed each year with satisfactory progress
ESRC studentships are also available through LSE's ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership.
Who can apply
- All nationalities, both home and overseas students
- An upper second class (2:1) bachelor's degree or equivalent
- A master's degree in a social science with an average grade of 65 or above, preferably in demography, sociology, economics, social policy, methodology, geography, gender studies or public policy
- A grade of 65 or above in your master's dissertation
- English language proficiency at LSE's research level, if your degree was not taught in English
Funding is awarded on academic merit and research potential, and competition is strong.
Key dates for 2027 entry
| Stage |
Date |
| Funding deadline (LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC) |
13 January 2027 |
| Final application deadline (without funding) |
27 May 2027 |
| Programme starts |
27 September 2027 |
How to apply
- Contact potential supervisors. LSE encourages you to email your research proposal to Demography staff whose work matches your interests before you apply.
- Prepare your documents (see below).
- Apply online for the MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal) through the LSE graduate application portal.
- Submit everything by 13 January 2027. There is no separate funding form: complete applications received by this date are automatically considered for LSE PhD Studentships and ESRC funding.
Documents you need
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Statement of academic purpose
- Two academic references
- CV
- Outline research proposal, covering your research question, the relevant literature and how you will do the empirical work
- A sample of your written work
- English language test results, if required
Tips for a strong application
- Write a focused research proposal. Show why your topic matters, how it fits existing research and what data or methods you will use.
- Contact supervisors early so they can give feedback and support your application.
- Show your quantitative skills. Demography values strong training in statistics and data analysis.
- Submit well before 13 January so your referees have time to upload their letters.
- Applying for the studentship is free. LSE only charges its standard application fee.