The Global Centre for Democratic Constitutionalism offers fully funded studentships for doctoral study at UCL Laws. Candidates propose their own research within the Centre’s focus on democratic governance, the rule of law, constitutionalism, and constitutional resilience.
The 2027-entry round uses the standard UCL Laws MPhil/PhD application, and applicants should identify their interest in the GCDC studentships. Study is based at UCL in London and may be full-time or part-time.
Benefits & funding
- The studentship covers tuition fees and provides an annual maintenance stipend for full-time study.
- The published 2025–26 stipend is £22,780 as a guide; the part-time amount is pro-rated.
- The associated Law MPhil/PhD lasts three years full-time or five years part-time.
Eligibility
- Applications are welcomed from the UK and worldwide, with no nationality or residence restriction stated.
- Applicants need at least an upper second-class UK Bachelor’s degree, or overseas equivalent, in law or another relevant subject.
- A relevant Master’s degree is normally essential, but UCL may exceptionally admit applicants with equivalent research or professional experience.
- The proposed research must fit UCL Laws expertise and should align with the GCDC’s focus areas.
- The programme is in person; UCL Laws does not offer a distance or non-resident MPhil/PhD route.
Can you apply?
Here's who can apply
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Education required
Bachelor · Master
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Application process
- 1Develop a doctoral research proposal aligned with both the GCDC’s focus and available UCL Laws expertise.
- 2Identify and contact a potential UCL Laws supervisor whose research matches the project.
- 3Submit the standard online Law MPhil/PhD application by 19 November 2026 at 5:00pm UK time and indicate interest in the GCDC studentships.
- 4Upload the required academic transcript, research proposal, and any applicable English-language evidence; a personal statement is strongly recommended.
- 5Arrange for two academic referees to submit references within 10 working days after the application deadline.
Program timeline
Applications opened.
1 September 2026
Application deadline.
19 November 2026, 5:00pm UK time
PhD study starts.
October 2027