The UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship 2027/28 is an excellent funding opportunity for prospective doctoral students seeking to pursue a PhD in Political Science at University College London (UCL), United Kingdom.
The scholarship provides full tuition fee coverage for eligible UK and international students, together with a tax-free annual stipend to support living expenses during their studies. Applicants are selected based on academic merit and research potential. The scholarship is competitive and includes teaching responsibilities as part of the award.
UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship Overview
According to UCL’s official scholarship page, the award is intended for prospective PhD candidates starting in 2027. A five-year funding route may be available in rare cases for candidates undertaking a master’s degree at the department before progressing to the PhD.
Going further, Applicants considering the alternative master’s-plus-PhD route without an existing master’s degree generally need a First-Class Honours degree, or must be clearly on track to achieve one. Also, meeting the minimum requirements does not guarantee admission or scholarship funding because awards are highly competitive.
- Scholarship Name: Clara Collet Departmental PhD Scholarship
- Host Institution: University College London (UCL)
- Department: Department of Political Science
- Host Country: United Kingdom
- Study Level: PhD
- Academic Session: 2027/28
- Eligible Applicants: UK and international students
- Scholarship Duration: Normally four years for applicants entering with a master’s degree
- Funding: Full tuition fees and an annual tax-free stipend
- Annual Stipend: £23,805, with the 2027/28 rate to be confirmed
- Application Deadline: 10 December 2026
Benefits of the UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship
Successful applicants may receive the following benefits:
- Full tuition fee coverage for eligible home and overseas students.
- An annual tax-free stipend of £23,805, with the 2027/28 rate subject to confirmation.
- Funding normally covering four years of doctoral study.
- Potential access to a five-year funding route for eligible applicants pursuing the department’s master’s-plus-PhD pathway.
- Opportunities to gain teaching experience during the PhD.
- Access to UCL’s academic supervision, research training and departmental research community.
However, the scholarship’s teaching requirements form part of the award, and applicants should review the official conditions before applying.
UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship Eligibility Requirements
Applicants should meet the admission requirements for UCL’s Political Science MPhil/PhD programme and demonstrate strong academic and research potential. However, typical requirements include:
- A good undergraduate degree equivalent to at least a UK Upper Second-Class Honours degree.
- A recognised master’s degree in a relevant subject, normally with at least a Merit or equivalent.
- A minimum mark of 65% in the master’s dissertation, or an equivalent result.
- At least one of the relevant academic qualifications meeting the equivalent of a UK First-Class Honours degree or distinction.
- A strong and feasible research proposal aligned with the department’s research strengths.
- A suitable research topic and appropriate potential supervisors.
- Evidence of English-language proficiency where required by UCL.
How to Apply for the UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship
Follow these steps to apply for the UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship 2027/28:
- Review the PhD programme: Visit UCL’s official Political Science MPhil/PhD page and confirm that your academic background and research interests fit the programme.
- Identify potential supervisors: Review the department’s academic staff profiles and identify two potential supervisors whose research interests align with your proposed project. UCL advises applicants to contact potential supervisors before submitting their applications.
- Prepare your research proposal: Develop a detailed proposal explaining your research questions, relevant literature, research design, methods, timeline, and expected contribution to the field.
- Prepare your supporting documents: Gather the required academic transcripts, degree certificates, references, research proposal and English-language evidence where applicable.
- Submit your PhD application: Apply through UCL’s online admissions system for the Political Science MPhil/PhD programme.
- Indicate your scholarship interest: State in the application form that you wish to be considered for the Clara Collet Departmental Scholarship. Applicants should also identify their funding intentions in the relevant section of the application.
- Submit before the deadline: Ensure that your application and required supporting documents reach UCL by 10 December 2026.
Applicants interested in the master’s-plus-PhD route should contact the Social and Historical Sciences Postgraduate Research Administration Team before applying.
UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship Application Deadline
The deadline for the UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship 2027/28 is 10 December 2026. UCL states that applications will be shortlisted in January 2027, with shortlisted candidates interviewed online. Final PhD admission and Clara Collet funding decisions are expected in February 2027. The programme is scheduled to begin in late September 2027.
Applicants interested in the separate ESRC doctoral funding competition should note that its preliminary application deadline is earlier: 9 November 2026.
Official Website
For verified information, application instructions, and updates, visit the official UCL pages:
UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship 2027/28 in the UK
Political Science PhD programme and application guidance
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Is the UCL Clara Collet PhD Scholarship open to international students?
Yes, UCL confirms that the scholarship covers tuition fees for both home and overseas students.
2. Is the scholarship fully funded?
The award covers full tuition fees and provides an annual tax-free stipend. Also, the stipend listed on UCL’s current page is £23,805, although the 2027/28 rate is still to be confirmed.
3. How long does the scholarship last?
Funding normally lasts four years for students entering with a master’s degree. A five-year route may be available in rare cases for eligible students completing a master’s degree at UCL before starting the PhD.
4. Do I need to apply separately for the scholarship?
UCL instructs candidates to indicate their interest in the Clara Collet award on the PhD application form. Applicants should follow the department’s official instructions and ensure that their funding intentions are stated correctly.
5. What is the application deadline?
The deadline is 10 December 2026, and applicants should submit all required documents before this date.
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