Discover the new LSE studentship with the Women\u2019s Budget Group 2026 \u2014 a fully funded PhD opportunity exploring care, gender, and policy innovation in the UK.<\/p>\n
The London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE)<\/strong>, through its ESRC Doctoral Training Partnership (DTP)<\/strong>, has announced a new Collaborative Studentship<\/em> in partnership with the Women\u2019s Budget Group (WBG)<\/strong>. This prestigious PhD opportunity<\/strong>, set to commence in September 2026<\/strong>, is titled \u201cConceptualizing the Diversity of Care Responsibilities and Understanding the Gendered Policy Implications.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The initiative brings together LSE\u2019s Department of Gender Studies<\/strong> and the Women\u2019s Budget Group, combining academic excellence with applied research impact to address one of the most pressing social challenges in the UK \u2014 how care responsibilities shape gender inequalities in work, welfare, and well-being.<\/p>\n The studentship, led by Professor Wendy Sigle<\/strong>, explores the intersection between care, employment, and gender policy<\/strong>. As the current UK government aims to raise employment levels to 80%, significant policy attention has been directed toward individuals not currently in paid employment \u2014 including people with disabilities and unpaid carers.<\/p>\n However, current policy responses often overlook the complexity of care work. Many carers are themselves living with disabilities, and measures requiring them to enter the labour market without expanding formal care provision may increase inequalities rather than reduce them.<\/p>\n The LSE\u2013Women\u2019s Budget Group collaboration<\/strong> aims to create a nuanced understanding of care responsibilities \u2014 moving beyond the simplistic \u201ccarer\u201d label to reveal the diverse intensity, duration, and emotional dimensions of care.<\/p>\n For more about LSE\u2019s Department of Gender Studies, visit LSE Gender Studies Department<\/a>.<\/p>\n The doctoral project will contribute to both conceptual<\/strong> and empirical<\/strong> research. The selected PhD student will work to:<\/p>\n Develop clearer definitions and frameworks for understanding care responsibilities.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Document how different types of care impact the lives and economic stability of caregivers.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Identify policy interventions that prevent families with high care needs from falling into poverty.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n Recommend pathways to support transitions out of poverty, particularly in gendered contexts.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n While the primary research setting will be the United Kingdom<\/strong>, the project may include a comparative international component<\/strong>, depending on the candidate\u2019s interests and methodological expertise.<\/p>\n The LSE ESRC Collaborative Studentship<\/strong> will begin in September 2026<\/strong> and run for 3.5 years<\/strong>. The studentship offers not only financial support but also access to two influential research environments:<\/p>\n The Women\u2019s Budget Group<\/strong>, a leading UK feminist economics organization dedicated to gender-responsive budgeting and equality analysis. Learn more at wbg.org.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n The LSE Department of Gender Studies<\/strong>, internationally recognized for its interdisciplinary research on gender, policy, and inequality.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n This partnership ensures that the PhD student will gain hands-on experience at the intersection of academic research and real-world policy advocacy<\/strong>.<\/p>\n Applicants must already hold an MPhil<\/strong> or Master\u2019s degree<\/strong> (or international equivalent) in a related field, such as Gender Studies<\/strong>, Sociology<\/strong>, Political Science<\/strong>, or another social science discipline<\/strong> with a substantive gender focus.<\/p>\n Experience with quantitative data analysis<\/strong> \u2014 through coursework or professional work \u2014 is essential. The studentship is open to candidates of all nationalities<\/strong>, reflecting LSE\u2019s commitment to global inclusion and academic diversity.<\/p>\n For more details about entry requirements, applicants can explore the official LSE PhD in Gender Studies programme page<\/a>.<\/p>\n Applicants should apply via the LSE MPhil\/PhD in Gender Studies<\/strong> portal. Instead of submitting a standard research proposal, candidates should reference the Collaborative Studentship project title<\/strong> and outline their suitability<\/strong> for the role in the \u201cStatement of Academic Purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n Those who wish to be considered for general admission to the programme should also attach a separate research proposal meeting LSE\u2019s general criteria.<\/p>\n Deadline for applications:<\/strong> 10 December 2025<\/em><\/p>\n For more info and how to apply click here .<\/a> This LSE Collaborative Studentship with the Women\u2019s Budget Group<\/strong> represents a rare opportunity to contribute to cutting-edge research on care, gender, and policy<\/strong> \u2014 while benefiting from a fully funded doctoral position in one of the world\u2019s top universities.<\/p>\n
\n1. Understanding the Project Focus<\/h4>\n
\n2. Research Objectives and Approach<\/h4>\n
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\n3. Studentship Structure and Benefits<\/h4>\n
It covers full tuition fees<\/strong> and provides an annual stipend<\/strong> (for 2025\/26, this was \u00a322,780).<\/p>\n\n
\n4. Candidate Requirements<\/h4>\n
\n5. Application Process and Key Dates<\/h4>\n
For questions, candidates may contact Pam Rolfe<\/strong>, Deputy Head of Scholarships and Financial Support, at p.rolfe@lse.ac.uk<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nConclusion<\/h3>\n