Applications are open for two NIHR-funded PhD Studentships in Anthropology of Diagnostics at the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, in partnership with Makerere University and the Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme. The fully funded studentships, starting in January 2026, are available to Ugandan and Malawian nationals or long-term residents, offering tuition, stipend, and research support.

Eligibility is limited to applicants who are Ugandan or Malawian nationals, or those who have lived in either country for at least three years. Candidates must hold, or expect to hold, a relevant master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, or related social sciences, with prior experience in ethnographic or qualitative research methods.

The London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM) is a world-leading center for research and postgraduate education in public and global health. Based in London, it is renowned for its international collaborations and impactful work addressing major health challenges worldwide, including infectious and non-communicable diseases. LSHTM offers a vibrant academic environment, combining cutting-edge research, policy influence, and training to improve health equity and outcomes on a global scale.

Application Deadline: 30 September 2025

Brief Description

• University or Organization: London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine (LSHTM), Makerere University, and Malawi-Liverpool-Wellcome Trust Programme (MLW)

• Department: Global Health and Development, Faculty of Public Health and Policy

• Course Level: PhD (Doctoral Research)

• Award: Tax-free stipend (aligned to local rates), full tuition at LSHTM, research and travel expenses, training budget

• Access Mode: Online application via LSHTM portal

• Number of Awards: 2

• Nationality: Ugandan or Malawian (or residents in these countries for at least 3 years)

• The award can be taken in: Uganda, Malawi, and the UK (LSHTM)

Eligibility

• Eligible Countries: Uganda and Malawi

• Acceptable Course or Subjects: PhD in Anthropology of Diagnostics (within Global Health and Development/Public Health and Policy at LSHTM)

• Admissible Criteria:

  • Hold or expect to obtain a Master’s degree in Anthropology, Sociology, or related qualitative social science.

  • Demonstrated prior research experience in ethnographic or other in-depth qualitative methods.

  • Must be a Ugandan or Malawian national, or resident in either country for at least three years before applying.

  • Commitment to conducting research in Uganda or Malawi on diagnostics for HIV, Ebola, or diabetes.

How to Apply

Applicants must apply online via the LSHTM application portal by 30 September 2025 (23:59 BST). A complete application should include:

• Academic transcripts (completed and ongoing study).

• Two-page CV.

• Brief research proposal (specific research question, country focus, methodology, with references).

• Personal statement explaining interest and suitability.

• References (must be submitted before the deadline).

Applicants are strongly encouraged to contact the supervisory team for informal discussions before applying. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Benefits

• Full-time PhD tuition fees at LSHTM.

• Tax-free stipend aligned with local rates.

• Research and travel expenses.

• Flexible training budget for external training opportunities.

• Opportunities to join the NIHR Academy for networking and training.

• Access to supervision, mentoring, and academic activities at LSHTM, Makerere University, and MLW.

• Engagement in national and international conferences, research seminars, and professional development programmes.

Apply Now