For 2026 entry, the Centre for Research in Inclusive Cultural Arts (CRICA) will be offering a fully funded PhD studentship based in the Department of Sociology at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE), in collaboration with the University of Roehampton and leading partners from the performing arts sector.
The CRICA programme explores how inclusive cultural practices and spaces are created and experienced, and how these can shape broader social and economic change. The primary research theme is the intersection of disability and the creative economy, focusing particularly on the performing and participatory arts.
Through this programme, researchers will engage with an interdisciplinary network of social scientists, artists, and creative organisations committed to reimagining inclusion in both the arts and higher education. Students will benefit from supervision by experts in sociology, dance, and theatre, as well as professional development opportunities through workshops, placements, and collaborations with non-academic partners.
The CRICA PhD Programme studentship provides full tuition fees, a generous annual stipend, and access to supplementary funding for professional development, training (including British Sign Language), and conference attendance.
Eligibility
CRICA PhD Programme Studentships will be available for the following programme:
Department of Sociology
Students of all nationalities are eligible for funding.
To learn more about the CRICA programme, click here to visit the full programme page.
Studentship amount
CRICA PhD Programme Studentships will cover full fees and provide an annual stipend for four years.
There will be additional funding available to support related research activities.
How to apply
The deadline for submitting your application for CRICA is 10 December 2025. You will need to submit your application through the Graduate Applicant Portal, and you will be invited to a conversation pre-interview with one of the CRICA directors. Interview questions will be circulated beforehand.
While it is not a formal requirement to have a potential supervisor’s support before applying, we recommend making contact with potential supervisors to discuss your research project.
We particularly welcome applications from those with disabilities and disabled scholars and artists who are currently under-represented within PhD programmes.
Please see information about entry requirements here.
Please direct queries about the programme to sociology.phd@lse.ac.uk