MD(Res)/MPhil/PhD Social Genetic and Developmental Psychiatry in London United Kingdom | King's College London

The SGDP Centre encourages applications from both domestic and international students. Our student body represents a wide variety of academic backgrounds, with approximately 50% originating from social sciences and the remaining from biological and related fields. Financial support is available through multiple funding sources such as the MRC, ESRC, BBSRC DRIVE-health initiative, King's China Scholarship Council program, and others. Faculty members at the Centre can supervise students pursuing traditional 3- or 4-year PhD programs, as well as those enrolled in 13 PhD studentships. Candidates applying directly for 3- or 4-year PhD programs typically possess prior research experience and/or understanding of our interdisciplinary research focus, often with specific project ideas or methodologies in mind. Many already hold a relevant Master's degree or equivalent qualification. Students in our 13 program frequently complete the one-year MSc in Developmental Psychology & Psychopathology (DEV-PP) before starting their PhD research. This MSc program adopts a multidisciplinary perspective, examining how biological, cognitive, and social factors influence typical and atypical development. Instruction is provided by internationally renowned specialists, with training covering diverse areas including molecular genetics, twin studies, epigenetics, bioinformatics, and developmental psychiatry. Upon successful completion, students earn their MSc degree and transition seamlessly into PhD studies. The SGDP Centre specializes in understanding the interplay between genetic and environmental factors in psychiatric conditions, neurodevelopmental disorders, and individual developmental differences. PhD candidates work within our collaborative, cross-disciplinary teams that bridge social, genetic, and developmental research in psychology and psychiatry. Our studies encompass various mental health conditions including eating disorders, ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, and mood disorders. Our research methodologies incorporate twin studies, neuroimaging techniques, genetic analyses, and innovative technologies like virtual reality and wearable devices. The Centre oversees major longitudinal twin studies (TEDS and E-Risk) and leads the GLAD study examining genetic factors in anxiety and depression. We also explore social influences such as trauma and bullying on mental health, alongside genetic factors in educational achievement. Graduates from our PhD program acquire versatile skills suitable for academic careers or roles in various sectors including industry, government, and nonprofit organizations.