The School of Law is delighted to announce a PhD studentship (subject to contract), funded as a Collaborative Studentship by the Department for the Economy (DfE). The successful candidate will research the topic of ‘A Critical Examination of the Role of Forensic Medical Examination in the Investigation and Prosecution of Rape in Northern Ireland’, spending part of their time on placement at The Rowan as an integral part of their research.

WHAT THE STUDENTSHIP WILL COVER:

• The funded studentship may cover UK tuition fees, plus a DfE stipend, for a maximum of three years. For further details re eligibility criteria (including academic, citizenship and residency criteria) please click on the https://www.qub.ac.uk/Study/postgraduate/research-degrees/funding/
• The researcher will, alongside the normal facilities available in the School of Law and the Graduate School, have access to facilities and staff at The Rowan to develop the research project and analyse the research findings.

To apply, please complete an application form on the Queen’s University Applicant Management Portal including a curriculum vitae (CV) and a proposal of up to 1000 words (including references but excluding bibliography). In the proposal, applicants should demonstrate their understanding of the role of the forensic medical exam in the investigation and prosecution of rape and sexual offences. The application should demonstrate an understanding of key concepts in law as well as commentary on the research approaches and methods they would wish to use if awarded this studentship.

The closing date for applications is Wednesday, 21 January 2026 at 16:00 (GMT)

Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed in early February 2026.

Candidates will be notified by mid to end of February of the outcome of their application.

Please insert the code SARC26 into the Funding section within your application form.

ELIGIBILITY

• UK studentships – cover tuition fees and include a maintenance stipend per annum, together representing an investment in your education
• A UK studentship is open to UK and ROI nationals, and to EU nationals with settled status in the UK, subject to meeting specific nationality and residency criteria. 
• DfE studentship eligibility information (including citizenship and residency criteria) can be viewed here
• Please note this studentship is not available to international students.
• Study can only be undertaken on a full-time basis.
• Qualifications:

• • An Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in law or another relevant discipline, plus a Master's degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) with an average above 60%.
  • Applicants with an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in law or another relevant discipline who are currently studying a Master’s degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) will also be considered.
  • Applicants with an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University) in law or another relevant discipline plus evidence of ability to conduct independent and original research will be considered on a case by case basis.

RESEARCH PROJECT

Title: A Critical Examination of the Role of Forensic Medical Examination in the Investigation and Prosecution of Rape in Northern Ireland

Summary: This research project has been co-designed with The Rowan, Northern Ireland's Sexual Assault Referral Centre. It seeks to provide new empirical data on the significance of the Forensic Medical Exam (FME), with a view to developing best practice and significantly contributing to the broader literature on the investigation and prosecution of rape and sexual violence.

The research will be guided by the following research questions:

• What is the relationship between medical and criminal justice practitioners during the collection, presentation and interpretation of forensic evidence in rape cases?
• How is the FME used by the police and prosecution when making recommendations/decisions to prosecute?
• To what extent does the FME of the complainant and the accused feature during trial proceedings?
• In light of the empirical data, how can criminal justice practice relating to the FME be improved?

The Rowan is committed to enhancing the student experience through access to facilities, resources and staff time. The student will have direct access to The Rowan, resulting in access to unique databases and the ability to draw on the expertise of the clinicians at The Rowan to develop the research project and analyse the research findings. Staff and the Rowan will be on hand to support the student in reviewing, interpreting and analysing the empirical data. During the student’s placement at The Rowan, they will be provided with office space to work on their project. This unique collaboration between QUB and The Rowan will open up opportunities to work with and learn from various agencies within the Criminal Justice system thus resulting in essential knowledge mobilisation that is vital to the success of the research project.

Requirements: The researcher should have sufficient knowledge of the social, legal and policy issues in relation to the investigation and prosecution of rape and sexual violence in Northern Ireland, and an understanding of FME, as well as experience of or knowledge of qualitative research methods; this may emerge out of prior studies of or practice in law, but could similarly be demonstrated through study or work in other relevant fields.

Further information: Contact Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden (a.mcalinden@qub.ac.uk)