The School of Law at Queen's University Belfast is offering a fully funded PhD studentship on the topic of 'A Critical Examination of the Role of Forensic Medical Examination in the Investigation and Prosecution of Rape in Northern Ireland.' This collaborative project, co-designed with The Rowan (Northern Ireland's Sexual Assault Referral Centre), aims to generate new empirical data on the significance of forensic medical exams (FME) in the criminal justice process, with the goal of developing best practices and contributing to the broader literature on rape and sexual violence investigations.

The successful candidate will spend part of their research on placement at The Rowan, gaining access to unique databases and the expertise of clinicians, and will be supported by staff from both The Rowan and the School of Law. The research will address questions about the relationship between medical and criminal justice practitioners, the use of FME by police and prosecutors, the role of FME in trial proceedings, and how criminal justice practices can be improved based on empirical findings.

The studentship is funded by the Department for the Economy (DfE) and covers UK tuition fees and a stipend for up to three years. Eligibility is limited to UK and ROI nationals, and EU nationals with settled status in the UK, subject to specific nationality and residency criteria. International students are not eligible. The position is full-time only.

Applicants should have an Upper Second or First Class Honours degree (or equivalent) in law or a relevant discipline, plus a Master's degree (or equivalent) with an average above 60%. Those currently studying a Master's degree or with evidence of independent research ability may also be considered. Candidates must demonstrate knowledge of social, legal, and policy issues related to rape and sexual violence in Northern Ireland, an understanding of FME, and experience or knowledge of qualitative research methods.

Queen's University Belfast's School of Law is a leading centre for legal research, offering a vibrant research environment, strong industry links, and world-class facilities. Doctoral students benefit from a bespoke training programme, opportunities for paid teaching, editorial work, and conference support. The School is committed to integrating PhD students into its academic community and supporting their professional development.

For further information, contact Professor Anne-Marie McAlinden ([email protected]). To apply, submit an application via the Queen’s University Applicant Management Portal, including a CV and a research proposal (up to 1000 words), and enter the code SARC26 in the Funding section. The deadline for applications is 10 March 2026 at noon (GMT).