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 ‘Post-adoption reunions and rejections: A critical analysis of identity rights and inter-generational impacts in Northern Ireland’, spending part of their time on placement at Adopt NI 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 Adopt NI 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 concepts of child relinquishment, adoption law and policy, and human rights (e.g. to family life and identity). The application should demonstrate an understanding of key legal concepts as well as offering commentary on the research approaches and methods they would wish to use if awarded this studentship.

The closing date for applications is Tuesday, 13 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 ADOPT26 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: Post-adoption reunions and rejections: A critical analysis of identity rights and inter-generational impacts in Northern Ireland’

Summary: This research project will explore the related concepts of adoptee identity and family life rights in NI, specifically in the context of accessing redacted or sealed records, enabling and navigating reunions or rejections, recent case law involving kin contact, and the way in which laws and policies can regulate and impact upon familial relationships, natal identities, and lifelong adoptee welfare.

The research will be guided by the following research questions:

• What socio-legal factors spark, enable or perpetuate non-consensual relinquishment/adoption?
• Is human rights law relevant to the practices (and policies) of adoption?  
• Can origin deprivation be prevented?

Adopt NI is committed to supporting adopted or care-experienced adults and their families, addressing the lifelong impact of adoption or family separation. Based in Belfast, they provide confidential support and services regionally. They also respond to enquiries from other jurisdictions e.g. Australia and the U.S. They are committed to promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion, and to ensuring fair access to their services, embracing the unique backgrounds and perspectives of everyone they support, and fostering an inclusive environment where all individuals feel valued and respected.

Requirements: The researcher should have sufficient knowledge of the social, legal and policy issues in relation to adoption in Northern Ireland, and an understanding of human rights law and policy, 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 Dr Alice Diver (a.diver@qub.ac.uk)