Newcomers in Northern Ireland: The practice and policy of linguistic integration of non-English speaking children

Summary

English language proficiency is crucial for academic success and social integration in Northern Ireland (NI) schools. To address this, the Department of Education NI uses the term “Newcomers” to describe children whose first language is not English or who lack sufficient English skills to fully engage with the curriculum.

These children—often migrants (or NI-born children of immigrants), refugees, or asylum seekers—face additional challenges such as poverty, displacement, and discrimination, which can hinder their educational development.

In Northern Ireland (NI), the number of Newcomer children has nearly doubled over the past decade, now comprising almost 7% of primary school enrolments. Despite this growth, they remain largely invisible in educational data and policy.

There is limited understanding of their backgrounds, school locations, academic performance, or whether schools are equipped to support them. More research is needed to clarify how these children compare to non-Newcomer children in terms of factors such as school attendance, eligibility for free school meals, and identification of special educational needs.

Finally, little is known about how their academic performance and employment prospects differ from those of non-Newcomer children. NI currently lacks dedicated educational policies for Newcomers and the communities supporting them.

The project aims at studying the profile and the needs of Newcomers and their learning outcomes through quantitative data analysis on a variety of existing free databases.  For this reason, priority will be given to candidates who can prove experience using quantitative methods.

It also aims at studying current and prospective language policies at the national and regional level, as well as best practices at the international level. This project aims to transform the research and policy landscape for Newcomer children in NI, ensuring their needs are recognised and addressed.

Essential criteria

Applicants should hold, or expect to obtain, a First or Upper Second Class Honours Degree in a subject relevant to the proposed area of study.

We may also consider applications from those who hold equivalent qualifications, for example, a Lower Second Class Honours Degree plus a Master’s Degree with Distinction.

In exceptional circumstances, the University may consider a portfolio of evidence from applicants who have appropriate professional experience which is equivalent to the learning outcomes of an Honours degree in lieu of academic qualifications.

Equal Opportunities

The University is an equal opportunities employer and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community, particularly from those with disabilities.

Appointment will be made on merit.

Funding and eligibility

This project is funded by:

• Department for the Economy (DfE)

This scholarship will cover tuition fees and provide a maintenance allowance of £21,000* (tbc) per annum for three years (subject to satisfactory academic performance).  A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum is also available.

To be eligible for these scholarships, applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Be a UK National, or

• Have settled status, or

• Have pre-settled status, or

• Have indefinite leave to remain or enter, or

• be an Irish National

Applicants should also meet the residency criteria which requires that they have lived in the EEA, Switzerland, the UK or Gibraltar for at least the three years preceding the start date of the research degree programme.

Applicants who already hold a doctoral degree or who have been registered on a programme of research leading to the award of a doctoral degree on a full-time basis for more than one year (or part-time equivalent) are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

*Part time PhD scholarships may be available, based on 0.5 of the full time rate, and will require a six year registration period