Language policy and the integration of non-English-speaking children in Northern Ireland

Summary

English language proficiency is crucial for academic success and social integration in UK schools. To address this, the Department of Education Northern Ireland 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 Northern Ireland-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, 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. Northern Ireland currently lacks dedicated educational policies for Newcomers and the communities supporting them.

The project aims to study the profile and the needs of Newcomers and their learning outcomes through quantitative analysis of secondary data. It also aims to explore 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 Northern Ireland, 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.

• A comprehensive and articulate personal statement demonstrating interest in the subject area
• Research proposal of 1500 words detailing aims, objectives, milestones and methodology of the project
• Experience using research methods or other approaches relevant to the subject domain

Desirable Criteria

If the University receives a large number of applicants for the project, the following desirable criteria may be applied to shortlist applicants for interview.

• International applicants should hold, or expect to hold a relevant Masters Degree at a level equivalent to a distinction at Ulster
• Practice-based research experience and/or dissemination
• Work experience relevant to the proposed project
• Track record of peer reviewed publications
• Experience of presentation of research findings
• Relevant professional qualification

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)
• Vice Chancellor's Research Scholarship (VCRS)

PhD scholarships are available for this project to all applicants worldwide, regardless of residency or domicile, and will cover:

• Tuition fees.
• A maintenance allowance of approximately £22,000 (exact rate is to be confirmed) per annum for three years, subject to satisfactory academic performance.
• A Research Training Support Grant (RTSG) of approximately £900 per annum.

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, funded from any source, including self-financing students, are NOT eligible to apply for an award.

Students in full-time employment are not eligible for an award.

Part-time PhD scholarships may be available at a 0.5 pro rata rate of the full-time scholarship, which would require a six-year registration period.

Due consideration should be given to financing your studies.

The University will award a successful candidate one of the following scholarships for the project, depending on the funding available at the time an admissions offer is made:

1. Department for the Economy (DfE) PhD Scholarships
2. Vice Chancellor’s Research Scholarships (VCRS)

Please note that the Terms and Conditions for scholarships are subject to change for 2027/28.