Migration in today's globalised world stands at the heart of key national and international debates; including migrants' and asylum seekers' rights and citizenship; state security and border management; and the globalisation of skilled labour markets. This interdisciplinary MSc offers the best of migration teaching from across UCL.
The programme combines theoretical and policy debates about migration. Students are equipped with the advanced skills, methods, concepts and theories essential for the study of global migration and gain the opportunity to apply them in both general and more specialised contexts relating to the processes, policies and politics of migration.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.
The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), a compulsory methods module (15 credits), five elective modules (75 credits) and the research dissertation (60 credits).
Core modules
Elective modules
Students choose from a range of modules offered across UCL which specialise in migration. The list may include the following:
Dissertation/report
All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 10-12,000 words.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, presentations, discussions, independent reading, practicals and workshops. The majority of modules are assessed through coursework although a small number are assessed by examination.
Further information on modules and degree structure is available on the department website: Global Migration MSc
Graduates of this programme will be well equipped to work with migrants and asylum seekers in different parts of the world, and gain posts in UN, EU, national policy think tanks, government research and policy departments, NGOs, community-based and grassroots organisations. The programme provides an excellent foundation for students wishing to pursue doctorates in the interdisciplinary field of migration studies.
Recent career destinations for this degree
Careers data is taken from the ‘Destinations of Leavers from Higher Education’ survey undertaken by HESA looking at the destinations of UK and EU students in the 2013–2015 graduating cohorts six months after graduation.
UCL has internationally recognised expertise in the field of migration. It has two established research units, the Migration Research Unit and the Centre for Research on Economic Analysis of Migration. Cutting-edge research on migration also takes place across UCL in many different disciplines including law, public policy, anthropology, development planning, area studies, humanities and health. The involvement of such a wide range of disciplines in teaching on the MSc in Global Migration is unique.
Students benefit from the consolidation of migration expertise across UCL which is complemented by a departmental migration seminar series, and a vibrant and expanding body of PhD students in this field.
Migration research at UCL has a strong international dimension, benefiting from networks across Europe, Africa, Asia and the Americas.
The Research Excellence Framework, or REF, is the system for assessing the quality of research in UK higher education institutions. The 2014 REF was carried out by the UK's higher education funding bodies, and the results used to allocate research funding from 2015/16.
The following REF score was awarded to the department: Geography
81% rated 4* (‘world-leading’) or 3* (‘internationally excellent’)
Learn more about the scope of UCL's research, and browse case studies, on our Research Impact website.
Migration is increasingly a high-priority issue for governments and organisations around the world. Explore the social, economic and political drivers and consequences of forced and voluntary migration.
Drawing on several disciplines, including political science, geography and history, you'll discover why and how migration happens and gain an in-depth understanding of the challenges and opportunities it creates. You can choose to examine topics such as the refugee crisis in Europe, labour migration, multiculturalism and immigration as an election issue.
You'll not only gain an in-depth understanding of migration issues, you'll develop your critical thinking, communications and research skills.
If you're a Master's student, you may have the opportunity to do an internship with an organisation involved in migration policy, research or practice. Or you can choose to complete a 60-point research project instead. Take the opportunity to contribute your own perspectives to the study of migration.
The Master of Migration is part of a tiered family of qualifications:
Choose the qualification that suits your career goals, time constraints and financial situation.
Staircasing allows movement in both directions—if you begin by enrolling in the Certificate or Diploma programme you can continue on to complete your Master's. Or if you enrol in the Master's but can't complete it, for whatever reason, you may be awarded the Certificate or Diploma.
The Master of Migration is divided into Part 1 and Part 2.
In Part 1 you'll complete four 30-point courses and you'll have some choice in what you study. In the core course—Approaches to Migration Studies POLS 488—you'll examine how migration is analysed, study the main concepts, theories and debates and prepare a research proposal. In your elective courses you might focus on a particular historical migration flow, explore the challenges of refugee resettlement in New Zealand, study the international or domestic politics of migration or choose to complete an individual research project.
In the second half of your studies, or Part 2, you'll complete a 60-point research essay that builds on your research proposal in Part 1 of the programme. Alternatively, you may have the opportunity to complete an internship and research at a workplace involved in migration.
If you're doing the Diploma, you'll complete Part 1 of the Master's.
Certificate students complete the core course in Part 1 and choose one further course from the MMigS programme.
For most of your courses you'll attend one three-hour seminar each week that will include classroom discussions and sometimes student presentations.
You'll also complete your own self-directed research under the guidance of your supervisor. You'll meet with them regularly to discuss your progress.
The MMigS can be completed in one calendar year of full-time study, or in two years part time. You'll need to finish the degree within three years of enrolling.
The PGDipMigS takes two trimesters of full-time study or can be studied over four trimesters part time.
You can complete the PGCertMigS in one trimester, or over two trimesters part time.
If you are studying full time, you can expect a workload of 40–45 hours a week for much of the year. Part-time students doing two courses per trimester will need to do around 20–23 hours of work a week. Make sure you take this into account if you are working.
In the capital city of Wellington, you'll be at the centre of immigration policy and decision-making. Take advantage of Victoria's links with national organisations that deal with migration such as the Office of Ethnic Communities, the Asia New Zealand Foundation and Immigration New Zealand.
Postgraduate study at Victoria will help you build valuable relationships and networks with peers, university staff and future colleagues.
You'll have opportunities to attend events, workshops, social functions and seminars such as the Student Learning Postgraduate Seminars skills sessions.
The Postgraduate Students' Association can give you information and provides a voice for you on campus.
People with an in-depth knowledge of migration issues are increasingly in demand in governments, NGOs, media and research organisations. You'll be able to apply your understanding of migration in a wide range of professions such as policy analysis, research, international development, community development and refugee resettlement.
The MA Migration, Superdiversity and Policy will explore the social, economic and political impacts of international migration and examine current, proposed and ideal approaches to welfare provision in the era of superdiversity. It will explore data to help map superdiverse populations and examine the rights and entitlements of migrants in different societies. Taking an applied approach, the programme will help studens to learn how to access data sources and undertake research in ways that can increase understanding of the nature of superdiversity and the needs of superdiverse communities.
Download a copy of the MA Migration, Superdiversity and Policy course brochure (PDF)
You will explore the social, economic and political impacts of international migration and examine current, proposed and ideal approaches to welfare provision in the era of superdiversity.
You will address the ways that policy has been adapted and created in order to accommodate the changing social fabric in urban and rural areas. You will critically examine the suitability and adaptability of different models of welfare provision, to explore critiques of multiculturalism and to develop an understanding of postmulticultural modes of service delivery. You will be enabled to consider approaches to meeting the needs of diverse populations in equitable ways. Migration, Superdiversity and Policy is unique in bringing together theory and practice with cutting edge research and research methods to enable students to develop applied knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.
More about the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS)
The MA Migration, Superdiversity and Policy will enable students to consider approaches to meeting the needs of diverse populations in equitable ways. Migration, Superdiversity and Policy is unique in bringing together theory and practice with cutting edge research and research methods to enable students to develop applied knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.
Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, presentations and participatory workshops.
Birmingham is a dynamic and superdiverse city which offers the ideal setting for the MA. The programme leaders, Lisa Goodson, Nando Sigona and Jenny Phillimore, are excellently placed to lead this initiative having many years of research and publication experience in migration related issues. They have managed over forty externally commissioned research projects in relation to migration, from a wide range of funders. They have advised EU and UK Governments on integration policyu and their work has contributed to the development of migration related social policy.
All participants will be supported by a personal tutor and will also be able to draw on the support of the Institute's Programme Director, Welfare Tutors and International Student Tutors.
The Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS)
The Institute for Research into Superdiversity is the world's first research centre to focus on superdiversity and is at the forefront of international research in this field. IRiS offers a unique opportunity for students to benefit from the programme of events and scholars from a wide range of disciplines engaged in research and policy work in migration and superdiversity.
More about the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS)
This MA Migration, Superdiversity and Policy will be of interest to professionals already working in multiagency migration related settings and areas of local government such as housing, community and safety, health, youth services and social care. It will also be of interest to recent social science course graduates looking to pursue a career in this area and to people considering progressing to PhD level.
For more information see our Careers section
Addressing some of the most challenging issues in today’s world, this programme relates ethnicity and migration to global economic and cultural change, and to systems of domination and resistance movements. You learn to analyse the causes of migration, as well as its consequences for emerging formations of race, gender, labour, citizenship, healthcare, welfare and culture.
The master’s programme is interdisciplinary, integrating the humanities and the social sciences, and is animated by a commitment to critical, innovative and useful approaches to issues and problems within the broad field of ethnic and migration studies.
Students will gain a comprehensive grasp of the field of ethnic and migration studies and will be well prepared for positions in local, national and international organisations, administration, business, government, media and the cultural sector, as well as for further postgraduate studies and research.
The programme consists of a mix of mandatory courses and electives that will allow you an individual specialisation, options to study abroad, options for internships, and research tutorials with faculty. Teaching involves formats with a high level of student participation. Teaching forms include lectures, workshops, seminars and individual/group tutorials.
Areas of focus include historical and sociological perspectives on the ways in which migration shapes society; in-depth knowledge in the field of intersectional migration studies; globalisation and its link to changing conditions for work and migration; the European Union asylum policies;, theories of biopolitics, citizenship and exclusion; and the relation of race, ethnicity and migration to cultural and aesthetic expressions such as narratives, visual arts, theatre and cinema.
The faculty will be joined by international guest professors to make up an interdisciplinary and internationally experienced team, covering all aspects of the programme’s curriculum and beyond. The program thus offers a direct interface with ongoing research.
Example of specific focus areas within the programme:
This programme develops your skills in critically examining and evaluating research in relation to international migration. Potential working fields include international organizations, academia, national and local government, NGOs or the media. Students are also eligible for PhD studies.
The master’s programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) focuses on: current international developments and research perspectives in migration and ethnic relations; the effects of globalisation and human mobility on societies, groups and individuals; the social and political adaptation and integration of ethnic minorities in different societies; issues of inclusion and exclusion of immigrants; majority-minority relations; philosophical and ethical perspectives on life in diverse and complex societies.
Malmö University offers a one-year and a two-year programme. The one-year programme provides an advanced level specialisation in the field of International Migration and Ethnic Relations. The two-year programme prepares students for future research opportunities and enables further specialisation within one of two themes: Migration and Integration or Migration and Social Theory.
International Migration and Ethnic Relations: one-year programme
International Migration and Ethnic Relations: two-year programme
The education is provided by the Faculty of Culture and Society at the department Department of Global Political Studies.
This master's programme teaches you how to conduct in-depth analysis, evaluate policies and criticise and critique migration-related policies.You should expect research-based training and an interdisciplinary outlook that links social sciences with humanities.
Study methods include lectures and discussions, group projects, study visits, thesis work and self-study of literature.
Understanding the complexities of international migration and ethnic relations is essential to ensure reflective decision-making in a variety of fields, for example, international organisations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, and the media. Students who have completed the programme are also eligible to apply for PhD studies.
Master's Degree (60 credits).
Master's Degree (120 credits)
With more than 230 million global citizens living outside their home countries, international migration is one of the most critical issues facing the global community in the 21st century. The challenges that these global citizens face are the focus of this master’s program, which prepares professionals to better the lives of migrants and refugees throughout the world.
Students study topics of global migration with top researchers, professors, project practitioners, and policy makers in the field of migration studies. The program includes an optional semester of study at Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. Graduates are prepared for careers in local, state and national governmental agencies; policy think tanks and policy and planning consulting firms; community-based non profits and non-governmental organizations; international agencies; advocacy and public interest organizations; philanthropic organizations and foundations; and other private-sector entities.
Students will:
You can request more information on our website
Our program prepares students to develop migration policies and provide support services to migrant communities. Graduates can go on to lead local, state, and national governmental agencies; international agencies; policy think tanks and policy planning consulting firms; community-based nonprofits and non-governmental organizations; advocacy and public interest organizations; philanthropic organizations and foundations; and other private-sector entities.
We also provide excellent training for students wishing to pursue further graduate studies in Diplomacy, Law, Public Health, Education, International Studies, or related fields
We offer a limited number of partial scholarships. Program scholarships range from $1,000 to $5,000. All applicants, U.S. and international, are considered for these scholarships at time of admission consideration.
A limited number of teaching assistantships are available.
A separate application is not required for scholarships or assistantships. If you receive a scholarship or teaching assistantship, you are notified in your admission letter.
You can request more information about scholarships and assistantships on our website
Why do people migrate? How do immigrants integrate and develop (new or dual) cultural identities? How do host societies respond to immigrants? Why and when do ethnic and religious differences lead to conflicts and misunderstandings? What are the reasons for prejudice and racism, and how can these negative reactions be minimised?
In this Master's programme in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism, you will focus on questions of high societal significance and policy relevance that relate to:
The programme addresses these topics from the assumption that systematic understanding of the precursors and processes of migration and integration is essential for the development of adequate policies and interventions in pluralistic societies.
This two-year Master's programme contributes to interdisciplinary theoretical and empirical knowledge in the social sciences. You will learn the main theories and approaches developed in:
You will receive extensive training in research methodology, and graduate well prepared for further PhD studies within the Interuniversity Centre for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS) or another institute in the Netherlands or abroad. Your studies will also prepare you for a career in research or advisory positions within academic institutes, policy organisations, and NGOs. The programme’s instructional staff participate in the research groups of the Departments of Interdisciplinary Social Science (Prof Verkuyten and Prof Finkenauer and Prof de Wit), Sociology (Prof Buskens) and Methods and Statistics (Prof Van der Heijden).
The Master's programme in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism is one of the oldest and most established social science Research Master's programmes in the Netherlands. It has an excellent national and international reputation and has been awarded several high ratings by different organisations in the Netherlands.
Through your studies, you develop into a well-qualified science practitioner. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to go on to PhD training or a research career outside academia. You will receive a structured and systematic training in theoretically and methodologically advanced research, that will equip you to help solve social science problems in the fields of migration, ethnic relations and multiculturalism.
Visit our website for more information on fees, scholarships, postgraduate loans and other funding options to study Global Migration at Swansea University - 'Welsh University of the Year 2017' (Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2017).
The MSc by Research Global Migration enables students to pursue a one year individual programme of research. The Global Migration programme would normally terminate after a year. However, under appropriate circumstances, this first year of research can also be used in a progression to Year 2 of a PhD degree.
You will be fully integrated into one of our established research groups and participate in research activities such as seminars, workshops, laboratories, and field work.
Swansea is a research-led University and the Department makes a significant contribution, meaning that as a postgraduate Geography student you will benefit from the knowledge and skills of internationally renowned academics.
In the latest Research Assessment Exercise, 95% of Geography research at Swansea was judged to be of international quality, and 60% was regarded as World-leading or internationally excellent.
As a student of the Global Migration programme you will have access to:
Computer laboratory with 24 computers providing general IT software and programmes dedicated to Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Remote Sensing Computer laboratory with 10 high-performance Linux workstations delivering software tools for advanced GIS and remote sensing applications
Specialist laboratory suites for stable isotope ratio analysis; tree ring analysis; extraction and identification of organic compounds; pollen extraction and analysis; rainfall simulation; tephra analysis; soil and sediment characterisation
In addition, the computing facilities include 15 dual-processor workstations for Earth Observation, a 20-node multiprocessor Beowulf cluster, and the Department’s IBM ‘Blue Ice’ Supercomputer, used mainly for climate and glaciological modelling.
All academic staff in Geography are active researchers and the department has a thriving research culture and a strong postgraduate community.
The results of the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014 show that Geography at Swansea University is ranked joint 9th in the UK for research impact and 11th in the UK for research environment.
Research groups include:
Environmental Dynamics
Glaciology
Global Environmental Modelling and Earth Observation
Migration, Boundaries and Identity
Social Theory and Urban Space
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