MSc in Migration Studies

The new interdisciplinary MSc in Migration Studies is jointly offered by the Oxford Department of International Development and the School of Anthropology. The course draws on the intellectual resources of its two parent departments and the three world-leading migration research centres at Oxford: the Centre on Migration Policy and Society (COMPAS), the International Migration Institute (IMI) and the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC). The programme allows students to explore human mobility in a historical and global perspective, and to address the complex relations between global political economy, migratory experiences, and government and social responses. The course takes place over nine months and expects to admit around 25 students each year. In 2010, its first year, it received two applications for each place.

The degree consists of four components:

• International Migration in the Social Sciences
• Key Themes in International Migration (including development and globalization)
• Thematic and Regional Options
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

The course is assessed on the basis of one essay of 5,000 words; two written exams; a portfolio of four pieces of coursework; and a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.

Teaching on the degree combines lectures, small tutorial groups and discussion seminars. Students have individual dissertation supervision. Teaching is problem-focussed and aims to give students critical analytical skills.

A student wishing to read for the MSc in Migration Studies has to be accepted first by the Departments (ODID and the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropolgy, ISCA) and then by a College. At least a good upper second class honours degree in a social science is normally required. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first class degree or its equivalent (such as a 3.8 GPA in the USA). It is also possible for students who have not specialized in a social science to read for the MSc in Migration Studies. Special consideration may be given to those with professional backgrounds in the migration field, such as those who have worked in relevant government departments, international agencies or civil society organizations.

Please refer to the How to Apply page and the Graduate Studies Prospectus for information on application deadlines and English language requirements. It is essential for applicants to apply early and respect the deadlines.

The course introduces students to key concepts, research and analysis in the economics, politics, sociology and anthropology of migration. It enables students to understand the nature of both internal and international migration and its role in global social and economic change.

The MSc in Migration Studies prepares students to work in an expanding area of international and policy concern. It also prepares students in an area of social science training that will facilitate progression to doctoral studies in the University of Oxford and elsewhere.

For further information on the kinds of careers our students pursue, see the ODID Graduates page.

The new interdisciplinary MSc in Migration Studies is jointly offered by the Oxford Department of International Development and the School of Anthropology. The course draws on the intellectual resources of its two parent departments and the three world-leading migration research centres at Oxford: the Centre on Migration Policy and Society (COMPAS), the International Migration Institute (IMI) and the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC). The programme allows students to explore human mobility in a historical and global perspective, and to address the complex relations between global political economy, migratory experiences, and government and social responses. The course takes place over nine months and expects to admit around 25 students each year. In 2010, its first year, it received two applications for each place.

The degree consists of four components:

• International Migration in the Social Sciences
• Key Themes in International Migration (including development and globalization)
• Thematic and Regional Options
• Quantitative and Qualitative Research Methods

The course is assessed on the basis of one essay of 5,000 words; two written exams; a portfolio of four pieces of coursework; and a dissertation of no more than 15,000 words.

Teaching on the degree combines lectures, small tutorial groups and discussion seminars. Students have individual dissertation supervision. Teaching is problem-focussed and aims to give students critical analytical skills.

A student wishing to read for the MSc in Migration Studies has to be accepted first by the Departments (ODID and the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropolgy, ISCA) and then by a College. At least a good upper second class honours degree in a social science is normally required. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first class degree or its equivalent (such as a 3.8 GPA in the USA). It is also possible for students who have not specialized in a social science to read for the MSc in Migration Studies. Special consideration may be given to those with professional backgrounds in the migration field, such as those who have worked in relevant government departments, international agencies or civil society organizations.

Please refer to the How to Apply page and the Graduate Studies Prospectus for information on application deadlines and English language requirements. It is essential for applicants to apply early and respect the deadlines.

The course introduces students to key concepts, research and analysis in the economics, politics, sociology and anthropology of migration. It enables students to understand the nature of both internal and international migration and its role in global social and economic change.

The MSc in Migration Studies prepares students to work in an expanding area of international and policy concern. It also prepares students in an area of social science training that will facilitate progression to doctoral studies in the University of Oxford and elsewhere.

For further information on the kinds of careers our students pursue, see the ODID Graduates page.