Explore Top 10 Masters Programs in Migration Studies

In recent years, migration has become a prominent global issue, with millions of people around the world displaced due to conflict, persecution, climate change, and economic hardship. As a result, there is a growing demand for professionals who can understand, analyze, and address the complex challenges of migration. 

Pursuing a Master’s degree in Migration Studies can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in this field. Here are the top 10 Master’s programs in Migration Studies.

1. MSc in Migration Studies – University of Oxford – Oxford, United Kingdom

An interdisciplinary MSc in Migration Studies degree is available at the University of Oxford. Its goal is to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge of both internal and international migration by using pertinent political, social, economic, legal, and other perspectives. Students leave classes with a theoretical background as well as research, analytical, and other practical skills. 

Students will gain knowledge of the challenges that national and international policymakers have while addressing migration-related concerns. To obtain their degree, students need to finish a dissertation in addition to three required courses and two electives. Additionally, students might choose to go on an optional study travel to other places to interact with community groups, other important players involved in migration, and experts in the area.

2. MA in Migration Studies – University of Essex – Colchester, United Kingdom

The MA in Migration Studies program at the University of Essex combines methodology and sociology to provide students with a deeper knowledge of migration and related concerns. Human rights, welfare, human trafficking, race and ethnicity, multiculturalism, and other subjects are all covered in depth in the courses. 

To finish their degree, students can pick from a wide range of courses, and their studies will culminate in a dissertation. The department encourages students to participate in its lectures, workshops, and research projects.

3. MA in Migration Studies – University of San Francisco – San Francisco, CA, USA

There is an MA in Migration Studies offered at the University of San Francisco. Through coursework and extracurricular activities, students will acquire a broad perspective on topics related to migration studies. Apart from the five required courses, four electives on particular themes, and four research seminars, students can spend their second semester studying in Mexico at Universidad Iberoamericana. Students can also take advantage of the university’s summer fieldwork and immersion programs to get practical experience abroad.

4. Master of Migration Studies (MMigS) – Victoria University Wellington – Wellington, New Zealand

The Master of Migration Studies program at Victoria University Wellington provides an interdisciplinary approach to migration-related topics. Students will investigate the opportunities and problems that migration brings about by looking at the world through the lenses of geography, political science, and history. 

Students will acquire skills in critical thinking, communication, and research, and they can select a specific current issue to concentrate on during their classes. Additionally, they will have the opportunity to do a research project or take part in an internship with a migration policy group. Students can network and connect with national groups that address migration issues through the university’s links.

5. MA in Ethnic and Migration Studies – Linkoping University – Linkoping, Sweden

The MA in Ethnic and Migration Studies program at Linkoping University aims to give students multidisciplinary insights into migration-related topics. Both required and elective classes emphasize sociology and history to provide students with a broad understanding of a variety of subjects, including citizenship, labor migration, asylum laws, race and ethnicity, culture, and the arts. 

International guest academics with specialized knowledge in the subject matter instruct the courses. Apart from attending courses, students are required to finish a master’s thesis and get the chance to take part in many seminars and tutorials with faculty members. Additionally, students will have links to reputable companies that deal with migration and related topics in order to secure internships.

6. MA in International Migration Studies – City University of New York – New York, NY, USA

The MA in International Migration Studies program at the City University of New York (CUNY) is an interdisciplinary course of study designed to provide students with the information and abilities to comprehend the political, social, cultural, and economic facets of migration abroad. Leading immigration academics with competence in a variety of migration-related fields will teach the students. 

Additionally, a wide range of national and international organizations addressing migration and related issues will be available to students. Students can select from the specialization areas of Comparative Immigration, Global Immigrant Cities, Assimilation and Integration, Immigration Politics and Policies, or they can construct their own through both core and optional courses. To get their degree, students must complete a final capstone project.

7. MSc International Migration and Public Policy – London School of Economics and Political Science – London, UK

An MSc in International Migration and Public Policy is available from the London School of Economics and Political Science. With a particular focus on European migration policy and its impact on international migration, courses will provide students with an understanding of migration and associated subjects at the local, national, and international levels. 

In addition to studying required courses and finishing a 10,000-word research project, students will select a concentration. Additionally, students enroll in a professional development course that prepares them for future employment. Experts in the field of migration teach the courses, and students can also take part in the LSE Migration Studies Unit’s public lecture and seminar series.

8. MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies – University of London SOAS – London, UK

The MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies program at the University of London SOAS is intended to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of migration studies and related fields, as well as opportunities for hands-on learning. In addition to required courses, the optional program will provide a research techniques course. 

Numerous subjects are covered in the course, such as media and art, legislation, anthropology, culture, and more. Students need to finish a dissertation in order to receive their degree. Under SOAS’s Language Entitlement Programme, complimentary language classes are available to all master’s degree candidates. Alternatively, students can opt to finish this degree in two years with an intensive language study component.

9. Master in Migration Studies – Universitat Pompeu Fabra Barcelona (UPF) – Barcelona, Spain

For those interested in migration and diversity management who want a theoretical and practical grasp of associated challenges, the Universitat Pompeu Fabra offers a Master in Migration Studies degree. To finish their degree, students will take workshops in addition to required courses, electives, and a final master’s thesis. The program trains academics on the subject of immigration and diversity via research, case studies, comparative studies, and quantitative and qualitative analysis.

10. MSc in Migration and Ethnic Studies – University of Amsterdam – Amsterdam, the Netherlands

Students looking at migration via ethnic, economic, and cultural lenses might benefit from the University of Amsterdam’s Master of Migration and Ethnic Studies program. Numerous topics, including citizenship, gender, culture and religion, refugees and asylum, labor migration and employment, and more, are covered in both core and optional courses. 

In addition to experts in the subject, guest speakers with a range of backgrounds and experiences will address the class. Apart from their coursework, students are required to finish a research thesis and may substitute an internship for one of their optional courses.