Course content
The new interdisciplinary MSc in Migration Studies at Oxford University is jointly offered by theSchool of Anthropology and the Oxford Department of International Development. The course draws on the intellectual resources of its two parent departments and the three world-leading migration research centres at Oxford (COMPAS, IMI and 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 degree consists of four components, plus a dissertation:
- international migration in the social sciences;
- key themes in international migration;
- thematic and regional options;
- quantitative and qualitative research methods.
Teaching on the degree combines lectures, small tutorial groups, and discussion seminars. Students have individual dissertation supervision. Teaching is problem-focused and aims to give students critical analytical skills.
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 prepares students to work in an expanding area of international and policy concern. It will also offer students social science training that will facilitate progression to doctoral studies in the University of Oxford and elsewhere.
Teaching
The degree is taught through a combination of lectures, seminars and tutorials, student-led presentations, essays, and library work leading to a dissertation. Teaching staff draw on their own research to illustrate theoretical, ethical, methodological and practical issues.
Lectures and seminar series cover:
- International Migration in the Social Sciences: An Interdisciplinary Introduction (including the economics, politics, sociology and anthropology of migration, public policy and migration law)
- Key Themes in International Migration (including migration in the contemporary world, migration development and social change, transnationalism and diasporas, social and cultural relations, and globalization)
- Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
- Critical Migration Studies discussion seminar
- Two options courses chosen by the student. The list of options changes from year to year. Options offered 2010-11 year included:
- The Economics and Politics of International Labour Migration
- Mobility, Governance and the State
- Migration and Displacement in Africa
- Movement and Morality
- Theory and Practice of Humanitarian Intervention
- Gender, Generation and Forced Migration
- UNHCR and World Politics
In addition, a range of regional options courses are offered. Assessment combines written exams, essays, research methods projects, and a dissertation.