Program Overview

Programme Overview

The MPhil in Migration Studies is a two-year, research-oriented postgraduate programme designed for individuals seeking a strong foundation for doctoral studies or careers in migration policy, advocacy, and development planning. The programme integrates solid theoretical instruction with intensive research training, equipping students to analyse contemporary migration dynamics and contribute to evidence-based decision-making.

Programme Objectives

The programme aims to:

• Build strong research capacity in migration, mobility, and development.
• Provide interdisciplinary training drawing on sociology, law, economics, demography, and human rights.
• Enhance students' ability to design and evaluate evidence-based migration and development policies.

Programme Structure

The MPhil programme is structured over two academic years:

• Year 1: Coursework covering core migration concepts, migration law and policy, research design, demographic analysis, and data interpretation.
• Year 2: Supervised thesis research focused on addressing real-world migration and development challenges.

Admission Requirements

Applicants seeking admission to the MPhil in Migration Studies must meet the following criteria:

• A good first degree (minimum Second-Class Upper Division) in the social sciences, humanities, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated interest in migration and development issues, evidenced through a statement of purpose and/or relevant writing sample.
• Successful completion of an interview and submission of relevant academic transcripts.

Given the interdisciplinary nature of migration studies, applicants from the following fields are encouraged to apply:

• Health Sciences
• Social Sciences
• Development Studies
• Public Administration
• Geography
• Law
• Sociology
• Population Studies Both Ghanaian and international applicants are welcome.

MPhil Courses

Course Descriptions

• MIST 601: Theories and Typologies of Migration
  • The course introduces students to the basic theories, models, and typologies of migration.
• MIST 602: Legal and Policy Aspects of Migration
  • Students will be introduced to the main theoretical and legal issues in the study of migration.
• MIST 603: Migration, Social Change, and Development
  • The course focuses on the socio-cultural transformations that underlie migration and those resulting from the process of migration.
• MIST 604: Migration and Population Dynamics
  • It seeks to equip students with more advanced tools for analysing migration and its contribution to population dynamics.
• MIST 605: Research Methods in Migration Studies
  • This course provides students with relevant knowledge on collecting and interpreting data in the social sciences.
• MIST 606: Methods in Migration Research
  • The focus of this course is on the methodology for studying mobility, migration, migrants, and the impact of migration.
• MIST 607: Topical Issues in Forced Migration
  • Using multi-disciplinary approaches, this course introduces students to the major theoretical perspectives and historical trajectories of forced migration.
• MIST 608: Migration, Globalisation, and Development
  • This course focuses on the intricate and reciprocal relationship between the processes of migration, globalisation, and development.
• MIST 609: Transnational Migration and Diasporas
  • This course gives conceptual and working definitions of trans-nationalism to include the variety of perspectives that examine the interconnectedness of migrant communities across space and time.
• MIST 611: Labour Migrations in Africa
  • This course will trace the historical development of labour migrations in Africa, emphasizing the role of colonialism.
• MIST 612: Gender and Migration
  • This course highlights gender issues in the migratory process at many levels: interpersonal, household, community, nation-state, and the global economy.
• MIST 614: Migration and International Security
  • This course explores the nexus between migration and international security with a focus on promoting global peace and security.