Program Overview

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What is the relationship between migration, social policy and welfare? What are the social and cultural challenges that international migration and forced migration has for both sender and receiving societies? Our course uniquely explores the study of migration through a sociological perspective, investigating how these challenges shape policy agendas with particular attention to issues surrounding social integration, rights and multiculturalism. Our MA Migration Studies combines insights of sociological theory with the methodological tools highly in demand by government, NGOs and supranational institutions. Drawing on the expertise of leading researchers, you build a strong theoretical understanding and address key issues surrounding migration. This course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Citizenship and Human rights
• Welfare
• Immigration policy
• Social cohesion and integration
• Human trafficking
• Race, ethnicity and identity
• Multiculturalism

You also gain a critical and coherent perspective on empirical research and examining the key assumptions and ideological underpinnings of qualitative and quantitative research. Our Department of Sociology is 2nd in UK for research power in sociology (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021). Why we're great.

• Uniquely taught within our Department of Sociology, so you gain a strong sociological and interdisciplinary dimension.
• Develop the skills needed to make your own contribution to the field, examining underpinnings of research
• We are 2nd in UK for research power in sociology (Times Higher Education research power measure, Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Our expert staff

We are a large and friendly department, offering a diverse range of research interests and with staff members who are committed to teaching, research and publication that covers a broad geographical and thematic spectrum. Key academic staff for this course include:

• Neli Demireva , whose research interests include migration, inter-ethnic ties, social cohesion, ethnic penalties and multiculturalism
• Ayse Güveli , explores the dynamics of socioeconomic, cultural and religious integration and social mobility among migrants in Europe
• Carlos Gigoux , researches the impact of migration for Indigenous peoples and the role of social movements in advancing migrants rights
• Renee Luthra , analyses immigrant integration and ethnic inequality in school, work and health in Germany, the United States and the UK
• Ewa Morawska , a comparative-historical sociologist who studies different trajectories of immigrants' integration into the host society and the mechanisms facilitating and hindering ground-level multiculturalism or friendly everyday inter-group relations in different places/different times

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Specialist facilities

• The Masters in Migration Studies will form an integral part of the interdisciplinary Centre for Migration Studies developing at Essex, including a tailored Migration-focused postgraduate workshop every Spring
• The opportunity to network with other migration scholars in Japan, Germany, and the United States
• Links with the Institute of Social and Economic Research, which conducts large-scale survey projects and has its own library, and the UK Data Archive, the largest survey data depository in the UK
• A unique Student Resource Centre where you can get help with your studies, access examples of previous students’ work, and attend workshops on research skills
• The Sociology common room is open all day Monday-Friday, is stocked with daily newspapers, magazines and journals, and has free drinks available

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Your future

A degree in Migration Studies with a sociological approach, especially one from a recognised centre of excellence like Essex, opens many doors. This course provides excellent preparation for establishing a career in policy making, human rights organisations or to continue further academic study. Many of our postgraduates go on to successful academic careers, both in the UK and overseas. We work with the University’s Careers Services to help you find out about further work experience, internships, placements, and voluntary opportunities.