MA Migration Studies

Program Overview

The MA Migration Studies program at the University of Birmingham provides students with a comprehensive understanding of migration, superdiversity, and related social, economic, and political challenges. Through a combination of theory, practice, and cutting-edge research, the program equips students with the skills and knowledge to address the complexities of international migration in an era of superdiversity. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organizations, and research institutions.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

The MA Migration Studies program at the University of Birmingham is designed to introduce students to the challenges and opportunities associated with new migration patterns and superdiversity. It equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to address these challenges. The program focuses on the social, economic, and political impacts of international migration, examining current, proposed, and ideal approaches to welfare provision in the era of superdiversity. The program is unique in its combination of theory and practice, cutting-edge research, and research methods. It explores data to map superdiverse populations and examines the rights and entitlements of migrants in different societies. Students have the opportunity to apply for a work-based internship in a migration-related organization as part of the optional Migration and Superdiversity Placement module. The program is the first of its kind to focus on superdiversity and is taught by academics from the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS), the world's first research center dedicated to superdiversity. This provides students with a unique opportunity to interact with scholars from various disciplines engaged in migration and superdiversity research and policy work.

Outline:

Core Modules:

• Migration, Superdiversity, Policy and Practice (20 credits): This module explores the complex relationship between migration, superdiversity, policy, and practice.
It examines the challenges and opportunities presented by diverse populations and analyzes the role of policy in shaping migration experiences.
• Globalisation, International Migration and Citizenship (20 credits): This module delves into the interconnectedness of globalization, international migration, and citizenship.
It examines the drivers of migration, the impact of globalization on migration patterns, and the evolving concepts of citizenship in a globalized world.
• Dissertation (60 credits): This module provides students with the opportunity to conduct independent research on a topic related to migration studies.
Students will develop their research skills, design and execute a research project, and write a substantial dissertation.

Optional Modules (80 credits from the list below):

• Migration and Superdiversity Placement (20 credits): This module offers students the chance to gain practical experience in a migration-related organization through a work-based internship.
Students will apply their knowledge and skills in a real-world setting, gaining valuable insights into the field.
• Sociology of Race and Racism (20 credits): This module explores the social construction of race and racism, examining the historical and contemporary manifestations of racial inequality.
It analyzes the impact of racism on individuals, communities, and societies.
• Third Sector in Social Policy (20 credits): This module examines the role of the third sector (non-profit organizations) in social policy.
It explores the different types of third-sector organizations, their funding models, and their impact on social welfare.
• Policy Futures: Theories and Concepts in International Policymaking (20 credits): This module delves into the theoretical frameworks and concepts used in international policymaking.
It examines the challenges and opportunities facing policymakers in a globalized world.
• Poverty, Wealth and Inequality (20 credits): This module explores the causes and consequences of poverty, wealth, and inequality.
It examines the different forms of inequality, the impact of inequality on individuals and societies, and the role of policy in addressing inequality.
• Crime and Social Harm (20 credits): This module examines the relationship between crime and social harm.
It explores the causes of crime, the impact of crime on individuals and communities, and the role of the criminal justice system in responding to crime.
• Climate Justice and Social Policy (20 credits): This module explores the intersection of climate change and social policy.
It examines the impact of climate change on vulnerable populations, the role of social policy in mitigating climate change, and the concept of climate justice.
• Crime and Justice in a Globalised World (20 credits): This module examines the challenges and opportunities facing criminal justice systems in a globalized world.
It explores the transnational nature of crime, the role of international cooperation in combating crime, and the impact of globalization on criminal justice policy.
• Applied Quantitative and Qualitative Data Analysis (20 credits): This module provides students with practical skills in analyzing quantitative and qualitative data.
It covers data collection methods, data analysis techniques, and the interpretation of research findings.
• Global Policy Institutions & Networks (20 credits): This module examines the role of global policy institutions and networks in shaping international policy.
It explores the structure and function of these institutions, their impact on global governance, and the challenges they face.
• Policy Evaluation (20 credits): This module explores the methods and techniques used to evaluate the effectiveness of public policy.
It examines the different types of policy evaluation, the challenges of conducting policy evaluation, and the use of evaluation findings to inform policy decisions.
• Philosophies of Welfare: creating new societies?
• (20 credits): This module examines the philosophical underpinnings of welfare policy.
It explores different conceptions of welfare, the role of the state in providing welfare, and the challenges of creating a just and equitable society.
• Transforming Identities (20 credits): This module explores the processes of identity formation and transformation.
It examines the impact of social, cultural, and political factors on identity, the role of identity in shaping individual and collective behavior, and the challenges of navigating multiple identities in a diverse world.
• Transforming Societies (20 credits): This module examines the processes of social change and transformation.
It explores the factors that drive social change, the different types of social change, and the impact of social change on individuals, communities, and societies.

Assessment:

The MA Migration Studies program is assessed through a variety of coursework, including traditional essays, policy reports, and a dissertation. Two modules utilize written examinations as a mode of assessment. Students have the opportunity to complete formative assessments across core modules, providing them with feedback to develop their writing style, structuring, and critical reasoning.

Teaching:

Teaching and learning in the MA Migration Studies program take place through a variety of methods, including traditional lectures, interactive lectures, small group seminars, and computer lab-based sessions. The program also emphasizes experiential learning, taking advantage of Birmingham's diverse population to provide students with a "social laboratory" where they can observe and analyze migration-related issues firsthand. Extracurricular field trips to Birmingham City Council and the Houses of Parliament are also offered. The program is primarily taught by academics from the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS), a leading research center in the field of migration studies. This provides students with access to cutting-edge research and the opportunity to interact with experts in the field.

Careers:

The MA Migration Studies program prepares students for a variety of careers in diverse or migration-related settings. Graduates may find employment in:

• Government agencies
• Non-profit organizations
• Research institutions
• International organizations
• Education
• Social work
• Community development
The program also provides a strong foundation for students who wish to pursue a PhD in related fields.

Other:

The Department of Social Policy, Sociology, and Criminology at the University of Birmingham is an internationally leading center of research, drawing together academic expertise in theory, empirical research, and policy. The department has over 50 academic staff who contribute to a vibrant research culture. The department hosts three leading research centers:

• Centre for Household, Assets and Savings Management
• Institute for Research into Superdiversity
• Third Sector Research Centre
Students will be part of a dynamic academic department that hosts a range of external speakers and lunchtime seminars. They will also have access to a dedicated study space located in the department.