Forced Migration, MSc

University of Oxford, Social Sciences

Disciplines:

Development & Social Policy and Planning

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Quick facts

Country:	United Kingdom	Duration:	9 Months
City:	Oxford	Start Date:	October
Educational Form:	Taught	Languages:	English
Education Variants:	Full Time
Application Deadline:	January and March
Annual Tuition Fee:	€ 14328 - Details € 18902 (non-EEA)

Programme Description

The Refugee Studies Centre (RSC), was founded in 1982. It is an integral part of QEH. The Centre carries out multi-disciplinary research, including policy relevant work, on the causes and consequences of forced migration.

Research at the RSC is currently organized around the following three broad areas of investigation: Forced migration, global economy and governance; the experience and management of displacement; and institutional and normative responses to forced migration. In addition to its research programme, the Centre offers a nine-month multi-disciplinary taught Master of Science (MSc) degree course in Forced Migration.

This nine-month course aims to provide students with a broad understanding of the complex and varied nature of forced migration and its centrality to global processes of social, economic and political change, as well as the needs and aspirations of forced migrants themselves. Students are assessed by written papers and examination at the end of the third term. They are expected to satisfy the examiners in two papers and two essays.

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Requirements
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Students are assessed by written papers and examination at the end of the third term.

Examinations consist of:

(i) a written examination at the end of the third term on the International Legal and Normative Framework of Forced Migration which covers subjects such as international and domestic application of individual and group rights to displaced persons and refugees; implications of displaced populations for international order and for the security and stability of states; activities of relevant international organisations; humanitarian responses to forced migration; and the ethical issues raised by efforts to assist, control, prevent, and deter movements of forced migrants;

(ii) a written examination on the Causes and Consequences of Forced Migration, including topics such as the social dynamics of forced migration, the impact of forced migrants on host populations and governments, coercion and conflict, psychological adaptation and survival strategies, nationalism and group identity, and the impact of resettlement programmes on the livelihood and autonomy of affected populations;

(iii) a multi-disciplinary thesis of between 10,000 and 15,000 words to be submitted towards the end of the third term;

(iv) a research methods group essay of about 5,000 words based on field work conducted during a four-week period in Hilary Term.

You are normally required to take an English Proficiency Test if you come from a non-English speaking country.

Most European Universities recognise the IELTS test.

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Requirements

A student wishing to read for the MSc in Forced Migration has to be admitted first by the Graduate Studies Committee and then by a College. At least a good upper second class honours degree in a social science is normally required. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first class degree or its equivalent (such as a 3.8 GPA in the USA).

It is also possible for students who have not specialized in a social science to read for the MSc in Forced Migration. Relevant experience in forced migration is desirable. It is essential for applicants to apply early, and respect the deadlines. Please refer to the Graduate Studies Prospectus for information on gathered field deadlines, and higher level language requirements.
A good command of English (both written and spoken) is essential. Candidates whose first language is not English are required to provide evidence of proficiency in English (eg by taking the TOEFL or IELTS test).