Migration Studies

The MSc in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to understanding the complex phenomena of migration in the contemporary world. This programme is designed for students from diverse academic backgrounds who aim to explore the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of migration, displacement, and mobility. Through rigorous coursework, students will examine key theories, policies, and practices related to migration processes, as well as their impacts on individuals, communities, and nations globally.

The programme combines academic research with practical insights, encouraging critical analysis of migration issues in a global context. Students will engage with a variety of disciplines including anthropology, sociology, political science, law, and economics, fostering a well-rounded understanding of migration dynamics. The curriculum includes core modules on theories of migration, migration policies, human rights, and the experiences of migrants, alongside optional courses that allow students to specialise in areas such as refugee studies, border management, or development and migration.

Students will have the opportunity to participate in seminars, workshops, and guest lectures led by leading experts in the field. Practical components such as case studies and policy analysis prepare graduates to contribute effectively to governmental agencies, international organizations, NGOs, and research institutions working on migration issues. The programme culminates in a substantial dissertation where students conduct independent research on a migration-related topic of their choice.

The MSc in Migration Studies aims to equip graduates with the analytical skills and knowledge necessary to address pressing migration challenges and contribute to policy development and advocacy. Graduates will be well-positioned for careers in immigration consultancy, policy analysis, international development, human rights advocacy, or further academic research. The programme benefits from Oxford’s rich academic environment, extensive networks, and resources, ensuring students receive a world-class education that prepares them to make impactful contributions to understanding and shaping migration policies and practices worldwide.

In the first and second terms you will follow three core courses:

• Migration in the Social Sciences
• Migration, Globalisation and Social Transformation
• Methods in Social Research

These will be supplemented by a fortnightly discussion class, Keywords: a Key to Migration Debates and Social Thought.

In the second term, you will choose two option courses from a list which changes from year to year, and in the final term, you will write a dissertation of up to 15,000 words.

Teaching

Staff are mainly drawn from Oxford’s internationally renowned centres: the International Migration Institute (IMI) and the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society (COMPAS). Teaching on the degree is both theoretical and problem-focused and delivered through a combination of lecture courses, classes and tutorials, seminars, student-led presentations, essays and library work. You will be expected to prepare for each lecture, class or tutorial by reading a selection of recommended book chapters, articles and working papers. The MSc is a demanding course and, as is typical at Oxford, you will be expected to keep up with a considerable reading workload. Class sizes are small – generally between 5 and 26 students – encouraging active participation and enabling students to learn from each other.

A supervisor will support your academic development throughout the course, with regular one-to-one term-time meetings to oversee progress. The supervisor also guides your work on the dissertation. After the first term you may be able to change supervisor depending on your choice of dissertation topic. In addition, you will have a college advisor whom you may consult on issues concerning your personal wellbeing.

Assessment

On-course assessment, which will not count towards your final degree, will take the form of regular presentations and short essays. The degree is formally assessed by a 5,000-word core-course essay to be submitted at the start of the second term, a research methods portfolio of 6,000 words to be submitted before the start of the third term, two written examinations on one core and two options courses at the start of the third term, and a dissertation of up to 15,000 words to be submitted at the end of the third term.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in a social science subject. It is also possible for students who have not specialised in a social science to read for the MSc in Migration Studies.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0.

Entrance to the course is very competitive and most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.8, a first-class degree or the equivalent.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

The admissions committee will occasionally consider a lower degree classification if the first qualification was taken some years ago, if you have gone on to further study since in which you have excelled, or if you have substantive work experience of relevance to the course.

Relevant professional experience is desirable but not required. 

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other appropriate indicators will include:

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement:500 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, of which at least two must be academic

The MSc in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford offers students a range of funding opportunities to support their studies. Prospective students are encouraged to explore internal university scholarships, such as the Clarendon Fund, which provides outstanding students with full or partial funding based on academic achievement and potential. Additionally, the Oxford Graduate Scholarships are available for international and UK students meeting specific eligibility criteria, offering financial support that can cover tuition fees and living costs. External funding sources also include government-sponsored scholarships, such as the Chevening Scholarships for international students from select countries, and country-specific scholarship programs, which often require applicants to meet specific academic and language proficiency requirements. Many students also secure funding through employer sponsorships, grants from home country governments, or private foundations dedicated to supporting students studying migration, human rights, and related fields. The university's Graduate Funding Office provides detailed guidance and application assistance to help candidates identify suitable funding sources and navigate the application process. Costs associated with the program include tuition fees, which vary depending on the student's nationality and fee status, as well as living expenses in Oxford. Students are advised to plan their finances carefully and consider applying for multiple funding sources to ensure comprehensive financial support during their studies. The university maintains a comprehensive database of available scholarships and funding opportunities, and applicants are encouraged to submit applications early to maximize their chances of securing financial aid. Overall, students enrolling in the MSc in Migration Studies are encouraged to take advantage of the various scholarship programs, studentships, and external funding options to facilitate their academic pursuits and research interests in migration and related fields.

Migration Studies at the University of Oxford is a multidisciplinary graduate program designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the social, economic, political, and cultural aspects of migration and mobility. The program draws on the university's extensive resources in anthropology, history, international relations, law, economics, and other related fields to offer a rigorous curriculum that explores issues such as refugee movements, migration policies, labor migration, and the impacts of migration on societies.

Students enrolled in this program engage in critically analyzing global migration trends, examining case studies from different regions, and developing policy-oriented perspectives. The program emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, equipping students with the skills necessary to conduct original research or pursue careers in policy-making, international organizations, NGOs, and academia.

The curriculum typically includes core courses covering migration theories, migration law and policy, and urban migration, as well as electives that allow students to specialize in particular areas of interest like human rights, refugee studies, or diaspora communities. Students also undertake independent research and produce a substantial dissertation under the supervision of faculty members who are leading experts in the field.

The University of Oxford's distinctive academic environment promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, critical thinking, and engagement with real-world migration challenges. The program often involves guest lectures, seminars with practitioners, and fieldwork opportunities that enrich students’ learning experiences. Graduates of the program are equipped to contribute to policy development, advocacy, or academic research on migration issues at national and international levels.

The program is designed for individuals with a background in social sciences, humanities, law, or related disciplines who are interested in addressing complex migration phenomena. The duration of the program is typically one year for full-time students, with options for part-time study in some cases. Successful completion leads to a Master’s degree, typically an MSc or MSt in Migration Studies, depending on the curriculum structure.

Overall, Oxford’s Migration Studies program provides a unique learning environment that combines scholarly excellence, policy relevance, and practical engagement, preparing students to be effective contributors to solutions for migration challenges worldwide.