MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

at University of Oxford

The course offers students an understanding of the complex and varied nature of forced migration and refugee populations, of their centrality to global, regional and national processes of political, social and economic change, and of the needs and aspirations of forcibly displaced people themselves. It also helps students develop a broad understanding of academic research related to forced migration and refugees, as well as critical thinking and sound evaluative tools.
 

You will gain the ability to plan, organise and carry out research into aspects of forced migration and refugee studies, as well as the skills necessary to convey theoretical knowledge of forced migration to a variety of different audiences. 
 

In the first and second terms you will follow core courses that introduce the subject of forced migration from a range of disciplinary perspectives, including anthropological, political and legal perspectives. There is also a two-term course dedicated to research methods relevant to the study of forced migration.
 

In the second term you will choose two options courses from a list which changes from year to year, but which usually includes a course on advanced International Human Rights and Refugee Law, and courses furthering regional specialisation.
 

In the third term, you will write a thesis. This is typically a desk-based study, since there is little time to undertake individual fieldwork within the nine months of the course. Although you may attend other options courses, you will only be examined on the core courses, your two chosen option courses and the thesis.

Degree-level qualifications
 

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours 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 Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.
 

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

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.7 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have a GPA of 3.8 or above.
 

GRE General Test scores
 

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

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience

• Relevant professional experience is desirable but not required.

• Publications are not expected or required for admission, but any can be listed on the CV.
   

Further guidance
 

It is essential to apply as early as possible and to submit all required materials by the advertised deadlines.

Home  
 £25,760

Overseas  
 £32,760

Graduates of the MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies have gone on to doctoral degrees, law school, and work relevant to human rights, refugees, and migration. Graduates of the course are now employed in organisations such as the UNHCR, the International Organisation for Migration, UNDP, Save the Children, the European Council on Refugees and Exiles, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, the Brookings and MacArthur Foundations, as well as national governments and universities around the world.
 

The course offers support for career development to current students, including informal careers advice sessions and information about employment prospects.