MA Migration Studies

The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time course commencing in September 2025. The program is delivered by the School of Global Studies and is affiliated with the Sussex Centre for Migration Research (SCMR), one of the largest and most influential migration research centers globally. Students benefit from a curriculum that integrates theoretical knowledge with practical insights into migration, forced displacement, and refugee studies. The course includes core modules such as "Global Governance of Migration and Refugees," "Migrants and Society: Global Transformations," and "Research Methods and Professional Skills," culminating in a dissertation that allows for independent research on a migration-related topic.

Curriculum: The curriculum is structured to provide a solid foundation in migration studies, incorporating interdisciplinary approaches from geography, sociology, politics, and development studies. Core modules cover essential topics like transnationalism, diaspora, integration, cultural diversity, race, and forced displacement. Students also have the opportunity to choose from a range of optional modules that delve into areas such as forced labor, trafficking, and the complexities of humanitarian responses to displacement.​

Research Focus: Sussex's SCMR is at the forefront of migration research, with a focus on theories of migration, migration and development, refugees and displacement, and gender and sexualities. The center organizes bi-weekly events with leading external speakers, hosts an annual conference featuring world-leading scholars, and arranges numerous events with local and international NGOs, providing students with valuable networking opportunities.​

Industry Engagement: The program emphasizes practical experience and professional development. Students can participate in optional placements, which may include internships with NGOs, government agencies, or international organizations. These placements offer hands-on experience in the field of migration and refugee studies, enhancing employability and providing real-world insights into the challenges and solutions in this sector.

Global Perspective: With a diverse student body and faculty representing over 140 nationalities, Sussex fosters a global learning environment. The university's international outlook is reflected in its research collaborations and the global relevance of its curriculum. Students engage with contemporary migration issues from a global perspective, preparing them to address migration challenges in various international contexts.

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 65% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 67.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

The University of Sussex offers a range of scholarships and financial support for international students to help make studying in the UK more accessible. These scholarships recognize academic excellence, support for underrepresented groups, and the ambition to help students thrive in their studies.

Sussex International Scholarships: The University offers a range of scholarships specifically for international students, including the Sussex Excellence Scholarships.These awards typically cover a portion of the tuition fees and are available for students pursuing undergraduate or postgraduate degrees.

Postgraduate Scholarships: International postgraduate students can benefit from the Sussex Graduate Scholarship, which provides a discount on tuition fees for eligible students with strong academic records.This scholarship is available for a variety of postgraduate programs and is aimed at supporting students who wish to advance their studies in the UK.

Chevening Scholarships: The University of Sussex is a partner in the Chevening Scholarship program, which is the UK government’s global scholarship program.Chevening Scholarships are awarded to outstanding individuals from around the world who wish to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Erasmus Mundus Scholarships: The University of Sussex is involved in several Erasmus Mundus programs, offering scholarships for international students from EU and non-EU countries.These scholarships support students pursuing joint Master’s degrees across European universities.

Specific Country Scholarships: The University also offers country-specific scholarships for students from particular regions, such as Africa, India, and China.These awards are often designed to make studying at Sussex more accessible for students from those regions.

Graduating with an MA in Migration Studies from the University of Sussex opens up a wide range of career opportunities. The curriculum is designed to provide students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills, making them highly employable in various sectors. 

International Organizations and NGOs: Graduates can pursue careers with international organizations such as the United Nations, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) focused on human rights, refugee support, and migration policy.

Government and Public Policy: The program prepares students to work in government agencies and think tanks, focusing on migration and refugee policy development, as well as advising governments on the implementation of migration-related laws and practices.

Academia and Research: Many graduates opt for academic careers, either by pursuing further studies, such as a PhD, or by working as researchers in migration studies, social sciences, or international relations. They may also contribute to migration-related research projects.

Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management: Students can enter the field of humanitarian aid, particularly in organizations providing direct support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and other vulnerable migrant populations.

Corporate Sector: The program’s global focus also provides transferable skills relevant to the private sector, including global corporate social responsibility (CSR) teams, consultancy roles, and international business sectors that require an understanding of migration and diversity.

Community Development and Advocacy: Graduates may choose to work with migrant communities, providing advocacy, legal assistance, and community development support. They can also engage in policymaking to promote the rights and well-being of migrants and refugees.