MA Migration Studies
The MA in Migration and Refugee Studies at Sussex is a one-year full-time or two-year p...
MA Migration and Global Development
Falmer
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
The MA in Migration and Global Development is a one-year full-time or two-year part-time program commencing in September 2025. It delves into the drivers of migration, the experiences of migrants, and the implications for development policies and practices. Students will explore critical questions such as the reasons behind migration from and within the Global South, the effects on families and communities left behind, and how migration policies influence migrants' life chances.
Curriculum: The program's curriculum is interdisciplinary, combining insights from human geography, sociology, anthropology, and development studies. Core modules include "Migrants and Society: Global Transformations" and "Migration and Global Development," providing a solid foundation in migration theories and their application to development contexts. Students can also choose from a range of optional modules such as "Decolonising, Diversifying and Demythologising," "Forced Labour, Trafficking and Global Mobility," and "Navigating the Complexities of Forced Migration and Displacement," allowing them to tailor their studies to specific interests. The program culminates in a dissertation, with the option to undertake a placement-based research project.
Research Focus: Students will benefit from the expertise of faculty members who are actively engaged in migration research, ensuring that teaching is informed by the latest developments in the field. The program encourages students to critically engage with contemporary issues such as climate-induced migration, the impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on migrants, and the intersectionality of gender, race, and ethnicity in migration processes.
Industry Engagement: The University of Sussex emphasizes practical experience, offering students the opportunity to apply for optional research placements during the summer term. These placements, lasting up to 12 weeks, allow students to gain hands-on experience with organizations working in migration and development. The university's dedicated careers team provides support in finding placements, drafting applications, and preparing for interviews.
Global Perspective: The program attracts a diverse cohort of students from around the world, fostering a global learning environment. This diversity enriches classroom discussions and provides students with a broad perspective on migration issues. The University of Sussex's global reputation in development studies, ranked 1st in the world for Development Studies by the QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025, further enhances the program's international outlook.
Location
Falmer
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 21500
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.
Graduates of the MA in Migration and Global Development can pursue diverse career paths in organizations and sectors that address global migration issues, refugee movements, and socio-economic development.
International Development Specialist: Graduates can work in international organizations, governmental agencies, or NGOs that focus on migration policy, development strategies, and humanitarian efforts. In these roles, they may be involved in designing and implementing programs that address the socio-economic challenges faced by migrants and displaced persons.
Migration Policy Analyst: This role involves analyzing and advising on policies related to migration, refugees, and displacement. Graduates can work with governments, think tanks, or international bodies like the UN or the EU, providing evidence-based insights on migration trends and recommending policy solutions.
Humanitarian Affairs Officer: Graduates can work with organizations such as the Red Cross, UNHCR, or Médecins Sans Frontières, coordinating humanitarian aid for migrant populations and displaced persons. These roles may involve direct involvement in crisis zones, providing support in areas like health, shelter, and food security.
Social Justice Advocate or Campaign Manager: Many graduates pursue careers in advocacy and social justice, working for human rights organizations, migration-focused NGOs, or international NGOs. They might lead campaigns to raise awareness of migration issues, refugees’ rights, or to influence public policies on migration.
Project Manager in Migration and Development Programs: With a focus on practical implementation, graduates can become project managers in the development sector. They may work for government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations to design, oversee, and evaluate migration-related development programs, ensuring that projects align with social impact goals.
Researcher or Academic in Migration Studies: Graduates with a strong academic interest may pursue careers in research or academia. They may contribute to studies on migration patterns, policy impacts, or development practices, working in universities, research institutes, or as consultants to global organizations.
Refugee Support Coordinator: Many NGOs and local governments offer direct support to refugee communities. Graduates can work as coordinators, helping refugees navigate housing, legal services, education, and integration into new communities.
Communications and Public Relations Specialist: A background in migration and global development is highly valuable for roles in communications, particularly for NGOs or international organizations. Graduates can handle media relations, public outreach, and content creation to help inform the public and policymakers about migration issues.
Data Analyst in Migration and Development: With migration increasingly being understood through data, graduates can work as analysts for government agencies, NGOs, or international organizations, gathering and interpreting data on migration trends, refugees, and human mobility. This role is crucial for designing evidence-based development strategies.
NGO Manager or Director: Many graduates are drawn to managerial roles within NGOs that focus on migration and development. These positions involve overseeing the operations, funding, and strategic direction of projects and initiatives that impact migrant and refugee communities globally.
