MSc Applied Sport and Exercise Biomechanics
St Mary's University Twickenham, London, offers a highly regarded MSc Applied Sport...
MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime
Twickenham
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, offers a distinctive MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime, a crucial program designed to provide an advanced, critical insight into these interconnected global phenomena. This postgraduate degree is unique in its interdisciplinary approach, examining the complexities of modern forms of slavery, human trafficking, and their intersection with migratory flows and organized crime. The curriculum delves into the social conditions that facilitate trafficking, such as wealth disparities, gender inequalities, and political instability, while also exploring the modus operandi of traffickers and the challenges posed by the involvement of family members and communities. The program combines both vocational and theoretical components, preparing graduates to understand the causes, impacts, and legal and other methods of prevention and response.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime provides a robust framework for understanding this complex field. Core modules typically include "Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking: Policing, Policy and Practice," "Organised Crime in Insecure Environments," "Human Rights and Migration," and "Critical Approaches to Research." Optional modules can include "Mediating Trafficking, Migration and Diaspora," "Identification, Support and Care of Victims of Modern Day Slavery," "Personal and Professional Development (Industry Placement) Option," "Global Governance," and "Security Studies." These modules collectively explore the drivers of human trafficking, the role of criminal networks, victim identification and support, legal frameworks, policing responses, and the broader socio-political context of migration and exploitation. The program culminates in a "Dissertation" or a "Work-Based Research Project," allowing students to conduct in-depth research or apply their knowledge to a real-world issue.
Research Focus: The program's research focus is heavily influenced by the Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse at St. Mary's University. The Bakhita Centre is dedicated to producing high-quality, applied research that directly informs policy and practice in areas such as human trafficking, modern slavery, migration, and organized crime. The Centre’s research explores both contemporary and historical forms of slavery and exploitation, with projects focusing on topics like identifying pathways to support British victims of modern slavery, understanding survivor support journeys outside formal mechanisms, and mapping cultural competency in prevention and service delivery. The faculty involved are often "pracademics" – academics with practical experience in fields such as policing, social services, and survivor support, ensuring that the program's content and research initiatives are grounded in real-world challenges.
Industry Engagement: St. Mary's University emphasizes strong industry engagement within the MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime program. The curriculum is informed by and developed in collaboration with experts and frontline professionals in the field, ensuring its relevance to contemporary challenges and needs. While specific formal placements might be optional through a "Personal and Professional Development (Industry Placement)" module, the program actively fosters connections with practitioners, policymakers, campaigners, and international experts through the Bakhita Centre. Students have access to cutting-edge research and lectures by high-profile experts, often engaging with the latest developments and debates in the field. The program's focus on practical skills, such as understanding policing, policy, and victim support, directly prepares graduates for roles within governmental agencies, NGOs, and other relevant organizations.
Global Perspective: The MA Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime program inherently possesses a strong global perspective, as human trafficking and modern slavery are transnational crimes that affect millions worldwide. The curriculum explores the international dimensions of these issues, examining global policy frameworks, the role of international organizations, and the complexities of cross-border migration and exploitation. By analyzing the "causes/roots, impacts, and methods (legal and others) of prevention" from a global standpoint, the program prepares students to understand and respond to these challenges in diverse international contexts. The program's connection to the Bakhita Centre, which engages with international experts and research, further reinforces this global outlook, equipping graduates to contribute to efforts against these crimes on an international scale.
Location
Twickenham
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 18450
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 60% 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 88.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 60.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
St. Mary’s University Twickenham offers a variety of scholarships to support international students in financing their education and rewarding academic achievement. These scholarships are designed to ease the financial burden and recognize the talents and hard work of students coming from all over the world.
International Student Scholarships: St. Mary’s provides International Student Scholarships for students from a range of countries. These scholarships are typically partial fee reductions, aimed at making education more affordable. Eligible students are selected based on academic merit, financial need, and their potential to contribute to the university community. The scholarships are open to both undergraduate and postgraduate international students.
Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship: The Vice-Chancellor’s Scholarship is one of the most prestigious awards available to international students at St. Mary’s University. This scholarship offers a significant reduction in tuition fees for high-achieving students, with eligibility determined by academic performance and specific course requirements. Students from a variety of regions, including Africa, Asia, and Latin America, are encouraged to apply for this highly competitive scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: In addition to general international scholarships, St. Mary’s offers country-specific scholarships for students from certain regions. These scholarships provide additional financial assistance and are designed to support students from areas where educational opportunities may be limited. International students from Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Americas are often eligible for these specialized scholarships.
Sports Scholarships: For students excelling in sports, St. Mary’s University provides Sports Scholarships. These awards are available to talented athletes who demonstrate the potential to represent the university in competitive sports. Sports scholars benefit from personalized coaching, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and financial support to help balance academic and athletic commitments.
An MA in Human Trafficking, Modern Slavery, Migration and Organised Crime from St. Mary's University, Twickenham, London, provides a unique and critical understanding of interconnected global challenges. This interdisciplinary postgraduate degree delves into the complex dynamics of modern forms of slavery, human trafficking, forced migration, and the criminal networks that facilitate them. Taught by "pracademics" – academics with frontline experience – and drawing on the expertise of the university's Bakhita Centre for Research on Slavery, Exploitation and Abuse, the program equips graduates with both vocational and theoretical insights. Students learn to analyze the social, economic, and political conditions that fuel exploitation, understand victim identification and support, and engage with existing legal and policy frameworks, preparing them for impactful careers in a field dedicated to human rights and social justice.
Anti-Slavery and Anti-Trafficking Caseworker/Support Worker: Providing direct support, advocacy, and case management for survivors of modern slavery and human trafficking within NGOs, charities, or government-funded support services.
Policy Officer/Analyst (Human Trafficking/Migration): Working for government bodies (e.g., Home Office, Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office), international organizations (e.g., UN agencies like IOM, UNHCR), or think tanks to research, develop, and advocate for policies to combat human trafficking, modern slavery, and address migration challenges.
Law Enforcement Specialist (Organised Crime/Human Trafficking): Pursuing roles within national or international law enforcement agencies (e.g., National Crime Agency, Police forces, Interpol, Europol) to investigate organized crime networks involved in human trafficking, drug smuggling, or other forms of exploitation.
International Development/Humanitarian Aid Worker: Working for NGOs or international aid organizations in countries affected by conflict, poverty, or instability, focusing on preventing human trafficking, protecting vulnerable migrants, and providing humanitarian assistance to displaced populations.
Migration and Refugee Support Officer: Supporting asylum seekers, refugees, and other vulnerable migrants within charitable organizations, local authorities, or government agencies, assisting with resettlement, integration, and safeguarding.
Research Fellow/Academic: Pursuing further doctoral studies (e.g., PhD) and conducting research at universities or specialized research centers (like St. Mary's Bakhita Centre), contributing to the evidence base and academic understanding of human trafficking, modern slavery, and organized crime.
Intelligence Analyst (Human Exploitation/Organised Crime): Analyzing data and intelligence for security agencies or government bodies to identify trends, patterns, and threats related to human trafficking, modern slavery, and transnational organized crime.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) / Supply Chain Specialist: Working for multinational corporations to ensure ethical supply chains, identify and mitigate risks of modern slavery and forced labor within global operations, and implement responsible business practices.
Campaigner/Advocate: Working for human rights organizations or campaigning groups to raise public awareness, influence public opinion, and advocate for legislative and systemic changes to combat human trafficking and modern slavery.
Media and Communications Specialist: Creating compelling content for news outlets, NGOs, or international organizations to report on issues of human trafficking, modern slavery, and migration, raising awareness and mobilizing action.
