Curriculum 2025-2026

The curriculum for 2025 and 2026

The Online School offers a dynamic, week-long programme that blends conceptual learning with applied case studies.

Day 1: Explore the conceptualisation of forced migration through political, legal, and anthropological perspectives

Day 2: Engage in debate on the moral foundations of refugee protection

Day 3: Build knowledge of international refugee law

Day 4: Examine the ethics and politics of humanitarianism

Day 5 onwards: Broaden your perspective by choosing from a range of specialist topics, which may include:

• The impact of colonialism on contemporary displacement
• Psycho-social support for refugees
• The protection of trafficking victims under refugee and human rights law
• The resurgence of citizenship stripping in the Global North

The week concludes with an expert panel discussion on future challenges in forced migration, encouraging participants to connect their new insights with practice.

The curriculum combines pre-recorded lectures, curated readings, interactive debates, case studies, and structured discussions. Participants have access to all materials one week before the School begins and for two weeks after it ends, allowing time to prepare, reflect, and revisit key ideas.

methodology

The Online School fosters a culture of the reflective practitioner. Participants are encouraged not only to engage with new ideas, but also to question assumptions, connect theory with practice, and develop skills that are relevant to their professional and academic work.

We adopt an active learning approach, blending advance preparation with lively, interactive sessions during the week.

teaching

Our teaching team brings together a unique mix of voices, ensuring the programme is both rigorous and grounded in real-world experience. Teachers and presenters typically include:

• Tutors from the Refugee Studies Centre
• Guest lecturers from organisations such as UNHCR
• Academics, practitioners, and activists across law, politics, anthropology, psychology, history, and international relations
• Practitioners and organisation leaders with lived experience

participants

Each Online School welcomes around 50 participants from across the globe, creating a diverse and vibrant international classroom. The mix of professional, academic, and lived experience backgrounds enriches discussion and peer learning.

Structure

The programme is designed to combine flexible preparation with engaging live sessions:

• Preparation: 3 hours of daily learning materials (lectures, readings, case studies), all provided in advance so you can study at your own pace
• Live seminars: 2 hours of interactive, discussion-based teaching each day (typically 2-4pm BST)
• Community: At least three extra-curricular, social, or networking events during the week
• Resources: A library of further readings and materials for continued exploration

A detailed timetable will be shared in advance of each School.

Time Zones for Live Seminars

Please also visit https://www.timeanddate.com to confirm the time of the live sessions in your area.

Language of instruction

All teaching and instructional materials are in English.