MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies

The master's degree offers an intellectually demanding, interdisciplinary route to understanding forced migration in contexts of conflict, repression, natural disasters, environmental change and development policy-making. It places forced migration in an historical, global and human perspective, and encourages informed reflection on international and national responses to both cross-border and internal displacement.

Aims

The master's degree aims to help you develop:

• An understanding of the complex and varied nature of forced migration and refugeehood; 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 
• A broad understanding of the literature on forced migration and refugees
• A better understanding of the various research methodologies and approaches relevant
• to the field of refugees and forced migration studies
• Original thinking, unique research skills and sound evaluative tools
• An understanding of the contribution of various social science disciplines to the study of refugees and forced migration

Structure

The MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies enables you to explore forced migration through lectures, classes, seminars and individual and small group tutorials. During the academic year, students write a thesis, submit coursework and sit three formal written examinations.

Please refer to the course webpage on the Department of International Development website for full information on the structure of the degree, including the latest Course Handbook.

Enquiries about the MSc should be addressed to the Graduate Student Administrator: admissions@qeh.ox.ac.uk.

Recommendations from Former Students

“Studying for the MSc Refugee and Forced Migration Studies was a life-changing experience. I got to learn from professors who are leading the field, become friends with classmates from different backgrounds and with outstanding potential, and pursue my research interests through an interdisciplinary perspective that I could not find elsewhere. I have no doubt the MSc provided us with the foundations to have a brilliant future.” 

“Coming from a non-traditional Oxford background, I can safely say that you will be in good hands at the Refugee Studies Centre.” 

“I would recommend this degree not only because of the quality of education (which, as expected, is world-leading), but also because of the people you meet: classmates who make incredibly insightful contributions to conversations, professors who guide you while always having a kind word up their sleeve, and friends at the Department who are working to change the world every day.” 

“I would recommend this degree because it will no doubt surpass your expectations. You can rest assured that you will receive an unrivalled level of education, contribute to the conversation alongside classmates from different backgrounds, and learn from professors who lead their fields.”