Master in International Migration and Ethnic Relations

The master’s program in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) focuses on current international developments and research perspectives in migration and ethnic relations; the effects of globalization and human mobility on societies, groups and individuals; the social and political adaptation and integration of ethnic minorities in different societies; issues of inclusion and exclusion of immigrants; majority-minority relations; philosophical and ethical perspectives on life in diverse and complex societies.

The International Migration and Ethnic Relations program offers both 60 and 120 credits. Applicants can either choose the one-year or two-year program.

What makes International Migration and Ethnic Relations unique?

This master's program teaches you how to conduct in-depth analysis, evaluate policies, and criticize and critique migration-related policies. You should expect research-based training and an interdisciplinary outlook that links social sciences with humanities.

As a student in the IMER master’s program, you become part of a multidisciplinary learning environment that is closely connected to ongoing research at Malmö University and the world of migration and ethnic studies. You will be an active producer and critical reviewer of new knowledge. During your studies, you will be encouraged to be independent and creative and to develop your areas of expertise and interest. The program offers a comprehensive overview of the IMER research field and areas of specialization that you select yourself.

You are expected to contribute to the shared learning environment. Reading and discussing course material with other students is an essential part of the program. It is therefore important that you take personal responsibility for your learning. You should have the capacity for independent work and methodological reasoning and a strong drive to continue developing these abilities. A good command of English in academic speech and writing is expected.

Study methods include lectures and discussions, group projects, study visits, thesis work, and self-study of literature.

Organization

Semester 1: IMER Advanced Studies, 30 credits

The purpose of the course is to offer an extensive and thorough orientation in the field of international migration and ethnic relations (IMER). This includes on the one hand different aspects of international migration such as causes, patterns, structures, and conditions on the global, regional, national, and local levels in sending and receiving societies, and on the other hand the relational dynamics of ethnic diversity such as integration, segregation, multiculturalism, populism and xenophobia. It includes both macro-/systemic perspectives on governance, power, and resources as well as micro-perspectives on groups and individuals.

The students will acquire both factual knowledge about these phenomena, and theoretical knowledge about different ways of understanding and explaining them. Examinations primarily focus on the student’s ability to compare and account for various aspects of the IMER field in a correct and relevant manner, including independent reflection.

Semester 2: Theory of Science and Research Methodology, 15 credits

The course presents important aspects of the theory of science and research methods relevant to the multidisciplinary field of advanced IMER studies.

It takes a comprehensive approach to the research process covering questions of ontology and epistemology, research design, and methods of data collection and analysis. It includes both theoretical and practical assignments that enhance the students’ ability to assess, compare, and conduct research critically and independently. Examinations within this course focus on assessing the student’s ability to independently review, plan, and conduct scientific research.
Migration and Citizenship, 15 credits

The course explores the complex relation between migration and citizenship, both concerning how different forms and drivers of migration affect citizenship, and concerning how citizenship legislation affects migratory patterns and modes of incorporation. The course devotes special attention to central and current themes within the subject, encouraging students to engage with specific issues of interest. Examinations within this course focus on assessing students’ ability to account for the academic field of IMER and to analyze a delimited focus area independently and thoroughly.

Semester 3: Elective courses, 30 credits

During this semester, the student chooses independent courses (covering a total of 30 credits), internships, or exchange studies. Exchange studies must be approved by the program coordinator.

Semester 4: IMER Master Thesis, 30 credits

The one-year master’s program is concluded with a 15-credit thesis. In the course, the students are required to carry out independent research with the guidance of an academic supervisor. During the thesis research, each student delves into a well-defined research area, which is investigated through a relevant research design, theory, method, and gathered material. This course demands a high level of the student’s ability to plan and execute research in an informed and independent manner with critical reflection. The assessment of the students’ performances focuses on the ability to present new knowledge, acquired in a scientifically correct and independent way, in the form of a Master’s Thesis.

Contents

Autumn 2024 - Semester 1

• IMER: Advanced Studies (IM611L), 30 credits, compulsory

Knowledge and understanding

• Show knowledge and understanding of the main field of IMER, including a wide knowledge of the field and detailed knowledge of defined areas of the field, as well as extensive insight into current research and development of the field, and
• Show in-depth knowledge of the methodologies within the main field of IMER.

Skills and competence

• Show competence to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analysis, assess and handle complex phenomena, questions, and situations, even with limited information available,
• Show competence to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate questions, in planning and executing qualified tasks, using relevant methods, within given time frames, thereby contributing to the field of knowledge,
• Show competence to clearly account for and discuss conclusions, and their supporting knowledge and arguments, in dialogue with various groups, both orally and in writing, on a national and international scene, and
• Display the necessary skills required to participate in research and development work or other qualified work spheres.

Judgement and approach

• Display ability to approach various themes within IMER, with consideration given to relevant scientific, social, and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• Demonstrate awareness of the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and people’s responsibility in its application, and
• Show the ability to identify one’s own need for further knowledge and competence, and to take responsibility for one’s development of knowledge.

Understanding the complexities of international migration and ethnic relations is essential to ensure reflective decision-making in a variety of fields, for example, international organizations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, and the media. Students who have completed the program are also eligible to apply for PhD studies.