Master of Science in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism
Utrecht University
Key Information
Campus location
Utrecht, Netherlands
Languages
English
Study format
On-Campus
Duration
2 years
Pace
Full time
Tuition fees
EUR 2,209 / per year *
Application deadline
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Earliest start date
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* EU/EEA, Surinam or Swiss students; €17,500: International students
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Introduction
Investigate Integration and Cultural Diversity
Why do people migrate? How do immigrants integrate and develop (new or dual) cultural identities? How do host societies respond to immigrants? Why and when do ethnic and religious differences lead to conflicts and misunderstandings? What are the reasons for prejudice and racism, and how can these negative reactions be minimized?
Topics of high societal significance
In this Master's program in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism, you will focus on questions of high societal significance and policy relevance that relate to:
- International migration
- Integration and cultural identity
- Development of ethnic relations
- Management of cultural diversity
The program addresses these topics from the assumption that a systematic understanding of the precursors and processes of migration and integration is essential for the development of adequate policies and interventions in pluralistic societies.
Interdisciplinary methodology
This two-year Master's program contributes to interdisciplinary theoretical and empirical knowledge in the social sciences. We focus on the main theories and approaches developed in the fields of Sociology and Social and Cultural Psychology. In addition to these two central disciplinary fields, we also cover perspectives from adjacent fields such as Political Science, Economics, Anthropology, and Geography.
Research
You will receive extensive training in research methodology, and graduate well prepared for further Ph.D. studies within the Interuniversity Centre for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS) or another institute in the Netherlands or abroad. Your studies will also prepare you for a career in research or advisory positions within academic institutes, policy organizations, and NGOs. The program’s instructional staff participate in the research groups of the Departments of Interdisciplinary Social Science (Prof Verkuyten and Prof Finkenauer and Prof de Wit), Sociology (Prof Buskens), and Methods and Statistics (Prof Van der Heijden).
Program Outcome
Through your studies, you develop into a well-qualified science practitioner. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to go on to Ph.D. training or a research career outside academia. You will receive structured and systematic training in theoretically and methodologically advanced research, that will equip you to help solve social science problems in the fields of migration, ethnic relations, and multiculturalism.
Distinct Features of the Program
- It has an interdisciplinary nature - in particular a combination of social sciences (Sociology) and behavioral sciences (Social and Cultural Psychology).
- You will learn about the processes of migration, ethnic relations, and multiculturalism in relation to each other.
- It offers extensive training in advanced methods and statistical modeling.
- It provides close connections to a research center with a high-quality research program (European Research Centre on Migration and Ethnic Relations/ICS).
Career Opportunities
This Master's program prepares you for subsequent Ph.D. training. It also serves as a freestanding program for graduates who aspire to research positions outside academia.
Academic Careers
This Master's program prepares you for a scientific career, in academia (Ph.D. training), research institutes, government organizations, NGOs, and private enterprises.
Graduates are working in positions such as:
- Ph.D. student (ERCOMER; University of Amsterdam; Radboud University, Nijmegen; Erasmus University, Rotterdam; University of Leuven; Université de Montréal; University of Melbourne; University of Michigan, University of Crete, NIDI or the European University Institute)
- Researcher (in research companies such as SCP, WODC Ministry of Security and Justice, Migration Policy Group, municipalities, and non-governmental organizations)
What does your job involve?
- Ph.D. student: You will conduct four years of research at a university in the Netherlands or abroad, writing scientific publications and working as a teacher for Bachelor's and Master's students. After you obtain your degree, you can apply for a research function.
Professional Careers
Students who regard the MSc as the terminus of their academic education can capitalize on their:
- Research experience abroad
- Foreign language fluency
- Analytical, research, and reporting skills
- Successful completion of a demanding program
Graduates are working in positions such as:
- Policymaker at for example VNG international, the Tax and Customs Administration (Belastingdienst)
- Advisor at KPMG, International Labour Organisation, APCO Worldwide, BMC Group (Dutch site)
What does your job involve?
- Advisor/policy officer:
You will advise companies or non-profit organizations on issues related to migration and diversity. You will advise on, develop and implement policies related to e.g. diversity management and internationalization. - Public opinion or market researcher:
You will conduct polls or determine which business strategies work well and which don’t through the analysis of survey and market data. You will be responsible for the design, implementation, and analysis of research.