European Master in Migration and Intercultural Relations (Erasmus Mundus)

Programme description

International study programme European Masters and Migration and Intercultural Relations is the result of cooperation between European and African universities, led by the University of Oldenburg (Germany). In the academic year 2011/12 the program was first launched with the support of an elite program for international cooperation and exchange of students and professors in higher education, Erasmus Mundus.

The European Commission has recognized the program as a unique, mainly because of the interdisciplinary and intercultural perspective. The programme focuses on human rights, democratic values, the welfare state and labor market, the challenges facing the EU Member States and the wider global world.

Participating universities: University of Nova Gorica (Slovenia), University of Oldenburg (Germany), University of Stavanger (Norway), University of South Bohemia (Czech Republic), Ahfad University for Women (Sudan), University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg (South Africa) and Mbarara University of Science & Technology (Uganda).

Semester one will start in Oldenburg with a four weeks intensive phase focusing on overviews as well as exemplary approaches to key areas in migration studies and intercultural relations. The semester will continue with modules on transdisciplinary methods/methodology and theory. For semester two all students will move to Stavanger, they will contextualise their studies and furthermore concentrate on key areas and concepts. In their third semester students will work in thematic research teams as the frame and support structure for often individualised work in project based internships. Depending on their internship placement and/or the research focus module, students move on to another partner university: either in Europe or in Africa. For the fourth semester, supervision groups will be formed that attend the research colloquium at their selected partner university. Students will dedicate the fourth semester entirely to writing their thesis.

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Admission requirements

As EMMIR is research oriented on one hand and well rooted in the field by its numerous associates on the other hand it attracts students seeking to persue an academic career and others looking for preparations to work in the field. In any case EMMIR is able to support and encourage students to professionalise.

Admission Requirements

• The programme builds upon a first degree such as a Bachelor's degree (or an equivalent qualification) in a field related to migration studies: e.g. Social sciences, History, Cultural studies, Educational sciences, Law, Economics, Development Studies and Journalism.
• The final grade of the first degree must be a minimum (or equivalent) of C+ and proven by certificates. You are expected to provide documentation of a final first degree by the deadline.
• Applicants have to document knowledge of migration studies, intercultural relations and empirical methods. Modules completed at the undergraduate level, papers, essays and examination results are considered valid documentation. Preference will also be given to qualified applicants who, in addition, have relevant professional experience.
• Language requirements: Applicants whose native language is not English or whose undergraduate instruction was not in English must demonstrate proficiency in English by the application deadline. We kindly ask you to check our website: www.emmir.org for more information about relevant tests of English language.

Applicants whose native language is English must demonstrate proficiency in a second language relevant to migration studies by the application deadline at a level corresponding to the list above.

Selection Process

Following application period, EMMIR Consortium Committee Selection Board will select students based on relevance and level of academic qualification, relevance and level of research/professional experience, motivation and proficiency in second/third language.

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Educational and professional goals

EMMIR responds to this rising importance by providing state of the art education in theoretical concepts, empirical methods and transdisciplinary approaches to migration studies. Teaching and research in EMMIR will address issues that currently rank highly on the global agenda - and need expertise on transnational, transcultural and transdisciplinary level. Migration and mobility, flight, displacement and refuge - globally and (supra)nationally discussed primarily on a policy level - touch decisive dimensions in economic and social development, demography, international relations, political theory and cultural cooperation, to name some, not all of the key areas. Sustainable answers bridging the interests of nation states (incl. their welfare systems and labour markets) with human rights, democratic values and globality have yet to be found. Research on intercultural relations and intercultural communication is closely linked to these questions and frequently key to the understanding of problems and conflict.

The curriculum takes into account all forms of migration and displacement. Related issues to be addressed are intercultural conflict resolution mechanisms, multi cultural governance issues and global/regional integration.

Access to further studies

After obtainingMaster's degree, candidates have the opportunity to continue studies in study programs leading to a doctorate, in accordance with entry requirements for the chosen program.

Obtaining theoretical, methodological and empirical knowledge with the emphasis on interdisciplinary and transcultural approaches to studying and understanding migration, will prepare students for employment in research organizations, governmental and non-governmental organizations responsible for migration and refugees, ieducational institutions, etc.