Study programme

The two-year programme is divided into four semesters. The curriculum comprises three major components: subject topics and theoretical approaches, advanced research methods, and the preparation of a Master's thesis.

Overview

In the first part of the MERM programme we analyse the various phases and aspects of migration flows and how migrants find their ways in new societies.

You will study and evaluate the factors leading to migration, the characteristics of different migrant groups, and the migration policies of countries. We then consider the nature and development of ethnic, cultural and national identities among immigrant communities and host populations, as well as cultural diversity attitudes and policies in host countries.

In other courses, we go on to analyse the dynamics of prejudice, racism and nationalism; patterns of individual and collective mobility of immigrants; as well as the dynamics of participation in societies. We also look at the nature and consequences of ethnic and religious diversity of national states, especially with respect to the likelihood of conflicts.

In each semester of the first year, you follow two courses that focus on theory, one course on methods and statistics, and one research workshop. The research workshops integrate the theoretical and statistical knowledge provided in the other courses, and you learn how to apply it to actual research questions and to writing a scientific research paper.

The second year continues with research training, research seminars, and the final Master’s project. You conclude the programme with a Master's thesis in the form of a research article for international publication.

Format of the courses

The courses have an intensive format with written (research) assignments, class presentations, final papers, written exams, and short exercises. For each course a course manual is available in the electronic learning environment Blackboard. In these manuals you will find detailed information about the content, aims and structure of each course.