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Pursuing a Master’s degree in Migration Studies can provide individuals with the knowledge and skills needed to make a positive impact in this field.
Last updated on September 30th, 2025 at 03:22 pm
Migration studies are becoming increasingly important in a globalised world. It can encompass understanding human mobility to analysing refugee policies; migration studies teach students vital skills to tackle global problems. Choosing the right master’s program is critical for advancement in careers in research, policy, NGOs, and international organisations.
An excellent master’s program will offer students theory and practical experience, along with the chance to engage with migration challenges in a local and international context. If you’re looking for the best Master’s programs in Migration Studies for 2025, look no further than this list of the most highly-regarded Master’s programs in the field, along with pertinent up-to-date information.
Top 10 Masters Programs in Migration Studies – 2025
| Rank | University & Country | Program Name | Duration | Focus Area |
| 1 | University of Oxford, UK | MSc Migration Studies | 1 year | Interdisciplinary, Policy & Law |
| 2 | University of Essex, UK | MA Migration Studies | 1 year | Sociology, Human Rights |
| 3 | University of San Francisco, USA | MA Migration Studies | 2 years | Research, Fieldwork & Global Study |
| 4 | City University of New York, USA | MA International Migration Studies | 2 years | Policy, Advocacy & Refugees |
| 5 | SOAS University of London, UK | MA Migration & Diaspora Studies | 1 year | Culture, Media & Anthropology |
| 6 | Universitat Pompeu Fabra, Spain | Master in Migration Studies | 1 year | Diversity Management |
| 7 | University of Amsterdam, Netherlands | MSc Migration & Ethnic Studies | 1 year | Ethnic, Economic & Cultural Studies |
| 8 | London School of Economics, UK | MSc International Migration & Public Policy | 1 year | Policy Analysis & Integration |
| 9 | University of Limerick, Ireland | MA Migration Studies | 1 year | Interdisciplinary |
| 10 | EMMIR – Erasmus Mundus (Multi-country) | European Master in Migration & Intercultural Relations | 2 years | Multidisciplinary, International |
1. University of Oxford
Oxford’s program adopts an interdisciplinary approach, examining migration through its legal, social, and political dimensions. Students will have a chance to participate in seminars and lectures, as well as international field trips.
Duration: 1 year | Focus: Policy, Law, Social Sciences
If you need the details of admission, curriculum, and career opportunities, you may check the Oxford MSc Migration Studies.
2. University of Essex
Essex studies these ideas – welfare, ethnicity, and human trafficking through sociological and human rights perspectives.The program includes workshops, seminars, and a dissertation.
Duration: 1 year | Focus: Sociology, Human Rights
See Essex, MA Migration Studies for details about course modules and faculty.
3. University of San Francisco
USF has a two-year, 31-unit program consisting of core courses, electives, and research seminars. Students can go on fieldwork in Mexico as well as summer immersion programs.
Duration: 2 years | Focus: Research, Fieldwork, Global Study
Have a look at the USF Migration Studies Program for a curriculum overview and the financial aid possibilities.
4. City University of New York, USA
The City University of New York trains students to take up jobs in the field of policy, advocacy, and refugee management. These students get to study various political, social, and economic aspects related to migration phenomena. The program includes internships and research projects to deepen the experience.
Duration: 2 years | Focus: Policy, Advocacy, Refugees
Learn about CUNY MA Migration Studies for details about applications and program highlights.
5. SOAS University of London
SOAS emphasizes culture, media and anthropology while critically examining global migration and diasporic communities. Students complete both compulsory and optional modules and a dissertation.
Length: 1 year | Area of Study: Culture, Media, Anthropology
See SOAS Migration & Diaspora Studies for your subject modules, faculty, and research.
6. University Pompeu Fabra, Spain
Besides your thesis, UPF blends theory and practice through the use of workshops. Students are exposed to such topics as diversity management and the global migration crisis.
Length: 1 year | Area of Study: Diversity Management, Migration Theory
See UPF Migration Studies for admissions and program.
7. University of Amsterdam, Netherlands
The study focuses on these three major aspects of migration: ethnic, economic, and cultural. The subjects dealt with through the courses include the concepts of citizenship, labor migration, refugees, and social integration.
Length: 1 year | Focus: Ethnic, Economic, Cultural Studies
The Amsterdam MSc Migration & Ethnic Studies is opened for further information such as curriculum and application details here.
8. London School of Economics
LSE emphasizes immigration policy and migrant integration to prepare students for careers in policy analysis, advocacy, and research.
Length: 1 year | Focus: Policy Analysis, Integration
You can find out more about the LSE MSc Migration & Public Policy to see about admission and careers.
9. University of Limerick, Ireland
Limerick’s program is interdisciplinary in nature and covers literature, media, geography, health, politics, and law, approaching migration as a global phenomenon.
Length: 1 year | Focus: Interdisciplinary Studies
Check out the University of Limerick MA Migration Studies for details about what courses are here and how to apply.
10. European Master in Migration & Intercultural Relations
EMMIR is a multinational Erasmus Mundus program that can be studied all over Europe, Africa, and Asia. This provides students the ability to develop multidisciplinary and international perspectives.
Duration: 2 years | Focus: Multidisciplinary, Global Perspectives
Check the EMMIR Erasmus Mundus Program for partner universities, modules, and scholarships.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How long is a Master’s in Migration Studies?
Typically, programs last between one and two years based on the university and program focus.
Q2: Are Migration Studies taught online?
Some universities provide modules that are hybrid or at a distance, but many have field trips or research placements.
Q3: What kind of jobs can I get after I complete my program?
Graduates can work in research institutes, international organizations, non-government organizations (NGOs), government agencies, and roles in policy advice.
Q4: Is it necessary to have a social sciences background?
The majority of programs allow enrollment of students coming from multiple educational disciplines. However, a line of knowledge in social sciences, law, or international relations might be advantageous.
Q5: Are there any scholarships available?
Yes, many universities have merit-based or need-based scholarships; there are also scholarships available to students taking the EMMIR program through the Erasmus Mundus program.
