Top 10 Master’s Programs in Migration Studies – 2025 Update

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.