New Migration and Social Policy MA/Diploma/PG Certificate

The MA New Migration and Social Policy will explore the social, economic and political effects of the new era of migration and consequent emerging superdiversity. It will analyse the multiple variables displayed by different migrants in terms of age and gender profiles, as well as immigration status, and associated rights and entitlements.

Course fact file

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: 1 year full time; 2 years part time

Start date: September 2013

Details

The MA New Migration and Social Policy will explore the social, economic and political effects of the new era of migration and consequent emerging superdiversity. It will analyse the multiple variables displayed by different migrants in terms of age and gender profiles, as well as immigration status, and associated rights and entitlements.

It will also address the ways that social policy has been created and adapted in order to accommodate the changing fabric of urban and rural populations that have experienced high levels of inward migration. Students will critically examine the suitability and adaptability of traditional multicultural models of welfare provision that were originally based upon providing for large and geographically contained clusters of post-colonial migrants and explore a range of new approaches to service delivery focusing on good practice from across the world.

The MA New Migration and Social Policy will allow students to consider new ways that the needs of diverse populations may be met and how to overcome challenges such as lack of demographic information and details about need.

Why study this course

Aston Webb building domesThe Institute of Applied Social Studies, part of the School of Social Policy at the University of Birmingham, is an internationally leading centre for research in social policy and social work. The Institute is located in the newly refurbished Muirhead Tower in the leafy Edgbaston campus. Close by are the grand redbrick buildings of Chancellor's Court, the Great Hall and the famous Joseph Chamberlain Clock Tower.

Just three miles from the centre of the diverse city of Birmingham, with easy access by public transport, major motorways and an international airport, our Edgbaston campus provides access to several restaurants, banks, supermarkets, book and stationery shops. It also has excellent sporting facilities, conveniently located student accommodation and is the only UK University to have its own railway station, known as University and just two stops from Birmingham New Street station.

Modules

Students studying for the Postgraduate Certificate must complete three compulsory (20 Credit) modules:

  • Migration and Social Policy
  • Introduction to Applied Social Research
  • International Social Policy

Students studying for the Postgraduate Diploma must study the compulsory modules plus three additional optional modules from the following list:

  • Social Policy Beyond Welfare
  • Sectors and Services in British Social Policy
  • Public and User Involvement in Health Care
  • Urban Poverty and Development
  • Researching Social Policy

Masters students study six modules as above and must also undertake a 60 Credit Dissertation.

Fees and funding

Fees for 2013-2014

Standard fees apply

Learn more about fees and funding

Scholarships and studentships
Scholarships may be available.

International scholarships and studentships
For information please see International Scholarships 

Entry requirements

An upper second class Honours degree or equivalent would be the standard entry requirement. This would usually be in a social science, although applications from those with degrees in other disciplines will be considered. Applications will also be encouraged from those without an Honours degree who have relevant work or volunteering experience in a related policy or practice area.

Learn more about entry requirements.

International students
We accept a range of qualifications from different countries - our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

The MA New Migration and Social Policy will enable students to consider approaches to meeting the needs of diverse populations in equitable ways. New Migration and Social Policy is unique in bringing together theory and practice with cutting edge research and research methods to enable students to develop applied knowledge in a rapidly evolving field.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, presentations and participatory workshops.

Birmingham is a dynamic and superdiverse city which offers the ideal setting for the MA. The programme leaders, Lisa Goodson and Jenny Phillimore, are excellently placed to lead this initiative having many years of research and publication experience in migration related issues. They have managed over forty externally commissioned research projects in relation to migration, from a wide range of funders. They have advised EU and UK Governments on integration policyu and their work has contributed to the development of migration related social policy.

All participants will be supported by a personal tutor and will also be able to draw on the support of the Institute's Programme Director, Welfare Tutors and International Student Tutors.

Assessment methods

On completion of the taught modules (120 credits) Masters students undertake a 10,000 word dissertation on a new migration related subject of their choice. Each student is allocated an experienced specialist supervisor, selected for their knowledge of both the subject matter and supervision skills.

Employability

students in lecture theatreThis MA New Migration and Social Policy will be of interest to professionals already working in multiagency migration related settings and areas of local government such as housing, community and safety, health, youth services and social care. It will also be of interest to recent social science course graduates looking to pursue a career in this area and to people considering progressing to PhD level.

 

For more information see our Careers section