Taught course

Migration and Diaspora Studies

Institution
SOAS University of London · Department of Anthropology and Sociology
Qualifications
MA

Entry requirements

We will consider all applications with a 2:2 (or international equivalent) or higher in a social science or humanities subject. In addition to degree classification we take into account other elements of the application such as supporting statement. References are optional, but can help build a stronger application if you fall below the 2:2 requirement or have non-traditional qualifications.

See international entry requirements

Months of entry

September

Course content

Questions: What is ‘migration’ Do we live in an age of ‘migration’, or an age of ‘borders’. How are contemporary experiences of migration and border regimes racialised, and shaped by colonial histories. What is ‘diaspora’. What challenges do diasporic communities bring to modern political constructions such as the nation-state, national ‘imagined’ communities and citizenship, and their associated metaphysics of sedentarism.

The MA in Migration & Diaspora Studies tackles these crucial and timely questions, providing students with the skills to understand, diagnose and articulate what is at stake in contemporary experiences of migration and diaspora; as well as contribute to the work of academics, communities, and activists engaged in reimagining a world beyond borders, and exclusionary modes of belonging.

The MA in Migration & Diaspora Studies is a highly interdisciplinary programme taught from a Global South perspective. It is engaged and practice oriented and offers the possibility of creative assessments along with conventional assessment forms. Students enrolled in the programme have the unique opportunity to gain work relevant experience while studying, through the module ‘From Theory to Practice & Back: Work Placements in Migration Research’. Overall, this MA programme is committed to the belief that knowledge and practice produced by diasporas, migrants’ grassroots organisations, activists, practitioners and artists should be intertwined with academic knowledge, and validated as part of a real decolonising effort.

Why study Migration and Diaspora Studies at SOAS

  • SOAS in ranked 5th the UK and 10th worldwide (QS World University Rankings 2022)
  • 4th in the UK (2023 Times/Sunday Times League Table)
  • Exclusive internship/placement module: you will have the opportunity to gain valuable work experience in a migrant or refugee organisation based in London
  • we are specialists in the delivery of languages; your command of a language at SOAS will set you apart from graduates of other universities
  • The MA Migration & Diaspora Studies programme has a first-rate graduate employability record, and offers the chance to build your CV whilst you study, bridging the gap between theory & practice
  • Our teaching is strongly informed by our regional interests in Africa, Asia and diasporas, as well as professional experiences of working in/with international humanitarian organisations, NGOs and activist collectives
  • The programme will introduce you to cutting-edge literature in the field, at the intersection of anthropology, migration studies, diaspora studies, critical race theory, and decolonial theory
  • You can take your own interests into a research project or work placement guided by an expert supervisor from our department
  • The MA in Migration and Diaspora Studies is considerably enriched by the SOAS Centre for Migration and Diaspora Studies, which runs seminars, films and public lectures and also hosts a number of international scholars.
  • You will join a thriving community of alumni, current students, and academics committed to putting academic study and research in conversation with activists and communities.

Information for international students

For details, including English language requirements, please see SOAS website

Fees and funding

For details of postgraduate fees, please see SOAS website

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24-36 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Postgraduate Enquiries
Email
study@soas.ac.uk
Phone
+44 (0)20 3510 6974