Migration StudiesMA / PGDip

This Migration Studies degree is the first of its kind to focus on superdiversity. You will be taught by academics from the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRiS). IRiS is the world’s first research centre to focus on superdiversity and is at the forefront of international migration research. You will have the opportunity to apply for a work-based internship in a migration-related organisation as part of the optional Migration and Superdiversity Placement module.   

Course Structure

This course will run over 12 months in a full-time mode. There is also scope to undertake the programme on a part-time basis.

• Tailor the curriculum to match your own interests and career plans. Gain experience in the workplace with our pathways that incorporate a placement module.
• Study at the UK's most targeted university by the country’s leading graduate employers. (High Fliers, 2024).
• Engage critically with cutting-edge research on local and international policymaking.

• Taught modules – these include lectures, seminars, journal clubs and workshops.
• Research-based modules – working on your own and in groups, you’ll enjoy regular supervision and directed research work.
• Assessments - these will include a range of coursework, such as traditional essay, policy reports and dissertation. Two of our core modules utilise written examination. 

You will be taught by those who are involved in cutting-edge research and who write the publications that you will study. You will primarily be taught by academics from the Institute for Research into Superdiversity (IRIS). IRiS is the world’s first research centre to focus on superdiversity and is at the forefront of international migration research. IRiS offers a unique opportunity for you to work alongside scholars from a wide range of disciplines engaged in migration research, as well as to participate in a programme of related research events. 

The following must be taken: 

Students will take one of the following modules:

You can take 80 credits from the list below or other CoSS modules with the School’s agreement:

For entry into this programme, you will normally have an undergraduate degree of at least 2:1. Applicants with a 2:2 degree classification will be considered on a case-by-case basis if you have extensive related work experience. International applicants will be required to hold an IELT 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in each band or equivalent qualification. 

Students who have not studied in English must pass a recognised English test. For more information on what proof you will need, visit our International Postgraduate requirements page

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.

The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.

Paying your tuition fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.

Our bustling campus with its beautiful grounds, friendly community and excellent facilities will quickly make you feel at home. We offer you a huge variety of accommodation options in the UK’s second city, exciting activities to get involved in outside your studies, as well as all the support and advice you need.