UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
MA in Migration StudiesAwarding Institution/Body / University of Kent
Teaching Institution / University of Kent
Teaching Site / Brussels campus
Programme accredited by: / N/a
Final Award / MA
Programme / Migration Studies
UCAS code (or other code) / N/a
Relevant QAA subject benchmarking group/s / None
Date of production/revision / 17 June 2008
Applicable cohort/s
Educational Aims of the Programme
The programme aims to:
1. provide students with a research-active teaching environment which gives them a good grounding in the study of social science in general and migration in particular;
2. offer a critical perspective of the interplay between migration and political, economic and social systems and processes
3. ensure that students acquire a solid understanding of methodologies for the study of social science in general, and in the application of those understandings to the study of migration in particular;
4. ensure that students acquire a solid understanding of major theoretical approaches to migration, the historical development of contemporary migration, and the application of theoretical and historical knowledge to the analysis and understanding of contemporary issues and cases in the field;
5. ensure that students acquire the necessary skills for advanced assessment of contemporary problems in migration and their solutions;
6. develop students’ general research skills and personal skills (transferable skills).
Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas. The programme outcomes have references to the ESRC Postgraduate Training Guidelines 2001 and the Department’s Self-Assessment Document submitted to the Quality Assurance Agency.
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Knowledge and Understanding
A. Knowledge and understanding of:
1. key historical and philosophical issues in the development of migration studies, together with familiarity with appropriate bibliographical sources; / Teaching/Learning: Acquisition of 1-6 is through a combination of lecture/seminars in compulsory and elective modules providing an opportunity to develop a critical engagement with theories of migration and knowledge in the related discipline through lectures and/or small-group seminars. The dissertation provides an opportunity for independent work, under supervision from academic staff enabling students to design and carry out a research project.
Assessment is through a combination of unseen written examinations, assessed coursework and project work.
2. how to apply general theoretical and conceptual frameworks to the analysis of specific issues and problems in domestic, regional, and international migratory settings;
3. 3. how to utilise qualitative and quantitative research methods and evaluate critically their application in the scholarly literature and in policy papers;
4. 4. how to design and conduct a research project demonstrating awareness of epistemological and methodological principles appropriate to the subject of that research project;
5. how to carry out an independent research project and write in a scholarly manner demonstrating familiarity with academic conventions;
6. the nature of political, economic, social and technological problems, their emergence and dynamic.
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual skills:
1. general research skills, especially bibliographic and computing skills;
2. gather, organise and deploy evidence, data and information from a variety of secondary and some primary sources;
3. identify, investigate, analyse, formulate and advocate solutions to problems;
4. develop reasoned arguments, synthesise relevant information and exercise critical judgement / Teaching/learning: Intellectual skills and general research skills are developed through the teaching and learning programme outlined below. Each module involves the critical reflection of key themes, verbal discussion and the written analysis and interpretation of the relevant material. Lectures and/or staff-led seminars and project work promote 1-6., Students are introduced to ways in which a range of political issues can be interpreted. Lectures encourage a critical awareness of political phenomena and an appreciation of the diverse ways of interpreting them. The lectures provide students with an outline of the respective topic and focus on methodological problems in the area of migration. In coursework and dissertation students are trained to develop their general research skills and to sustain methodological as well as substantive arguments.
Assessment: Intellectual skills are assessed through assessed coursework and examination.
5. reflect on, and manage, their own learning and seek to make use of constructive feedback from peers and staff to enhance their performance and personal skills
6. manage their own learning self-critically
C. Subject-specific skills:
Teaching/learning: All students receive initial guidance on how to identify, locate and use material available in the library and online resources. Comprehensive reading lists are provided for each module at outset, as are guidelines for the production of essays. Discussion of theoretical and conceptual issues are integrated into all modules. Students are encouraged to evaluate a comprehensive sample of political perspectives and texts.
Assessment: Discussion of issues, formative assessment of presentations in class; essays and projects; marks for essays, exams and, in some cases, oral presentations.
1. understand the different uses for theory in the field of migration studies and develop an individual stance on the appropriate application of theory;
2. apply concepts, theories and methods used in migration studies to contemporary issues and problems;
3. evaluate the interrelationships between the literatures and methodologies used in migration studies including salient material from anthropology, sociology, political science and demography
4. describe, evaluate and apply different approaches to collecting, analysing and presenting social and technical information;
D. Transferable skills:
1. Communication: communicate effectively and fluently in speech and writing; organise information clearly and coherently; use communication and information technology for the retrieval and presentation of information, including, where appropriate, statistical or numerical information; / Teaching/learning: Transferable/key skills are generally incorporated within modules and related to relevant assessments as appropriate. Examples of strategies include: student and staff-led seminars. In various seminars students have an opportunity to present their work to colleagues. They also attend and contribute to workshops and conferences (including a student-led quad-centre conference). They engage in self-directed learning and the use of research-based teaching materials and methods. All modules require regular written work and regular feedback on this is given to the students to help develop their power of presentation, analysis and communication. Skill 4 is learnt through the management of time to meet deadlines and in planning a dissertation project. Through supervised dissertations students are given the opportunity to acquire essential skills of writing and presentation such as organising the dissertation; using references and appendices; using graphics; making citations; preparing research findings in a variety of ways; and using Internet-based research tools. IT skills are also learnt though course work and developed through individual learning. Team working skills are developed through group work, workshops and the self-organised graduate conference sponsored by the Department. Personal and career development skills are supported through the Visiting Speakers Programme (including practitioners) and liaison with the University’s Careers Office.
Assessment: Effective communication of ideas, problem solving and research skills are continually taken into account in assessing all areas of a student's work, and regular feedback and the final mark reflects this. Group work skills and skills of time planning and management are not formally assessed.
2. Information technology: produce written documents; undertake online research; communicate using e-mail; process information using databases;
3. Working with others: define and review the work of others; work co-operatively on group tasks; understand how groups function; collaborate with others and contribute effectively to the achievement of common goals;
4. Improving own learning: explore personal strengths and weaknesses; time management; review working environment (especially student-staff relationship); develop autonomy in learning; work independently, demonstrating initiative and self-organisation. Important research management skills include the setting of appropriate timescales for different stages of the research with clear starting and finishing dates (through a dissertation); presentation of a clear statement of the purposes and expected results of the research; and developing appropriate means of estimating and monitoring resources and use of time.
5. Problem solving: identify and define problems; explore alternative solutions and discriminate between them.
6. Personal career development: students are encouraged to manage their own career progression and development proactively and are supported in developing skills in researching and retrieving information on opportunities for employment and continuing personal and career development.
13. Programme structures and requirements, levels, modules, credits and awards
The Masters Degree in Migration Studies is offered on both a full-time and part-time basis. Full-time students complete the Programme over one academic year and part-time students over two academic years. For full-time students, six modules, each carrying 20 Kent credits, must be followed during a single academic year and for part time students three modules are followed in the first year and three in the second.
Each taught module which is successfully completed carries 20 Kent credits, with each credit amounting to approximately 10 hours of ‘learning time’. In addition, a Dissertation is required, which carries 60 Kent credits. In total, therefore, the Programme requires 180 Kent credits for the Master’s Degree to be awarded, with all of these at level M.
Students who successfully complete modules for 120 Kent credits will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Diploma in Migration Studies. Students successfully completing modules for 60 Kent credits will be eligible for the award of Postgraduate Certificate in Migration Studies.
Required Modules
Code / Module Name / Level / Credits / Term
SO864 / Migration: Conflict, the State and Human Rights / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
SO873 / Theories of Migration, Integration and Citizenship / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
SO917 / Dissertation in Migration Studies* / M / 60 Kent
(30 ECTS)
Elective Modules (of which four must be selected)
Code / Module Name / Level / Credits / Term
SO866 / Forced Migration, Health and Social Care / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
PO848 / Negotiation and Mediation / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
PO828 / Theories of International Conflict / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
PO842 / Histories of International Conflict / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
PO904 / Politics of International Development / M / 20 Kent (10 ECTS) / 1
SO831 / European Social Policy and the role of Organised Civil Society / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
LW844 / Legal Aspects of Contemporary International Problems / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 1
PO860 / International Conflict Management / M / 20 Kent (10 ECTS) / 2
LW900 / International Migration Law / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
LW843 / International Human Rights Law / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
PO922 / Islam, Conflict and the State / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
SO874 / Identity, the State and Belonging / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
EC878 / Development Economics / M / 20 Kent
(10 ECTS) / 2
Plus such other cognate modules as may be offered from time to time at the University of Kent at Brussels by participating Departments / M / 20 Kent (10 ECTS) / 1 and 2
* SO917 is a new Dissertation Module that contains research training coursework in the first two terms. Students progress to the research stage in Stage II as normal.
14. Support for Students and Their Learning· Induction programme
· Handbook
· Library
Library tours at the beginning of the academic year
Generic library skills training sessions taught by library staff
Training sessions on the use of online-resources and data bases
Special support for students writing projects and dissertations
All new students obtain the Essential Information Services Guide
All new students obtain Library Special Guide on learning resources in Politics, International Relations and European Studies
The subject librarian and the Department’s Director of Learning Resources can be consulted on an individual basis by telephone, email or in person
· Learning resources
long and short term lending, access to online resources, interlibrary loans, video library
online book renewals and reservations
students have access to ca. 150 online full-text journals
the Department subscribes to more than 200 journals
online library resources available from off-campus
student representation on the BSIS Student-Staff Liaison Committee, Academic Advisory Council, and Garden Committee
· Academic support system – advice on module choice and programme structure, academic difficulties, progression routes and individual progress.
· Personal-tutor system (Programme convenor)
· Central support services, including a Unit for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching, a medical centre, a Students' Union (including its Advice and Information Service), a Careers Advisory Service, Counselling Service and Disability Support Unit, and equivalent services at ULB and UUB.
15. Entry Profile – Minimum Requirements (which differ from our standard offer levels)
Entry Route
Normal Faculty postgraduate admissions criteria apply.
Minimum requirements: / Students should have a good Honours degree normally in Politics, Government, International Relations, International Studies or European Studies or in a cognate discipline in social science (e.g., Geography) or humanities (e.g., History). However, students from other disciplines will also be considered.
International Students are required to have achieved one of the following English Language Awards:
*A minimum British Council International English Language Test (IELTS) test result of 6.5;
*A TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) with a score of 600 or above on the paper-based examination, a score of 250 or above in the computerised examination, or a score of 90 or above (with a minimum of 20 in reading in writing) for the internet-based exam;
*A grade of "B" in the Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English;
*A grade of "A" in the Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English.
Exceptions are sometimes made for students who have completed their undergraduate education entirely in the medium of English.
What does this programme have to offer?
An insight into the compex and dynamic interplay between political, social and economic forces in the contemporary world with an emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches;
An insight into the essentially contested nature of many of the assumptions that underpin common understandings of the global economy and international politics;
An insight into the role of states, firms, international organisations, regional bodies, non-governmental organisations and individuals in governance of the global economy;
A solid training in international political economy including theoretical foundations and important methodological aspects
Training in qualitative research methods in the social sciences;
A solid introduction to the philosophical and epistemological foundations of the study of cognate disciplines, including politics, economics, sociology, history;
Insights into the controversial boundary, if one can be said to exist, between the concerns of domestic and international politics
Cosmopolitan staff and student body
Research-informed teaching
Wide choice of specialised modules
Extra-curricular learning opportunities
Personal Profile
An interest in politics, economics and current affairs
A willingness to engage in informed debate about current, and often controversial, issues
An interest to acquire advanced training in the study of International Political Economy
A willingness to acquire or develop IT skills
A commitment to develop the skills required to analyse political and economic problems
16. Methods for evaluating and enhancing the quality and standards of teaching and learning
Mechanisms for review and evaluation of teaching, learning, assessment, the curriculum and outcome standards
· Student module evaluation questionnaires
· Annual monitoring reports (includes review of progression and achievement statistics)
· External examiners' reports
· Periodic programme reviews
· Active staff development programme
· Peer observation
· Annual staff appraisal
· Mentoring of new lecturers
· QAA Institutional Audit
· Continuous monitoring of student progress
· Regular Away Days
· Vetting process of examination questions by vetting committee and external examiners
· Double marking and/or moderation of at least 80% of assessed work
· Evaluation of graduate destination statistics
· External Examiners' reports
Committees with responsibility for monitoring and evaluating quality and standards
· University Learning and Teaching Board
· Programme Approval Sub-Committee of the University Learning and Teaching Board
· Faculty Learning and Teaching Committee
· Staff/Student Liaison Committee
· Departmental Learning and Teaching Committee
· BSIS Learning and Teaching Committee
· Board of Graduate Studies
· Board of Examiners (attended by External Examiners)
Mechanisms for gaining student feedback on the quality of teaching and their learning experience
· Staff/Student Liaison Committee
· Student module evaluations
· Exit questionnaires at programme level
· Discussions with MA convenor
· Discussions with module convenors
· Discussions in regular feedback sessions at the end of each term
· Discussions with the Director of Graduate Studies
· Informal meetings and social contact with students (including student role in recruitment activities)
· Student representation on BSIS
· Discussions with teaching staff: staff have office hours when students can discuss their modules/programmes
Staff development priorities include:
· Research-informed teaching
· Links with other European institutions
· Staff appraisal scheme
· Staff supervision
· Research seminars
· Subject based conferences
· Interdisciplinary conferences
· Minimum expected qualifications for appointments to lecturing posts
· Minimum expected research record for appointments to lecturing posts
· Mentoring of new and part-time lecturers
· Study leave
· Conference attendance (with or without departmental funding)
· Annual policy day meeting
17. Indicators of quality and standards
Quality Assurance Agency subject review process in 2001
External Examiners’ reports
Graduate destinations
The following reference points were used in creating these specifications:
· Subject benchmark statement for Politics and International Relations
· University Plan and Learning and Teaching Strategy
· Departmental Plan
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