Refugee Protection and Forced Migration Studies

MA: two core modules, four elective modules and one dissertation component.

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• Download the Programme Specification
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This programme has two intake dates per year: March and October.

The programme is available online and is fully supported by a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE), as well as study materials and help from academic staff. It allows you to study anywhere in the world and fit your studies around your other commitments.

Study materials

You receive individual module subject guides, assessment activities and digitised readings. The two primary texts for the core modules are books, which will be useful reference points throughout your studies.

For each module, you will be able to discuss your work with fellow students and tutors. Supplementary information is provided via podcasts and videos from leading academics.

You can also benefit from research materials created by the Refugee Law Initiative, such as its Working Paper Series and podcasts from public events.

Online support

When you register, we will give you access to your Student Portal. You can then access your University of London email account and other key resources:

• The Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) enables access to course materials, resources, and forums to discuss course material and work collaboratively with others. Tutors are available to answer queries and promote discussion during the study year through the VLE.

• The Online Library provides access to over 100 million academic electronic items comprising E-books, E-journals, conference proceedings, etc. In addition, students can request items which are not held in the library via the library's Inter-Library loans service with the British Library.

• Senate House Library provides free reference access for all registered distance and flexible learning students.

Time commitment

This MA is designed to be studied over two years by taking the two core modules in the first year and four elective modules (two per session) in the second year, alongside the dissertation component.

Each study session lasts 16 weeks and the dissertation component accounts for 12 weeks per year. We recommend that you study for 15-20 hours per week during this time.

Assessment

• Core modules: a final item of coursework (70% overall grade) and five online assessments known as E-tivities (30% overall grade).
• Elective modules: three E-tivities (30% overall grade) and one coursework item of 3,000-4,000 words (70% overall grade).

The dissertation is assessed in two parts: the research methods course and research proposal (15% overall grade) and the dissertation thesis (85% overall grade).

What qualifications do you need?

You need an undergraduate degree (e.g. bachelor) that is comparable to a UK upper second class honours degree; in the social sciences, humanities, laws or other related subject areas. You can still apply without this, and we will consider each application on its merits.

English Language requirements

You need a high standard of English to study this programme. You will meet our language requirements if you have achieved the following within the past three years:

• (IELTS) International English Language Testing System - overall score of at least 7.0 with at least 6 in reading and writing.
• (TOEFL) iBT Test of English as a Foreign Language with an overall score of 95 or above, including a minimum of 24 attained on the reading and writing skills sub-tests and a minimum of 25 attained on the speaking sub-test and 22 attained on the listening sub-test.
• Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English.
• Cambridge Certificate of Advanced English (at grade C or above).
• Duolingo: must achieve an overall score of at least 130.

Tests from other providers will be considered on an individual basis. Even if you have not formally met these requirements, the University may still consider other evidence.

Computer requirements

We set minimum basic computer requirements because your study resources are accessed via the Student Portal and it is vital that you can access this regularly. For this degree, you will also need Adobe Flash Player to view video material and a media player (such as VLC) to play video files.

More about computer requirements.

The fees below apply if you begin during the 2022-2023 session and are subject to annual review.

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How to pay your fees

This MA is designed for anyone who wishes to pursue careers in a range of professional contexts in the refugee, human rights or humanitarian fields. By combining your studies with your existing commitments, you will be able to maintain your career momentum.

Potential employers include international agencies, such as the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), governmental bodies and non-governmental organisations.

What do employers think of our graduates?

In some countries, qualifications earned by distance and flexible learning may not be recognised by certain authorities or regulators for the purposes of public sector employment or further study. We advise you to explore the local recognition status before you register, even if you plan to receive support from a local teaching institution.

The School of Advanced Study unites nine specialist humanities and social science research Institutes at the University of London. It is the only institution of its kind in the United Kingdom, nationally funded to promote and facilitate research in the humanities and social sciences.

The Refugee Law Initiative (RLI) is the leading national academic centre in the United Kingdom dedicated to International Refugee Law. It was founded in 2010 and is based at the School of Advanced Study. Its portfolio includes research, teaching, networking and collaboration, and a diverse programme of public events.

The RLI faculty possess substantial experience in postgraduate course development and teaching, including the MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights and short courses in the field of refugee protection.

Academic leaders

David James Cantor, Professor of Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. Director of the RLI and a recognised specialist in the field of refugee protection and forced migration studies. His research addresses the practical protection of refugees and other displaced persons, particularly during situations of armed conflict. His interests include refugee law, human rights law, and the international law of armed conflict. In 2016, David was appointed Senior Advisor to the UNHCR Americas.

Dr Sarah Singer, is Senior Lecturer in Refugee Law at School of Advanced Study, University of London. She is Managing Editor of the International Community Law Review journal and teaches the law component of the MA in Understanding and Securing Human Rights. Sarah's research interests are refugee law and policy, human rights and migration. She has published broadly on the topic of asylum seekers and migrants suspected of serious criminality.

Without the cost of moving to London, studying for your University of London degree anywhere in the world represents excellent value for money. However, there are additional sources of support depending on where you live and how you choose to study.

Scholarships and bursaries

• The Aziz Foundation Scholarship Programme, offers four Master’s scholarships for the 2023-24 academic year.
• The Danish Refugee Council (DRC) Bursary offers a 10 per cent bursary that can be applied on fees for current DRC employees.
• New registrants who are members of the Professionals in Humanitarian Assistance & Protection (PHAP) can receive a bursary of 10% on all fees for this programme.
• Current Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC) employees can receive a 10% bursary that can be applied against registration, examination entry fees and module fees.
• The Thriplow Charitable Trusts Bursary supports an outstanding student based in the UK, who might not otherwise be able to gain access to the MA in Refugee Protection.
• New registrants who are current UNHCR employees can receive a 10% bursary that can be applied against the module fees for the programme.

More on funding your study.

Can I get sponsored?

If you're employed, your employer may be willing to cover part/all of the programme fees if you can make a compelling case as to how this programme will boost your contribution to the workplace.

Our courses are ideal for employers because they get to retain you as an employee and benefit from your learning from the moment you begin.

How can I get sponsored by my employer?