The purpose of the course is to offer an extensive and thorough orientation in the field of international migration and ethnic relations (IMER). This includes on the one hand different aspects of international migration such as causes, patterns, structures and conditions on the global, regional, national and local levels in sending and receiving societies, and on the other hand the relational dynamics of ethnic diversity such as integration, segregation, multiculturalism, populism and xenophobia. It includes both macro-/systemic perspectives on governance, power and resources as well as micro-perspectives on groups and individuals. The students will acquire both factual knowledge about these phenomena, and theoretical knowledge about different ways of understanding and explaining them. Examinations primarily focus on the students’ ability to compare and account for various aspects of the IMER field in a correct and relevant manner, including independent reflection.

The course presents important aspects of theory of science and research methods relevant to the multidisciplinary field of advanced IMER studies. It takes a comprehensive approach to the research process covering questions of ontology and epistemology, research design, and methods of data collection and analysis. It includes both theoretical and practical assignments that enhance the students’ ability to assess, compare and conduct research in a critical and independent manner. Examinations within this course focus on assessing the students’ ability to independently review, plan and conduct scientific research.

The one-year master’s programme is concluded with a 15-credit thesis. In the course, the students are required to carry out independent research with the guidance of an academic supervisor. During the thesis research, each student delves into a well-defined research area, which is investigated through a relevant research design, theory, method and gathered material. This course demands a high level of the students’ ability to plan and execute research in an informed and independent manner with critical reflection. The assessment of the students’ performances focuses on the ability to present new knowledge, acquired in a scientifically correct and independent way, in the form of a Master’s Thesis.