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Level

Master's level

Entry requirements

• Bachelor's Degree with a major in Social Science or Humanities
• English proficiency, equivalent to English 6 in Swedish upper secondary school
• Relevant training in methodology and independent academic work from undergraduate education. This criterion is assessed and approved though a Demonstration of Academic Proficiency (DAP)

Programme structure

Semester 1

IMER Advanced Studies, 30 credits

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.

Semester 2

Theory of Science and Research Methodology, 15 credits

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.

Migration and Citizenship, 15 credits

The course explores the complex relation between migration and citizenship, both with respect to how different forms and drivers of migration affect citizenship, and with respect to how citizenship legislation affects migratory patterns and modes of incorporation. The course devotes special attention to central and current themes within the subject, encouraging students to engage with specific issues of interest. Examinations within this course focus on assessing students’ ability to account for the academic field of IMER, and to analyse a delimited focus area independently and thoroughly.

Semester 3

Elective courses, 30 credits

During this semester, the student chooses independent courses (covering a total of 30 credits), internship or exchange studies. Exchange studies must be approved by the programme coordinator.

Semester 4

IMER Master Thesis, 30 credits

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.

Programme contents

Semester 1, Autumn 2025

Semester 2, Spring 2026

Semester 3, Autumn 2026

Qualitative targets

Knowledge and understanding

• show knowledge and understanding of the main field of IMER, including a wide knowledge of the field and detailed knowledge of defined areas of the field, as well as extensive insight into current research and development of the field, and
• show in-depth knowledge of the methodologies within the main field of IMER.

Skills and competence

• show competence to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analysis, assess and handle complex phenomena, questions and situations, even with limited information available,
• show competence to critically, independently, and creatively identify and formulate questions, in planning and executing qualified tasks, using relevant methods, within given time frames, and thereby contributing to the field of knowledge,
• show competence to clearly account for and discuss conclusions, and their supporting knowledge and arguments, in dialogue with various groups, both orally and in writing, on a national and international scene, and
• display the necessary skills required to participate in research and development work or other qualified work spheres.

Judgement and approach

• display ability to approach various themes within IMER, with consideration given to relevant scientific, social and ethical aspects, and show awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate awareness of the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society, and people’s responsibility in its application, and
• show the ability to identify one’s own need for further knowledge and competence, and to take responsibility for one’s own development of knowledge.

Degree

Master of Arts (120 credits) with a Major in International Migration and Ethnic Relations requires completion of 120 credits, of which at least 90 credits must be on advanced level within the main field of International Migration and Ethnic Relations and include a Master's Thesis of 30 credits.

Additional information

The course syllabi state the entry requirements for progression within the programme.

A decision to discontinue a programme will result in the programme syllabus ceasing to be valid. However, students will have the opportunity to complete their studies within the nominal period of study (calculated from the last admission to the programme's first semester) and during at least the following two semesters, known as the ’discontinuation period’.

The programme syllabus is a translation of a Swedish source text.