In this master's programme, you develop cutting-edge knowledge and critical research skills in international migration and ethnic relations. The programme focuses on:
Potential working fields include international organisations, academia, national and local government, NGOs or the media. Graduates are also eligible for PhD studies.
Malmö University offers a one-year and a two-year programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations. The one-year programme provides advanced level specialisation in the field of International Migration and Ethnic Relations. The two-year programme prepares students for future research opportunities and enables further specialisation within one of two themes: migration and integration or migration and social theory.
The master's programme teaches you how to conduct in-depth analysis, evaluate policies and criticise and critique migration-related policies. You should expect research-based training and an interdisciplinary outlook that links social sciences with humanities.
As a student in the IMER master’s programme, you become part of a multidisciplinary learning environment that is closely connected to ongoing research at Malmö University and the world of migration and ethnic studies. You will be an active producer and critical reviewer of new knowledge. During your studies, you will be encouraged to be independent and creative and to develop your own areas of expertise and interest. The programme offer a comprehensive overview of the IMER research field and areas of specialization that you select yourself.
You are expected to contribute to the shared learning environment. Reading and discussing course material with other students is an essential part of the programme. It is therefore important that you are able to take personal responsibility for your own learning. You should have the capacity for independent work and methodological reasoning and a strong drive to continue developing these abilities. Good command of English in academic speech and writing is expected.
Study methods include lectures and discussions, group projects, study visits, thesis work and self-study of literature.
Within the framework of the programme you have the opportunity to do an internship with a relevant national or international organisation, authority, association or company, giving you practical experience outside the traditional classroom setting. You will also get the chance to study abroad for one semester; Malmö University cooperates with a large number of universities to provide exchange opportunities for our students.
This programme offers the opportunity for a Double Degree in Migrations Studies. As a Double Degree student, you will spend the entire second year of your master’s studies at an institute in another country. During this year, you will attend courses and write your master’s thesis.
Upon successful completion, you will be issued a master’s degree by both Malmö University and the host institution. In addition to a valuable international experience, this allows you to get to know other academic and disciplinary perspectives on migration and related topics. It also gives you an edge on the increasingly integrated European labour market.
Within the EuMIGS network (European Master in Migration Studies), Malmö University’s International Migration and Ethnic Relations programme has joined forces with some of Europe’s best master’s programmes in Migration Studies to offer a Double Degree programme.
The programme and teaching are in English, and the language of the master’s thesis is English by default.
Understanding the complexities of international migration and ethnic relations is essential to ensure reflective decision-making in a variety of fields, for example, international organisations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, and media. Students who have completed the programme are also eligible to apply for PhD studies.
Elective semester: courses at the Department of Global Political Studies, Malmö University, other Swedish universities or abroad (i.e. exchange studies), or internship.
Here you can find the entry requirements, as well as how the available study places are distributed between applicants in the selection.
If you have any questions about general admission, you are welcome to contact us.
- 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)
100% University credits completed
You must submit a Demonstration of Academic Proficiency (DAP), together with documentation of your Bachelor’s Degree and your English proficiency, to meet the entry requirements of the programme. To complete your application, follow the steps below:
Download the Demonstration of Academic Proficiency (DAP)
Assessment Criteria for Demonstration of Academic Proficiency
Only DAP submitted in accordance with the instructions above will be assessed. Late submissions will not be assessed.
Mustapha Sonko serves as Migration Officer at the Gambia National Youth Council, where he works to improve policies and opportunities for young people affected by migration.
Mustapha Sonko serves as Migration Officer at the Gambia National Youth Council, where he works to improve policies and opportunities for young people affected by migration.
“At this institution, I work with governmental, non-governmental, and UN agencies on migration issues,” he explains. “I contribute to migration policy development and represent the council at migration meetings, where I share my expertise on the subject. I also work as an adjunct lecturer at the Management Development Institute, where I teach Migration and Border Management.”
For Mustapha, the motivation behind his work is deeply personal. “What I love about my work is that I serve the most vulnerable people in my country – young people and migrant returnees. This role is deeply fulfilling because I know I’m making a real impact on the lives of my people. I also love this job because people are beginning to take an interest in my campaign.”
His academic background has played a key role in shaping his career. “My studies in migration have helped me become a distinctive professional, presenting myself as a migration specialist. They have opened many doors for me, as I’ve been invited to various platforms to discuss migration issues. People trust my contributions because they know I truly understand migration – after all, I’m an alumnus of Malmö University, one of the few universities widely respected for its migration studies.”
Mustapha chose the two-year IMER master’s programme because it aligned perfectly with his professional ambitions.
“Coming from The Gambia, where migration is often seen as a rite of passage, and given that many young people leave the country through irregular routes, I was eager to understand the root causes of these movements,” he says. “I also chose this programme because it complemented my role as a Migration Officer. Since migration affects us all, I believe that studying this programme would enable me to support my country in developing effective migration policies that promote safe, regular, and orderly migration – and contribute to a society capable of managing migration flows for the betterment of The Gambia.”
Reflecting on his time at Malmö University, Mustapha says the programme was transformative. “It helped me to develop my critical thinking and academic writing skills. It also gave me a deeper understanding of the long-standing debates surrounding migration and citizenship. It has helped me unpack the power imbalances between countries with strong and weak passports, as well as the evolution of the concept of citizenship.”
In Séléna Redon-Batique's first year, she studied International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) at Malmö University and her second year at the University of Osnabrück. She now works at a centre for asylum seekers in France, where she advises applicants on legal procedures and their rights in...
In Séléna Redon-Batique's first year, she studied International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) at Malmö University and her second year at the University of Osnabrück. She now works at a centre for asylum seekers in France, where she advises applicants on legal procedures and their rights in the country.
My studies helped me gain the knowledge to see the complexity behind topics that can look obvious at first. Now I look for this complexity everywhere and try to question every migration-related opinion I have. I guess that’s why they were so obsessed with ‘critical thinking’ in the course syllabi.
I studied Political Science in France and Germany, where I wrote a thesis about the use of rape in conflicts. It was my first step towards human rights research. After my graduation, I took a gap year as a volunteer to help asylum seekers in France. My thesis and work as a volunteer made me want to continue my academic journey in the field of migration and human rights.
I discovered the double degree programme within the EuMIGS network (European Master in Migration Studies). Malmö University was one of the universities in the partnership and offered interesting courses in migration studies. I also wanted to experience student life in a Nordic country. For my second year, I applied to Osnabrück — initially for the courses, but also because I speak German and wanted to reconnect with the language.
I loved every step of it. Moving to new places is always fulfilling. I got to challenge myself and grow as a person. The best part was meeting my peers in the programme and being supported by such a nice group of teachers, both in Malmö and Osnabrück. That’s one thing I didn’t expect: the support from the education teams and how it reassured me for the future. EuMIGS has also taught me to confidently speak in front of an audience, to synthesise ideas, to work in teams, and more. I feel like a more confident adult now.
A double degree can be about three things: a highlight on your CV, a personal search for your true purpose in life, or fun. At the end of my studies, I got an internship at the UNHCR. I think having the programme on my CV was one of the reasons I got it — but it's more than just a title. However, I wouldn't advise anyone to focus only on what looks good on a CV. Any experience can look good on paper. A double degree is great if you want to deepen your knowledge, move around, meet new people and grow.
