Migration - Contemporary Migration and Diaspora Studies MA

Course details

The MA in Contemporary Migration and Diaspora Studies (MA in CMDS) is an exciting, interdisciplinary course addressing all aspects of migration, integration and diaspora studies in Ireland. The course will:

• give you a thorough knowledge of the major theoretical and empirical issues in migration and diaspora studies today
• explain the significance of migration and diaspora debates for Irish and European society, with reference to policy and legal perspectives, geographical and social science debates, diaspora and Irish identity, new communities, and a range of issues related to rights, identities, citizenship status and welfare
• equip you with a range of specific skills-based social science research methodologies

Give you the opportunity to show these skills in a written dissertation using a range of theoretical, empirical, policy and action research perspectives

Course Details

Modules:

• GG6401 Introduction to Migration and Diaspora Studies

Topics include:

• Key facts, statistics and trends in migration at an Irish, European and global level
• Theories and models of migration studies from different disciplinary perspectives
• Gender and migration
• Immigration regimes and how governments manage migration and emerging EU debates
• The integration debate: how does immigration change society?
• Policy responses to migration: from assimilation to multiculturalism, dealing with racism and xenophobia
• Diasporic and transnational perspectives

GG6402 Methods in Migration and Diaspora Studies

This module will introduce you to some of the key principles, methodologies, sources and techniques of social research, with a particular focus on migration and diaspora studies. You will have the opportunity to explore these methods and develop your own research skills. By the end of the module, you will be able to design and conduct a social research project, and have started to planning your dissertation.

GG6403 Case Studies and Current Issues in migration and Diaspora Studies.

This module brings a range of expert guest speakers to UCC so that you can engage with issues relevant to the practice of migration and diaspora studies at first hand.

Course Practicalities

The MA in CMDS is delivered by experienced academic staff within a student-centred environment. Most classes are two hours long and take the form of a seminar discussion rather than lectures. Required reading material is circulated before seminars and students are expected to participate fully in each session. This approach means you benefit from significant peer-to-peer learning as well the seminar presentation itself.

Assessment

Student work is marked via a mixture of continuous assessment (e.g. student essays and presentations), end-of-year examinations and a research dissertation.