Migration and Refugee Studies MA : �պ��

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Key information

Duration:: 1 year full time, 2 years part time
Start date:: September 2025
Apply by:: 1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

1st in the world for Development Studies
3rd in the UK for our research impact in Geography and Environmental Studies in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
9th in the UK for Social Sciences

As a driver and product of globalisation, migration transforms the world we live in and who we are. In today’s world, migration and forced displacement leading to refugees are core challenges.

On this MA, you’ll tackle issues shaping the life opportunities of migrants and refugees. You’ll also explore how states, NGOs and societies – in sending, transit and settlement countries – try to address these challenges. Key topics include:

transnationalism and diaspora
integration, cultural diversity and race
forced displacement and development.

Sussex has a long-standing global tradition for being at the forefront of migration and refugees research. Throughout your studies, you’ll benefit from the expertise of a world-leading cohort of researchers on migration, refugees and forced displacement. You’ll be part of the Sussex Centre for Migration Research’s vibrant postgraduate community. The Centre:

organises bi-weekly events with leading external speakers
hosts an annual conference of world leading scholars
arranges numerous events with local and international NGOs.

These are useful networking opportunities for you to build your profile.

You’ll deepen your knowledge in the field of migration and refugees. The skills you gain – critical thinking, writing and researching – can be applied practically in the field. When you graduate, you’ll be prepared for careers in the NGO and voluntary sectors, as well as in government and institutions. You’ll also be well equipped to pursue doctoral study and an academic career.

(Photo credit: Sana Radi, Bequaa camp, Lebanon)

We understand that deciding where and what to study is a very important decision. We’ll make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the courses, services and facilities described in this prospectus. However, if we need to make material changes, for example due to government or regulatory requirements, or unanticipated staff changes, we’ll let you know as soon as possible.

My course has opened doors to managerial positions in international organisations within the migration field. I’m in the interview process for several such roles, highlighting the respectability of this MA at Sussex.”Okan Kaymak
Migration Specialist
Presidency of Migration Management, Turkey

Apply now

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Degree requirements	You should normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above. Applicants with a lower second-class (2.2) degree classification will be considered on a case by case basis.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please select your country from the list.

Argentina

Degree requirements	Licenciado/Titulo with a minimum final mark of at least 6.0-7.0 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Australia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Azerbaijan

Degree requirements	Magistr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4 or 81%
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bahrain

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 2.5/4.0 (Grade C+).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Bangladesh

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.2/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brazil

Degree requirements	Bacharel, Licenciado or professional title with a minimum final mark of at least 7.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Brunei

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second class lower division or CGPA 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Canada

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 (grade B).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Chile

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 4.5-5.0/7 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

China

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-70% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels. As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-70% depending on your university. Sussex uses Project 211/985 to inform offer levels.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both a Degree Certificate and Graduation Certificate.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Colombia

Degree requirements	Licenciado with ‘Acreditacion de alta calidad’ and a minimum CGPA of 3.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Cyprus

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Ptychion with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Denmark

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 7 (Fair Performance).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ecuador

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 15/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Egypt

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a university with a minimum overall grade of at least 70%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

France

Degree requirements	Licence with mention assez bien or Maîtrise with a minimum final mark of at least 12.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Germany

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree or Magister Artium with a minimum final mark of 2.7 or better.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Ghana

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from a public university with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Greece

Degree requirements	Ptychion from an AEI with a minimum final mark of at least 6.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Hong Kong

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

India

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 50-65% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Indonesia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0. Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree from an 'A' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 2.8/4.0.

Bachelors degree from a 'B' accredited university with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/4.0.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Iran

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree (Licence or Karshenasi) with a minimum final mark of at least 14.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Italy

Degree requirements	Diploma di Laurea with a minimum overall mark of at least 101.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Japan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum C/GPA of at least 3.0/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Jordan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or 75%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kazakhstan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of 3.5/5 or CGPA 3.0/4
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kenya

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Kuwait

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Lebanon

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA 3.0/4.0 or 13/20.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malawi

Degree requirements	Masters degree, depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Malaysia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.7/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Mexico

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nepal

Degree requirements	A 4-year Bachelor degree with a minimum GPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Nigeria

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CGPA of at least 2.8-2.99/4.0, 3.0-3.49/5.0, or 4.0-4.6/7.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Norway

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall grade of C.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Oman

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Pakistan

Degree requirements	Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university. Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Degree requirements

Four-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Masters degree following a 3-year Bachelors degree with an overall mark of at least 60%-65% or CGPA 2.4 - 2.6 depending on your university.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Palestine

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum of at least 70% or CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Paraguay

Degree requirements	Bachelors with a minimum final mark of at least 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Peru

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 12/20 from a public university or 14/20 from a private university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Philippines

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum of 1.75/5.0 (where 1 is the highest) or 3.5/4.0
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Qatar

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall CPGA of at least 2.8 (on a scale of 4).
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Russia

Degree requirements	Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma with a minimum average mark of at least 4.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Saudi Arabia

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of 3.0/5.0 or 2.8/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Singapore

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division or CAP 3.5.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Africa

Degree requirements	Bachelors (honours) degree with a minimum second-class division 2.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

South Korea

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.5 or 2.8/4.3 or B.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Spain

Degree requirements	Licenciado with a minimum final mark of at least 2/4 or 6/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Sri Lanka

Degree requirements	Bachelors Special degree with a minimum lower second honours.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Switzerland

Degree requirements	Licence or Diplôme with a minimum 4.5/6 or 7/10.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Taiwan

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum overall mark of at least 65%-75% depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Thailand

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5 -2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Turkey

Degree requirements	Lisans Diplomasi with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.6 - 2.8/4.0 or equivalent depending on your university.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

United Arab Emirates

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.8/4.0 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

USA

Degree requirements	Bachelors degree with a minimum CGPA of at least 3.0/4.0.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Uzbekistan

Degree requirements	Specialist Diploma with an average mark of at least 70%.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Vietnam

Degree requirements

Bachelors degree (with a Graduate Thesis/research component) with a minimum CGPA of at least 2.5/4.0 or 6.5/10.

As evidence of completing your degree you must provide both proof of graduation in addition to your transcript.

Subject-specific requirements

Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

Please note

Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zambia

Degree requirements	Masters degree with a minimum GPA of 2.0/2.5 or equivalent.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

Zimbabwe

Degree requirements	Bachelors (Honours) degree with a minimum second-class lower division.
Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.
Please note	Our entry requirements are guidelines and we assess all applications on a case-by-case basis.

My country is not listed

If your country is not listed, you need to contact us and find out the qualification level you should have for this course. Contact us

Subject-specific requirements	Your qualification should preferably be in a social sciences or humanities subject; alternatively, you should have relevant professional experience or engagement.

English language requirements

IELTS (Academic)

Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component).

IELTS scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We accept IELTS One Skills Retake.

We do not accept IELTS Online.

Check full details of our English Language requirements and find out more about some of the alternative English language qualifications listed below

Alternative English language qualifications

Proficiency tests

Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CAE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE)

169 overall, including at least 162 in each skill.

We would normally expect the CPE test to have been taken within two years before the start of your course.

You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

Standard level (65 overall, including at least 60 in each component).

LanguageCert Academic SELT scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres.

We do not accept the online version. We also do not accept the non-SELT version.

LanguageCert International ESOL SELT

International ESOL SELT B2 with a minimum of 36 in each component.

LanguageCert International ESOL scores are valid for two years from the test date. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We only accept LanguageCert when taken at SELT Test Centres. We do not accept the online version.

Pearson (PTE Academic)

Standard level (59 overall, including at least 59 in all four skills).

PTE (Academic) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept the PTE Academic Online test.

TOEFL (iBT)

Standard level (80 overall, including at least 17 in Listening, 18 in Reading, 20 in Speaking, 17 in Writing).

TOEFL (iBT) scores are valid for two years from the test date. You cannot combine scores from more than one sitting of the test. Your score must be valid when you begin your Sussex course.

We do not accept TOEFL (iBT) �պ�� Edition.

The TOEFL Institution Code for the �պ�� is 9166.

English language qualifications

AS/A-level (GCE)

Grade C or above in English Language.

Hong Kong Advanced Level Examination (HKALE)/ AS or A Level: grade C or above in Use of English.

GCE O-level

Grade C or above in English.

Brunei/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

Singapore/Cambridge GCE O-level in English: grades 1-6.

GCSE or IGCSE

Grade C or above in English as a First Language (Grade 4 or above in GCSE from 2017).

Grade B or above in English as a Second Language.

Ghana Senior Secondary School Certificate

If awarded before 1993: grades 1-6 in English language.

If awarded between 1993 and 2005: grades A-D in English language.

Hong Kong Diploma of Secondary Education (HKDSE)

Level 4, including at least 3 in each component in English Language.

Indian School Certificate (Standard XII)

The Indian School Certificate is accepted at the grades below when awarded by the following examination boards:

Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) – English Core only: 70%

Council for Indian School Certificate Examinations (CISCE) - English: 70%

International Baccalaureate Diploma (IB)

English A or English B at grade 5 or above.

Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education

Grades A - C in English language

Malaysian Certificate of Education (SPM) 1119/GCE O-level

If taken before the end of 2008: grades 1-6 in English Language.

If taken from 2009 onwards: grade C or above in English Language.

The qualification must be jointly awarded by the University of Cambridge Local Examinations Syndicate (UCLES).

West African Senior School Certificate

Grades A1-C6 (1-6) in English language when awarded by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Country exceptions

If you are a national of one of the countries below, or if you have recently completed a qualification equivalent to a UK Bachelors degree or higher in one of these countries, you will normally meet our English requirement. Note that qualifications obtained by distance learning or awarded by studying outside these countries cannot be accepted for English language purposes.

You will normally be expected to have completed the qualification within two years before starting your course at Sussex. If the qualification was obtained earlier than this, we would expect you to be able to demonstrate that you have maintained a good level of English, for example by living in an English-speaking country or working in an occupation that required you to use English regularly and to a high level.

Please note that this list is determined by the UK’s �պ�� Office, not by the �պ��.

List of exempt countries:

Antigua and Barbuda
Australia
Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Canada**
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Ireland
Jamaica
New Zealand
St Kitts and Nevis
St Lucia
St Vincent and the Grenadines
The British Overseas Territories
Trinidad and Tobago
United Kingdom
USA

** Canada: you must be a national of Canada; other nationals not on this list who have a degree from a Canadian institution will not normally be exempt from needing to provide evidence of English.

English language support

If you don’t meet the English language requirements for your degree, you may be able to take a

Visas and immigration

Find out how to apply for a student visa

Admissions information for applicants

How to apply

You will be able to apply from November 2024.

Personal statement

Yes. You must submit a personal statement as part of your application.

If your qualifications aren’t listed or you have a question about entry requirements, contact us

For details on any additional costs, check out the Fees and scholarships section.

Pre-Masters

Need to boost your academic skills for your taught course?

Application deadlines

1 August 2025 (international), 1 September 2025 (UK)

We strongly recommend an earlier application where possible, as some courses are in high demand and may close before the above dates. Find out more at How to apply for a Masters course

Apply now

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Modules

Full-time and part-time study

Choose to study this course full time or part time, to fit around your work and personal life. Modules for the full-time course are listed below. For details about the part-time course, contact us.

This Sussex MA is a gold standard nationally and internationally. The modules are challenging and cutting edge, and the work that is produced is excellent.”Adrian Favell
External Examiner, Migration Studies MA

Core modules

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

Autumn teaching

Spring teaching

Research Methods and Professional Skills

Summer teaching

Dissertation (Migration Studies)

Options

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests. This list gives you a flavour of our options, which are kept under review and may change, for example in response to student feedback or the latest research.

While it’s our aim for students to take their preferred combinations of options, this can’t be guaranteed and will be subject to timetabling. Options may be grouped and if so, students will be able to choose a set number of options from the selection available in any particular group.

Spring teaching

Summer teaching

Dissertation with Placement (Global Studies)

Placements

To help you gain experience and increase your employability, you can apply for an optional placement as part of your course. Research placements run for up to 12 weeks in the summer term and vacation. You can also write your dissertation based on your experience. You’ll be responsible for applying for and securing your placement. Our dedicated careers team can help you:

find an employer
draft an application
prepare for interviews.

Find out more about Global Studies postgraduate placements

Recent dissertation titles

The perfect alternative to citizenship? Explaining the low take-up of the ‘long-term residency EU’ status – Germany as a case study

Rethinking the retreat from multiculturalism in the UK, the Netherlands and Sweden

‘You have to break the law to survive’: asylum regime dehumanising patterns and migrant resistance in Calais as a case study

We regularly review our modules to incorporate student feedback, staff expertise, as well as the latest research and teaching methodology. We’re planning to run these modules in the academic year 2024/25. However, there may be changes to these modules in response to feedback, staff availability, student demand or updates to our curriculum. We’ll make sure to let you know of any material changes to modules at the earliest opportunity.

We’ll do our best to provide as much optional choice as we can, but timetabling constraints mean it may not be possible to take some module combinations. The structure of a small number of courses means that the order of modules or the streams you choose may determine whether modules are core or optional. This means that your core modules or options may differ from what’s shown here.

Check back in January 2025 for the modules running in the academic year 2025/26.

American Student Loans and Federal Student Aid

If you’re receiving – or applying for – USA federal Direct Loan funds, you can’t undertake your placement/internship in the USA if the number of credits for the placement/internship exceeds 25% of the total credits for your course. Find out more about

I became a part of an amazing global community, giving me a whole new understanding of migration and of myself.” Simmi Dixit
Project Officer Multimedia and Multiculturalism  
United Nations Association, Canada

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Our experts

If you’re seeking to enhance your critical thinking in migration issues, elevate your research and writing abilities, while enjoying the company of exceptional professors and an incredible cohort, Sussex is the place to be!”Maria Rosiana Sedjahtera
Programme Assistant in Empowerment and Social Cohesion
UN Agency for Migration, IOM

The Sussex Centre for Migration Research is one of the largest groupings of migration scholars in the world. Our focus is distinctive, forward thinking and cutting edge. This includes:

theories of migration
migration and development
refugees and displacement
gender and sexualities.

Dr Ali Ali

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography

View profile of Ali Ali

Prof Michael Collyer

Professor of Geography

View profile of Michael Collyer

Prof Priya Deshingkar

Professor of Migration and Development

View profile of Priya Deshingkar

Prof James Hampshire

Professor in Politics

View profile of James Hampshire

Prof JoAnn McGregor

Professor Of Human Geography

View profile of JoAnn McGregor

Dr Laura Morosanu

Reader in Sociology

View profile of Laura Morosanu

Dr Ceri Oeppen

Reader in Migration Geography

View profile of Ceri Oeppen

Prof Ben Rogaly

Professor of Human Geography

View profile of Ben Rogaly

Dr Sarah Scuzzarello

Senior Lecturer

View profile of Sarah Scuzzarello

Prof Paul Statham

Professor of Migration

View profile of Paul Statham

Dr Katie Walsh

Reader in Human Geography

View profile of Katie Walsh

Dr Tahir Zaman

Senior Lecturer in Human Geography

View profile of Tahir Zaman

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Fees and scholarships

How much does it cost?

Fees

�պ�� students:: £11,025 per year for full-time students
Channel Islands and Isle of Man students:: £11,025 per year for full-time students
International students:: £22,575 per year for full-time students

If you study part time over two years, you’ll be charged 50% of the equivalent full-time fee in each year of study. Your second-year fee – if you continue your studies without a break – will be subject to a 3% increase (subject to rounding).

If you’re a self-funded international student, you’re required to pay a tuition fee deposit. Find out more about Masters tuition fee deposits

Additional costs

Placements

This course has an optional placement. Students must pay for their own travel costs.

Living costs

Find out typical living costs for studying at Sussex

Find out about our terms and conditions

How can I fund my course?

Scholarships

Our goal is to ensure that every student who wants to study with us is able to regardless of financial barriers, so that we continue to attract talented and unique people.

Chancellor's International Scholarships

Scholarships worth £5,000 available to international applicants

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Chancellor's Masters Scholarship

100 scholarships worth up to £5,000 are available for First Class graduates from UK or Irish universities

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Friends of the �պ�� Scholarship

$10,000 USD scholarship for a national or citizen of the USA

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HESPAL (Higher Education Scholarships Scheme for the Palestinian Territories)

One full tuition fee waiver in conjunction with maintenance support from the British Council is available to a resident of Palestinian Territories

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Mandela Scholarship

Full fee waiver and maintenance award for an applicant from South Africa

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Saïd Foundation Scholarships

5 full scholarships available for Masters students from Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine and Syria

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Sussex Alumni Scholarship

£3,000 for previous Sussex graduates returning to study a Masters degree

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Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Bangladesh

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Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Egypt

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Sussex GREAT Scholarship China

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from China

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Sussex GREAT Scholarship Kenya

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from Kenya

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Sussex GREAT Scholarship Thailand

£10,000 scholarship for an applicant from Thailand

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Sussex India Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of India

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Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Nigeria

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Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Pakistan

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Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Turkey

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Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Masters)

Unlimited £4,000 scholarships for applicants who are nationals of Vietnam

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Working while you study

Our Careers and Employability Centre can help you find part-time work while you study. Find out more about career development and part-time work

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Careers

This MA was the first of its kind established in Europe. It’s been a stepping stone for many alumni across the globe, especially in the Global South, in:

humanitarian organisations
government administrations
NGOs
charities with a migration focus (such as the Refugee Council).

You’ll also be well equipped to pursue doctoral study and an academic career.

After studying at Sussex, I have a solid foundation for a wide-ranging career. I feel more confident now that I can work competently and intelligently in grassroots organisations, international agencies, or that I could continue further in academia.” Sami Barefield
Victim Advocate
Kentucky Refugee Ministries

Design your future at Sussex

Taking the next step in your career can feel daunting, but we’ll help you to explore, connect and flourish throughout your studies and beyond.

As a Sussex student, you’ll learn how to tackle real-world challenges and have access to tailored programmes of careers support:

our Career Lab helps you to explore your options, build key skills and connect with employers. Take part in internships, community consultancy projects and insight visits, where you can learn about life at organisations including Brighton & Hove Albion Football Club, Gatwick Airport and the Knepp Rewilding Project
one-to-one coaching with your Faculty Careers Consultant can enable you to identify your career goals, write an effective CV and prepare for future interviews
entrepreneurship initiatives like StartUp Sussex and Ideas Lab can empower you to turn your concepts into reality.

Explore how our Careers and Entrepreneurship team can support you

Winner
Supporting Student and Graduate Employability Award

Winner
Entrepreneurship Catalyst Award

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