Master in International Migration and Ethnic Relations
Malmö, Sweden
Master degree
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Jan 2027
TUITION FEES
SEK 220,000 **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* this is the deadline for national round. Non-EU/EEA students who require a residence permit should apply during international admissions round opening mid-October 2026.
** for 2-year option: 220,000 SEK | for 1-year option: 110,000 SEK
Key Summary
About: The Master in International Migration and Ethnic Relations at Malmö University examines migration, ethnic relations, globalization, inclusion, integration and ethical perspectives. It offers one-year (60 credits) and two-year (120 credits) routes; two-year route prepares you for research specialization. Teaching is research-based with lectures, seminars, group work, study visits, thesis. You’re expected to take responsibility for learning and have academic English.
Career Outcomes: Graduates work in international organizations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, media and can apply for PhD studies. Roles include policy analyst, migration researcher, integration officer, human-rights officer and consultant; skills include policy evaluation, qualitative and quantitative analysis.
The master’s programme in International Migration and Ethnic Relations (IMER) focuses on current international developments and research perspectives in migration and ethnic relations; the effects of globalization and human mobility on societies, groups and individuals; the social and political adaptation and integration of ethnic minorities in different societies; issues of inclusion and exclusion of immigrants; majority-minority relations; philosophical and ethical perspectives on life in diverse and complex societies.
The International Migration and Ethnic Relations programme offers both 60 and 120 credits. Applicants can choose either the one-year or two-year programme.
Choose between the one-year and two-year programme
Malmö University offers a one-year and a two-year master's programme in Internation Migration and Ethnic Relations. The one-year programme provides an 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.
What makes International Migration and Ethnic Relations unique?
This 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 the 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 areas of expertise and interest. The programme offers a comprehensive overview of the IMER research field and areas of specialisation 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 take personal responsibility for your learning. You should have the capacity for independent work and methodological reasoning and a strong drive to continue developing these abilities. A 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.
Two-year programme Curriculum
Autumn 2025 - Semester 1
- IMER: Advanced Studies (IM611L), 30 credits
Spring 2026 - Semester 2
- Theory of Science and Research Methodology (IM626L), 15 credits
- Migration and Citizenship (IM633L), 15 credits
Autumn 2026 - Semester 3
- Elective semester: courses at the Department of Global Political Studies, Malmö University, other Swedish universities or abroad (i.e. exchange studies), or internship.
Spring 2027 - Semester 4
- IMER: Master's Thesis (two-year programme) (IM639L), 30 credits
Practical experience and studies abroad (two-year programme)
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.
One-year programme Curriculum
Autumn 2025 - Semester 1
- IMER: Advanced Studies (IM611L), 30 credits
Spring 2026 - Semester 2
- Theory of Science and Research Methodology (IM626L), 15 credits
- IMER: Master's Thesis (one-year programme) (IM636L), 15 credits
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.
- 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, 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.
- 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.
- Show the ability to identify one’s own need for further knowledge and competence, and to take responsibility for one’s development of knowledge.
Understanding the complexities of international migration and ethnic relations is essential to ensure reflective decision-making in a variety of fields, for example, international organizations, academia, national and local governments, NGOs, and the media. Students who have completed the program are also eligible to apply for PhD studies.