Programme summary for MA Refugee Studies

The MA in Refugee Studies Programme has developed in the context of increasing concern about forced migration. It recognises the importance of (forced) migration at the global level and of the multiple factors associated with refugee crises – the interplay of economic, political, social, cultural, and environment pressures which stimulate the search for asylum. The MA in Refugee Studies enables students to examine forced migration as a global phenomenon. It familiarises students with the relevant theories in the fields of (forced) migration studies, law, sociology, anthropology, psycho-social and cultural studies. The course equips students with advanced skills in interdisciplinary analysis and research, and enhances their career prospects and development.

About the programme

The programme acknowledges that forced migrants confront major obstacles in their attempt to find sanctuary. Although the majority of refugees are in countries of the developing world, structures of exclusion are most fully developed in the post-industrial societies, notably within Europe. The programme highlights problems associated with limitations of asylum rights in the European states and the climate of hostility towards refugees from countries outside Western Europe. The programme considers alternative, positive, approaches to asylum rights.

The programme links the international/global dimension of forced migration to the experience of communities in exile. It acknowledges the importance of refugee communities in regions of displacement and in the major cities of Africa, Asia and Latin America, where it maintains contact with researchers in the field of urban refugees. The programme also recognises other European cities as desired places of asylum. It maintains links with European universities similarly engaged in the study of forced migration through collaborative research and publications.

The programme encourages students to develop an understanding of the social construction of the refugee. It explores aspects of social, psycho-social, cultural and legal theory bearing upon migration, exile and exclusion. It examines the impact of repeated experiences of exclusion upon individuals and communities. The programme encourages students to view forced migration as a lived experience. Students are encouraged to develop study projects which draw on experiences within local communities, notably those settled in East London, which is an important historic place of asylum.

Special features of the programme

Refugee-Centred approach

A distinguishing feature of the programme is its emphasis upon the lived experience of refugees and of refugee communities. It aims to develop a fuller appreciation of refugee experiences, achievements and needs, by approaching refugees as gender social actors. As such, the programme will interest those who wish to undertake further research in the fields of (forced) migration and diasporic studies; ethnicity; social, psycho-social and cultural theory; legal studies; and social policy. It will also interest those professionally concerned with human rights; legal representation of refugees; counselling; education; social and community issues; and refugee welfare. It will assist those who wish to enter employment in these fields.

The Refugee Council Archive at UEL

The Refugee Council Archive at the UEL is one of the largest collections of materials on refugees and forced migration. It is a source of information and analysis on displacement, flight and exile; on legal, political and social issues; and on refugee community life. The Archive contains materials on refugees in all parts of the world, with special emphasis on Britain. For over 30 years it was housed at the Refugee Council, the lead organisation in Britain on refugee issues. In 2002 the Archive was moved to the UEL’s Docklands Campus, where it is maintained and developed by the MA in Refugee Studies Programme. It serves students, academics, researchers, policy makers, agencies and community groups, and in particular refugees, for whom access to dedicated materials on forced migration is often difficult.

Internship Opportunities

In addition to having well established links with universities and research centres in Britain and abroad, the MA in Refugee Studies Programme has close relations with numerous national and local agencies and refugee organisations, based on which it operates an internship programme with a range of organisations. These provide an excellent opportunity for students to acquire hands-on work experience in their field of studies, and enhance their employment prospects.

Students

MA in Refugee Studies Programme attracts students of diverse origins and experiences, including refugees, from Africa, Asia, the Middle East, South-East Asia, the Americas, Western and Eastern Europe. It brings together academics and those who work professionally in the refugee field, including teachers, counsellors, welfare workers, legal advisers and community workers. Such diversity encourages productive exchange of ideas and enhances the learning environment.

Among sponsors of students on the programme are leading human rights organisations, refugee support bodies, overseas development organisations, academic study centres, law firms, local authorities, colleges and schools, race equality and equal opportunities committees, charities and aid groups, as well as refugee community organisations.

Programme structure

Core modules: Introduction to Forced Migration and Research Methods

The Introduction to Forced Migration module introduces key issues associated with forced migration and the refugee experience: conflict, humanitarian assistance, post-conflict reconstruction and development, as well as ethical questions concerning human rights and international law. It places these within a global context, examining the interplay of economic, political, socio-cultural and environmental factors that underlie refugee-producing situations. The module critically examines general theories of migration and displacement, as well as processes and practices of inclusion and exclusion of refugees.

The Research Methods module familiarises students with the theoretical, philosophical and ethical principles which guide social research. It introduces the key approaches used by social researchers: survey, qualitative and documentary methods. It develops a critical approach to such methods and the rationales for asserting conclusions. The module prepares students to develop and carry out their own research, and work on the Dissertation.

Option modules: Psycho-social Analysis of Forced Migration; International Human Rights; International Refugee Law; Current Issues in Forced Migration; Migration, Citizenship and Social Policy; Cultures of Exile. (Note: availability of options may change from year to year)

In option modules students examine, in depth, a more discrete field of study.

Students begin the Dissertation during summer semester and submit in September

Career opportunities

The MA in Refugee Studies Programme develops general conceptual and analytical abilities, as well as research skills. It enhances generic skills which are appropriate to both further academic research and professional employment.

The course provides a theoretical and practical grounding for those who wish to advance academic work and progress to doctoral research in the fields of migration; diasporic and ethnic studies; legal studies; as well as in social and cultural theory. It also prepares students for employment in areas related to refugee and migration issues, notably in the fields of immigration and asylum law, advocacy, social and community development, education, health and employment.

The course is also appropriate for those employed in areas of work relating to refugee in immigrant issues, such as law and legal advice, advocacy, community work, welfare, education, health, counselling, housing, training, arts, and local government.

Support

The programme supports learning and skill development by a combination of lectures, seminars, small-group discussions, student presentations, and tutorials.

Lectures identify key conceptual issues and debates and set out theoretical and other frameworks within which students may pursue specific topics.

Seminars are organised around skill exercises and group work, giving students an opportunity to think through specific research problems and to develop practical skills. They are used to develop ideas encountered in lectures and in students’ own reading and research. They encourage critical thinking and communicative abilities, and advance skills in group work.

Student presentations are based upon verbal presentation of an agreed topic. Students are encouraged to use audio-visual aids and to combine media. Presentations encourage development of independent thinking, collaborative and general inter-personal skills, familiarity with specific media and with multi-media techniques.

Tutorials are conducted one-to-one or in small groups. They deal with specific issues including skills deficiencies identified by staff or by students

In addition, students are invited to seminars and any public lectures organised by research centres in the School and University. These seminars are open to academics, students, professionals and practitioners in the relevant fields. Students benefit from contact with experienced researchers in diverse fields and the exposure to general skills requirements for advanced research.

The MA in Refugee Studies team

The Refugee Studies Programme team has a wide experience and expertise in refugee studies and related academic fields as well as in the areas of legal practice, human rights activity, welfare, and community life.

The team members are:

Procedure for Admission

Applicants should normally hold a first class or upper second class honours degree. This degree should be in a relevant field of study. Applicants holding an honours degree in a field of study which is not of obvious relevance may also be considered. Applicants who are not graduates but who have relevant research or professional experience may also be considered. Applicants are requested to supply two academic or other appropriate references – these should be submitted at the point of application.

For further information on admission procedures and applying for the programme please contact Diane Ball, the programme administrator, on +44(0)20 8223 2770, or d.m.ball@uel.ac.uk

Programme Leaders:

Giorgia Dona
Maja Korac-Sanderson

Former student testimonials

Debora

Debora Singer MBE

Policy and Research Manager, Asylum Aid

“Studying for an MA in Refugee Studies at UEL gave me the confidence, knowledge and skills to switch direction in my career. I enjoyed the collaborative approach and the recognition of the relevant experiences we each brought, whether as students or tutors.”

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Jane Greenstock

Research Assistant, Social Care Institute for Excellence

"I studied the MA Refugee Studies programme part-time over two years. I found it to be an immensely interesting, well-taught and worthwhile programme. The knowledge I gained, through access to some excellent teachers and the Refugee Archive collection was exactly what I hoped to get out of the course, which concerns issues that are globally important. I appreciated the fact that the modules were all taught from a refugee-centric point of view and enabled students to understand research methods from different perspectives."

Madhulika Sahoo

Senior Research Fellow, Ministry of Culture, India

“It was wonderful experience studying on the MA Refugee Studies at the University of East London. Meeting people from across the world truly helped to nurture my personality. The intensive curriculum activities and academic skills of the tutors were noteworthy. This helped me to formulate research projects and act upon resettlement and rehabilitation policy implementation for development-induced displaced people in India. This also opened the way for me to work on the Indian Government’s prestigious Anthropological Survey of India.”

Student Success Stories

Our former students have been able to use the skills and knowledge they have acquired on the MA programme in a number of innovative and inspiring ways. Here are just a couple of their success stories, which show the international reach and significance of their work…

Jana Gigl is travelling the extra mile with an innovative board game

Before the MA in Refugee Studies I worked with indigenous people in Mexico and refugees from Western Sahara. When I came to London I wanted to deepen my understanding of forced migration issues and was especially interested in the aspects of cultures in exile and practice-based research methods. Then I discovered that the UEL programme offered a module with exactly this title “Cultures of Exile”. I didn’t hesitate in applying for the course.
Being a very hands-on person, the greatest advantage of the MA course was the opportunity to conduct a practice-based dissertation project. I developed a character-based board game called Seeking Sanctuary, which raises awareness of what it is like to live through the process of claiming asylum in contemporary Britain. Since then Seeking Sanctuary has been used by organizations for campaigning and educational schemes on refugee and asylum issues in the UK and internationally. Through my dissertation project, I discovered a significant need, across sectors and across borders, for alternative and creative approaches to generating awareness about social issues that affect marginalized people and communities. This led me, together with fellow student Christina Olivieri, to set up a non-profit organization called g.e.t game – global education toolbox (www.getgameeducation.org).

In 2011 we received the UnLtd Millennium Award (Level 1) for the production and launch of the first edition of the Seeking Sanctuary board game. And, as you can see in the picture (I’m the one holding the board game), Seeking Sanctuary has been travelling as far as Uganda – and this is just the beginning.

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Valeria Brigida found lessons in the Egyptian revolution for all women seeking freedom

The women she spoke to believe a revolution can be ‘real’ only if it is joined by the whole population united by a single demand: ‘bread, freedom and social justice’. She also discovered that social networks are not just to be found on Facebook and Twitter, but also in families, universities and the public spaces of social aggregation.“I learned from Egyptian women that the strongest weapon is hope. Because only through hope is it possible to fight for civil rights,” she says.‌

During her time as an MA Refugee Studies student, Valeria Brigida published the book Horreyya!, with her colleague Carmine Cartolano, which explores their experience during the Egyptian revolution in 2011.
The book focuses on the stories of five Egyptian women, in order to discover what pushed thousands of women – of different ages and social, cultural, political and religious backgrounds – into the streets to seek the fall of Mubarak’s regime.
An Italian journalist and activist, Valeria’s journey began with a question to a young Egyptian woman: “What pushed you to join the demonstrations in the streets and stay in Tahrir square until the fall of Mubarak?” The answer came: “If not now, when?” Suddenly something clicked, she says, “If not now, when?” was the same slogan that in February 2011 brought thousands of Italians into the streets, demanding Berlusconi to resign. As a result, she found lessons in the revolution for Italians fighting against their own corrupt political system.

News and Achieveements

Jennifer Kandjii, who joined the MA Refugee Studies in September 2012, is funded through the prestigious Chevening Scholarship. The Foreign and Commonwealth Office global scholarship programme is awarded to outstanding scholars from around the world to study towards postgraduate qualifications in the UK. Jennifer previously worked for the United Nations High Commission for Refugees in Namibia.
Lwam Tesfay, a second year part-time MA Refugee Studies student, has been a trainee oral historian at Eastside Community Heritage since October 2012. She is receiving a £10,000 bursary for the nine-month traineeship, which leads to an NVQ L3 in Cultural Heritage, as part of the Heritage Lottery Fund’s Skills for the Future initiative. Eastside specializes in documenting the lives of the working communities of East London and Lwam is recording the lives of Ugandan Asians in the UK, among others. The scheme will provide her with a broad range of skills to work in the heritage sector.
Indira Kartallozi showed her video ‘Refugee voices’ at the public seminar series on Refugee Protection and Psychology at Senate House, University of London, in December 2012.
Cristina Andreatta and Joseph Mugalula conducted a research internship for Afghan refugee organization Paiwand in 2012, to independently assess the organization’s advocacy service. Their interviews with clients, staff members and volunteers enabled them to measure success against the aims and objectives of the service. The final report – ‘Empowering Refugees: An Evaluation of AA Paiwand Advocacy Service’ – was presented and discussed at the organization’s annual trustees meeting in June 2012.
Madhulika Sahoo presented her research with displaced populations in Odisha, India, at the 13th International Association for the Study of Forced Migration Conference in Kolkata in 2013. A short video of thisresearch can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=TO0XJ7oeOYs

Social events

Students and staff from the MA Refugee Studies at the programme’s Christmas dinner in Brick Lane, East London, December 2012.

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