MA in Refugee Integration
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Many European societies have well-established sets of policies and legislation in place regarding the integration of migrants. However, they often lack a comprehensive and cohesive approach to meeting the needs of those arriving in crisis situations from a multiplicity of cultural and linguistic environments as well as the needs of the society in which they are settling.
The School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies offers a Masters of Arts in Refugee Integration. This programme develops an in-depth, multi-faceted knowledge of issues raised by the arrival of international protection applicants and refugees in different jurisdictions.
Programme Structure and Content
As a full-time student, you will take three core modules in Semester 1, together with a (year-long) research methodology module. In Semester 2, you will choose three modules from a range of options. A 12,000 word dissertation will be submitted in September.
The programme is timetabled in the evening, generally from 4 pm onwards*, with each module being delivered on a seminar basis. It features presentations by guest speakers from NGOs and practitioners working with people in refugee (-like) situations.
*Some of the optional modules offered in Semester Two from the School of Law and Government (LG) may be timetabled earlier in the day
Programme Aims and Objectives
This programme aims to:
- Link theory, policy and practice.
- Offer high quality academic knowledge and training in refugee integration
- Work closely with NGOs and practitioners
- Research issues affecting integration and welfare of those in refugee (-like) situations
- Respond to needs of newly arrived populations and host societies to ensure a harmonious integration process
Modules:
Semester One
- LC581 Forced Migration and Host Societies (Core)
- LC582 The Refugee Journey: Mobility, Adaptation and Integration (Core)
- LC584 Education in Refugee Contexts (Core)
- LC586 Research Methods (Core)
Semester Two
Choose one from the following two options
- LC583 Gender, Sexuality and Migration (Option)
- LC5850 Translation in Crises (Option)
Choose two from the following six options
- LG5008 Environmental Change and World Politics
- LG517 International Development Practice
- LG5064 Governance of Migration in Europe
- LG574 Politics of the Middle East and North Africa
- LG552 Politics of the UN
- LC529 Working with Refugees and International Protection Applicants
Summer
- LC580 Dissertation (Core)
View the current course structure
Why do this programme?
- To understand the issues that need to be addressed to ensure the successful integration of refugees and international protection applicants
- To gain the knowledge and skills necessary to respond to the displacement of people in refugee (-like) situations, both for the newly arrived populations and the host societies
- To acquire advocacy skills in order to work on behalf of NGOs and grassroots organisations
- To further knowledge and training in the management of crisis situations
- To develop policy documents and advocacy campaigns at local and national level
Why Choose DCU?
DCU’s MA in Refugee Integration is designed to address the issues faced by refugees and host communities alike, through a cross-disciplinary approach to areas of language and communication, cultural awareness, strategies for integration, crisis communication in a multilingual context, sexuality and gender issues related to migration, and governance at national and global level.
DCU was the first institute of higher education in Ireland to receive the designation ‘University of Sanctuary’ in 2016 and it has maintained its leadership in the growing network of HEIs creating and sustaining a culture of welcome for forcibly displaced people.
DCU’s excellence is recognised internationally and it is regularly featured among the top young universities globally, as measured by the Times Higher Education Top 100 under 50 and the QS Top 50 under 50. In the last nine years, DCU has twice been named Sunday Times ‘University of the Year’.
Career Prospects
Graduates of this programme can expect to find employment in a range of areas with:
- NGOs, at home or abroad
- reception and integration bodies (such as the Reception and Integration Agency) and Direct Provision Centres
- Local councils designated as reception areas for refugees
- Local and national bodies, workplaces (such as hospitals, schools, multicultural workplaces) advising on policy making, strategies and their implementation
- International bodies such as the UNHCR, Red Cross, Médecins sans Frontières, and others concerned with guaranteeing the well-being and care of refugees and migrants
Requirements
For admission to the MA in Refugee Integration programme, successful applicants will have:
- A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent
- Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
- International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. More information about DCU's English language requirements can be found here.