Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism

Why do people migrate? How do immigrants find their way in society and develop (new or dual) cultural identities? How do host societies respond to immigrants? Why and when do ethnic and religious differences lead to conflicts and misunderstandings? What are the reasons for prejudice and racism, and how can these negative reactions be minimised?

Investigate integration and cultural diversity 

In this Master's programme in Migration, Ethnic Relations and Multiculturalism, you will focus on questions of high societal significance and policy relevance that relate to international migration, integration and cultural identity, development of ethnic relations, and management of cultural diversity.

The programme addresses these topics from the assumption that systematic understanding of the precursors and processes of migration and integration is essential for the development of adequate policies and interventions in pluralistic societies.
 

Interdisciplinary methodology

This two-year Master's programme contributes to interdisciplinary theoretical and empirical knowledge in the social sciences. We focus on the main theories and approaches developed in the fields of Sociology and Social and Cultural Psychology. In addition to these two central disciplinary fields, we also cover perspectives from adjacent fields such as Political Science, Economics, Anthropology and Geography.

Programme objective

Through your studies, you develop into a well-qualified science practitioner. You will acquire the skills and knowledge to go on to PhD training or a research career outside academia. You will receive a structured and systematic training in theoretically and methodologically advanced research, that will equip you to help solve social science problems in the fields of migration, ethnic relations and multiculturalism.
 

Research

You will receive extensive training in quantitave research methodology, and graduate well prepared for further PhD studies within the Interuniversity Centre for Social Science Theory and Methodology (ICS) or another institute in the Netherlands or abroad.

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World-class university in a lively student city

Choosing Utrecht University means choosing one of the best universities in the country with several renowned international rankings  and twelve Nobel Prize laureates. 

Located in the middle of the Netherlands, Utrecht is a medieval city with a centre small enough to explore on foot, yet large enough to host world-class festivals, fashionable shops, modern architecture and fascinating museums. Find more about what student life is like in Utrecht!