BASIC INFORMATION

Specific name: International Master’s Degree in Migration by the Universitat de València (Spain), the Université Catholique de Lille (France), the Conservatoire national des arts et métiers (France) and the Università della Calabria (Italy).

Official international joint degree (120 ECTS credits):

• Total credits: 120
• Internship credits: 9
• Elective credits: 0
• Compulsory credits: 120
• Master’s degree final project (TFM) credits: 6

ACADEMIC AND PROFESSIONAL INTEREST AND SOCIAL DEMAND

Populations subjected to forced displacement, whose human rights have been infringed, have experienced physical and mental health issues. Furthermore, they have to face new challenges such as education, bilingualism and finding a place to live, among others, and they require specialised assistance. There is a significant deficit of assistance for these communities, as well as a lack of education on the subject among professionals, including lawyers, psychologists, social workers, doctors and nurses, etc. This Master’s programme aims to raise awareness among professionals and provide them with the academic knowledge and research expertise required to organise international programmes of social intervention directed towards migrants and their families. This comprehensive professional profile is not currently represented in the European Higher Education Area, nor is it included in the international education offer.

The Master’s Degree in Migration was first proposed in 2003 and subsequently validated as an official degree in 2005 – its first edition as an international Master’s. Ever since, it has become an innovative, bold and comprehensive training programme for future migration specialists and researchers. At that time, as is the case now, it addressed a gap in the training of professionals which was crucial for the social development of Europe. The existing Master’s degrees do not support the creation of migration specialists – they are more theoretical and research-focused, with clear sociological and legal characteristics. In these programmes, interdisciplinarity is understood exclusively from the perspective of social sciences. When a professional profile emerges, it is conceived as education that supplements the existing training of students as social workers, educators or psychologists. However, it is not considered a standalone profile, which would require 120 ECTS credits in professional training in migration studies.

This Master’s offers an innovative educational programme in migration and provides students with a comprehensive training in the fields of education, health, economics, law, psychology, political science and sociology, anthropology, social work, history, demography and geography. The most relevant information will be taught, drawing upon disciplines that contribute to the study of international migrations. In contrast to other existing Master’s programmes, these disciplines are included as mandatory courses for all students. Furthermore, students must complete an internship of 9 ECTS credits in a high-level local, European or global institution with extensive experience in the field of migration. This constitutes an invaluable and effective opportunity for professional training.

The programme’s exclusivity, interdisciplinary nature and academic depth, as well as its accumulated experience of sixteen editions of compulsory European mobility and professional and research internships at national and international levels, make this Master’s a particularly competitive and distinctive programme. Despite the pioneering role played by this Master’s in the training of professionals, there are still no profiles as holistic, comprehensive and of such high quality as this programme. This objective of this proposal is to focus on the different offers that have emerged in recent years in the field of migration, which highlight the importance of this phenomenon. The interdisciplinary nature of this Master’s programme lends a distinctive quality to the study of migration, offering a unique perspective.

Most postgraduate studies on migration are structured around political, ethnic and cultural perspectives. In fact, most of the international Master’s programmes consulted present the following academic and research profiles, in order of frequency:

1. sociology;
2. ethnic studies;
3. political science and international relations;
4. development and social policy and planning.

To a lesser extent, fields such as anthropology and law appear. One Master’s degree in particular examines migration from a health perspective, the Master of Science in Global Urban Health (University of Freiburg), which analyses the impact of migration on the design of urban social work. Another Master’s programme, the Migration and Refugee Studies–MA (American University in Cairo, Egypt), includes psychological aspects and takes a more interdisciplinary approach – although it is taught outside the EU. Although many of the Master’s degrees consulted are described as multidisciplinary, the subjects covered are mainly sociological-political-ethnic and rarely extend to other fields such as health, psychology, social work or linguistics. Furthermore, the vast majority are academic and research oriented.

The need for professionals trained in multiculturalism in European societies is a reality. Indeed, our consortium includes both countries with a long history of immigration studies (France) and newer countries such as Spain, Italy and Portugal. This makes it even more enriching for the exchange of ideas and experiences. In the ‘old’ countries, there are already professionals close to migration specialists, more or less consolidated, but not as complete and specialised as here. For the new countries, the creation of this professional profile is a social and political challenge, with the added value of being able to learn from the professional commitment of experts from countries with more experience through this Master’s programme.

Well-qualified specialists in the field of migration, both researchers and professionals, are needed to face the new challenges of European culture, both in terms of social and community intervention and in terms of reflection on the integration policies proposed in Europe and internationally. NGOs, administrations (local, regional and national), trade unions, international organisations (IOM, ILO, IOJ, etc.), the various professional associations and society in general are calling for greater professionalisation in the field of migration.

In addition, the recent European political interest in the issue of integration and ‘diversity management’ in Europe can be seen in the ministerial conferences on immigration that have taken place:

1st MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATION
Dutch Presidency: 9–11 November 2004 in Groningen

2nd MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATION
German Presidency: May 2007 in Potsdam

3rd MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATION
French Presidency: 3–4 November 2008 in Vichy

4th MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATION
Spanish Presidency: 15–16 April 2010 in Zaragoza

5th MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON INTEGRATION
Italian Presidency: 5–6 November 2014 in Milan

EU-AFRICA MINISTERIAL CONFERENCE ON MIGRATION AND DEVELOPMENT (22–23 November 2006)

OECD MINISTERIAL MEETING ON MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION: MAKING MIGRATION AND INTEGRATION POLICIES FUTURE READY (Paris, 17 January 2020)

The conclusions of these ministerial conferences demonstrate the necessity for the establishment of a professional profile that includes all these political expectations and for the promotion of European integration through social cohesion.

In 2010, there were only 49 Master’s in this field in the EHEA. Now there are 478 (MastersPortal)

– only two of which are taught in Spain (considering only official Master’s programmes). These data show the need for the creation and development of a training space such as the one offered by the MUM, which brings together all the aspects of these Master’s and expands them with new topics. Through the training seminars, as an alternative to the Master’s 120 ECTS credits, we offer an open, adapted and flexible option that dynamically reflects the new academic and social challenges that will be present in future editions of the Master’s.

The attractiveness of the MUM is reflected in the high level of internationality of our students in these 16 editions, not only from Europe but also from third countries. The average percentage of non-EU students in the 16 editions of the Master’s programme is 48%, coming from countries as diverse as Algeria, Argentina, Peru, Senegal, Venezuela, Brazil, Colombia, Dominican Republic, the USA, Guatemala, Kazakhstan, Ukraine, Panama, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador, Mexico, Canada, China, India, Iceland, Iran, Israel, Nigeria, Morocco, Paraguay, Russia and Uruguay.

The rest of the students come from different European countries (Belgium, Italy, Germany, France, Hungary, Ireland, Portugal, Switzerland, Romania and Spain). The academic profile is open and multidisciplinary, given that our students come mainly from psychology, law, economics, political science, social work, language studies, journalism, geography, medicine and history.

The success rate and the average scores are high. Over the last five editions, the average performance rate has been 94%. The average success rate is 100% and the average drop-out rate is 7.6%.

Looking at the pre-enrolment data, it is worth noting that the number of pre-enrolled students for the Master’s programme has increased significantly.

We believe that this demand is due to an appropriate match between the design of the curriculum in terms of the educational and professional needs demanded by the labour market and the diverse training backgrounds of the students. In short, we believe that the MUM is a remarkable success in terms of demand and enrolment, and this is an indicator of a high level of academic, social and professional interest.

RESEARCH INTEREST

Current global migration has become increasingly important on the international agendas of governments, many of whom see it as a problem to be solved. The economic crisis and rising unemployment have led to painful decisions for migrants and their families. Europe, which has led the defence of human rights and the support and reception of refugees, has now adopted restrictive measures in its migration laws, provoking many deportations and expulsions, whether voluntarily or not.

In the field of study and research, new contributions and approaches could be made to the governance of migration, the defence and respect for the rights of migrants and their families, and the integration and non-discrimination of migrants, as stated in Goal 1 of the United Nations Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration (A/RES/73/195).

The areas of interest and the main commitments are as follows:

• Strengthening evidence-based and human rights-based policy-making and public discourse on migration.
• Minimising the adverse drivers of migration, including combatting poverty and discrimination and addressing climate and disaster-related displacement.
• Ensuring migrants’ rights to information and to a legal identity.
• Expanding and diversifying availability of pathways for safe, orderly and regular migration, taking into account the particular needs of migrants in situations of vulnerability.
• Protecting the right to decent work and other labour rights for migrants.
• Addressing and reducing vulnerabilities and human rights violations in the context of migration.
• Protecting the right to life in the context of migration.
• Combatting smuggling and trafficking while protecting the human rights of those who have been smuggled or trafficked.
• Respecting human rights at borders and conducting human rights-based and individualised screening, assessment and referral of migrants.
• Protecting the right to liberty and freedom from arbitrary detention, including by prioritising alternatives to immigration detention.
• Ensuring migrants’ rights to access basic services, including health, education and social support, without discrimination.
• Eliminating discrimination and combatting hate speech and xenophobia.
• Upholding the prohibitions of collective expulsion and refoulement for all migrants, ensuring that returns are safe and dignified and reintegration is sustainable.

At the UN level, the implementation of the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly and Regular Migration is supported by the UN Network on Migration.

UNESCO

Our work will be based on the priorities set out by UNESCO in the field of social sciences in order to develop projects that can provide data for research purposes and also offer guidance and suggestions to governments and civil society with a view to improving the quality of life migrants.

1. Protecting the rights of migrants: The most crucial instrument for the protection of migrants’ rights is the 1990 UN International Convention on the Protection of the Rights of All Migrant Workers and Members of Their Families, which has not been signed by numerous countries, particularly in Europe.
Strategies: Campaigning for ratification of the Convention by governments.
Enhancing the capacity of policy-makers and civil society actors.
Research areas: Examining the enforcement and abuse of the rights of migrant workers and their families in Europe. Analysing countries that have signed the Convention and how it is applied to their migration policies.

2. Developing national policies in countries of origin, transit and destination of migrants.
Strategies: Strengthening the relationship and cooperation between researchers and policy-makers in order to create a better quality of life for migrants. Stimulating new policies for migrants.
Research areas: Studying public and migration policies applied in the countries of origin, transit and destination. Facilitating dialogue and the formulation of new migration policies by policy-makers, at the various levels of government and academic institutions.

3. Promoting the value and respect for the cultural diversity of migrants in multicultural societies.
Strategies: Promotion a more favourable perception of migrants and their integration into society, while eliminating all forms of discrimination and intolerance.
Research areas: Analysing the impact of media in generating a negative image of migrants. Measuring the extent of discrimination and xenophobia in different countries, as well as the policies they implement with regard to the integration or segregation of migrants. Introducing innovative approaches to the respect of cultural diversity and social cohesion.

4. Combatting human trafficking and the exploitation of migrants. The desperation of migrants to find a better future can often result in them being deceived by unscrupulous organisations that exploit them or lead them into situations of slave labour, prostitution and illegal entry into receiving countries.
Strategies: Providing information and knowledge on migrants’ exploitation. Promoting policies in order to fight against human trafficking.
Research areas: Diagnosis of the situation of human trafficking in countries of origin, transit and destination. Contributing to the formulation of new policies against human trafficking. Conducting research with the aim of raising awareness on this problem.

5. Networks of migrants in the diaspora and in their countries of origin frequently facilitate employment opportunities and the exchange of experiences and knowledge. Skilled migrants have the potential to make a significant contribution to their countries and families through technology transfer. Know-how and the expansion of business and investment opportunities.
Strategies: Contributing to the promotion of researchers and scientists in their countries of origin, as well as developing mechanisms between countries of origin and destination. Reinforcing the networks of skilled migrants in the diaspora.
Research areas: Analysing the contributions of skilled and scientific migrants in host countries. Examining practical cases in countries of origin to disseminate knowledge and technologies

This interest in migration is evidenced by the work of the UNESCO Global Education Monitoring Report 2019: – Migration, displacement and education: building bridges, not walls.

European Union

In line with the aforementioned points and in response to the EU’s political priorities and recovery plan, four key strategic orientations for EU research and innovation have been defined for the 2021–2024 period (Horizon Europe Strategic Plan 2021–2024). The fourth strategic orientation encompasses the creation of a ‘more resilient, inclusive and democratic European society, prepared and responsive to threats and disasters, addressing inequalities and providing high-quality health care, and empowering all citizens to act in the green and digital transitions’. It comprises five clusters:

Cluster 2 (Culture, Creativity and Inclusive Society) ‘will contribute to tackling social and economic, gender and cultural inequalities via strategies of inclusion, non discrimination, solidarity, social protection, empowerment and social investment (such as strengthening of the social protection and education and training systems). It will also contribute to a comprehensive European strategy for inclusive growth and upward convergence for the well-being of citizens. In addition, relevant research and innovation investments will support policy action in favour of democracy, its stability, and its further development with a view to enhancing representation, participation, openness, pluralism, tolerance, non-discrimination and collective intelligence. It will stimulate the effectiveness of public policy, as well as the protection of fundamental rights and the rule of law. Finally, cluster 2 will help produce evidence-based strategies to manage mobility and migration and the integration of migrants in European society, including a better understanding of how migration interacts with other relevant policy fields (e.g. welfare, education, skills provision, housing, public services). Activities will contribute to expanding social resilience, tackling political extremism and enhancing trust in democratic governance in general. Investments will also contribute to safeguarding endangered cultural heritage from natural hazards and anthropogenic disasters by preventive interventions, as well as ensuring equal and wide access to cultural assets and heritage sites.’

Other research areas:

• Migrations and society: Examination of how populations in increasingly intercultural and interreligious societies respond to these changes. What models of models might be devised in a way that avoids the loss of identity? Dialogue of civilisations.
• Migrations and youth: Study of the processes of integration or marginalisation experienced by second and third generation migrants.
• Migrations and education: Study of the impact of migrant children and young people in the education system.
• Migrations and gender: Cross-disciplinary approach to gender studies. Examining the role of women in the cultural and religious mediation of their families and with society.