Why this programme

Governance of Migration and Diversity - Sociology
student misoc

What does this study entail?

In the master track Governance of Migration and Diversity - part of the Master Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam - you will learn to understand and manage complex societal developments, with a special focus on the contemporary issues of migration and diversity.

This master track is part of the interdisciplinary GMD Master programme, linking the University of Leiden, Delft University of Technology and Erasmus University Rotterdam (including the Institute for Social Sciences in The Hague).

What is this master track about?

Managing international migration flows can be a challenge. So how can we do this in the best possible way? How can interaction with migrants be stimulated in the countries in which migrants arrive in order to avert discrimination and encourage cohesion? What are the consequences of “superdiversity” for contemporary cities and how can local authorities cope with these consequences?

In our globalised and complex network society, these urgent questions need to be answered. In order to do so, experts who demonstrate analytical skills, connective leadership, entrepreneurial attitudes and a strong ethical compass to achieve innovative solutions for societal problems are needed. This Master’s specialisation in Sociology at Erasmus University Rotterdam focuses on the research, analysis and governance of societal issues.

Is this the right programme for you?

Migration and diversity are key factors in some of the most fundamental transformations of society today. These transformations do not merely involve migrants, and they have an impact on society at large. Migration and diversity have become highly politicised issues that play an important role in contemporary politics in many countries. These issues influence many different aspects of society, such as education, housing, labour and international relations.

This specialisation studies migration and diversity from an interdisciplinary perspective, addressing the different aspects of this societal transformation. The programme provides students with a strong theoretical basis. It focuses on sociological theories and research about the drivers of migration.

In addition, the integration of immigrants in receiving countries is examined from a sociological point of view. This includes the structural analysis of, for instance, labour market positions of migrants or problems related to discrimination. Furthermore, the cultural and religious aspects of integration are analysed, for instance, the role of the Islam or the position of Muslims in Europe. During the programme, policies related to migration and the incorporation of migrants are studied. You will learn to critically assess how policies have been developed in cities and countries across the world and how migration and diversity are discussed in broader political debates and in the media.

GMD Master Testimonial

Master Governance Migration and Diversity

Migration

Testimonials

Prof. dr. Arjen Leerkes, Lecturer

Prof. dr. Arjen Leerkes - Lecturer

How to become a professional in the field of migration and diversity?
How to become a professional in the field of migration and diversity?

This interdisciplinary master programme provides students with state-of-the-art knowledge of the causes and consequences of international migration. Moreover, the programme examines what governments at various levels can and cannot do to steer international migration and its effects on sending and receiving countries. The master programme will equip social sciences students with the necessary knowledge and skills to become a professional in the field of migration and diversity.

Elina Jonitz

Elina Jonitz - Alumna Governance of Migration and Diversity (Sociology)

The multidisciplinary perspectives will help me in the future to critically assess existing migration policies and develop concepts that take greater account of migrants’ needs and aspirations.
Elina Jonitz - student GMD sociology
The multidisciplinary perspectives will help me in the future to critically assess existing migration policies and develop concepts that take greater account of migrants’ needs and aspirations.

In my previous work, I met people from all over the world who - for various reasons - decided to move to Germany. It was through these interactions that I understood the different challenges people face throughout their migration experience - from overcoming borders to settling down in a new environment, often having to fight for their right to stay.

Which global dynamics cause people to leave and what is the impact on countries of origin and residence as well on migrants themselves? How can social cohesion in highly diverse societies be created? Considering recent political changes in Europe and worldwide, I believe these are some of the most pressing questions in our globalized world and brought me to the Master programme Governance of Migration and Diversity.

The GMD Master allowed me to seek answers to multiple questions and challenged me to engage with the complexity of migration and diversity in new ways. For example through discussions with students from different disciplinary backgrounds or during a mini-conference where we had to present our own policy ideas for current migration and diversity related issues. Also during site visits in Brussels, Leiden and Rotterdam we were given the opportunity to exchange ideas with governance actors on the international, national and local level.

I also appreciated the staff’s approachability and their excellence in teaching and up-to-date research with a focus on macro- and micro-level processes. Due to the GMD Master I am now able to analyse broader structural developments, such as the ‘crimmigration’ and ‘securitization’ of international migration, but also shed light on migrants’ everyday lived experiences. The multidisciplinary perspectives will help me in the future to critically assess existing migration policies and develop concepts that take greater account of migrants’ needs and aspirations.

A nice ‘side effect’ of the Master programme is the possibility to explore the Netherlands since courses take place in four Dutch cities: Rotterdam, Leiden, Delft and The Hague. 

Elina Jonitz - student GMD sociology

Inês Martins Gloria

Inês Martins Gloria - Student Governance of Migration and Diversity (Sociology)

GMD master offers a unique learning experience by bringing together knowledge from various disciplines (sociology, history, politics), enabling a comprehensive understanding of migration and diversity dynamics.
GMD master offers a unique learning experience by bringing together knowledge from various disciplines (sociology, history, politics), enabling a comprehensive understanding of migration and diversity dynamics.

GMD master offers a unique learning experience by bringing together knowledge from various disciplines (sociology, history, politics), enabling a comprehensive understanding of migration and diversity dynamics. Thanks to its multidimensional approach, it empowers students to critically analyze the same phenomenon from different perspectives. As I completed the joint courses, my enthusiasm for the program grew even stronger during the specific sociology course modules. Migration in a Globalized World stood out as my favorite course in my academic journey, igniting a deep curiosity to seek further knowledge about the complex and ever-evolving contemporary migration challenges on a global scale. Undoubtedly, this program has significantly enhanced my critical thinking abilities and sharpened my problem-solving skills, equipping me to confidently embrace future challenges that lie ahead.

Esther van der Sluijs

Esther van der Sluijs - Student Governance of Migration and Diversity (Sociology)

A great thing I take away from this master's programme, and hold dear in my heart, are the people and the connections I have made!
Esther van der Sluijs
A great thing I take away from this master's programme, and hold dear in my heart, are the people and the connections I have made!

When I first came across the master’s programme Governance of Migration and Diversity, I immediately became enthusiastic. With a deep interest in migration, diversity, and human rights issues since a young age, I engaged in various volunteering activities in the Netherlands within these fields. However, I felt the need to expand my theoretical knowledge through an academic programme which would give me more understanding about the sociological theories and the complexities surrounding these topics. And I am so happy I made this choice! The several interesting courses taught by knowledgeable and passionate professors, the theory-meets-practice sessions to for example Brussels and to NGOs, and the inspiring guest lectures, underscored my passion. Despite the occasional high workload, it really provided me with the motivation to pursue a career in this field.

But above all, a great thing I take away from this master's programme, and hold dear in my heart, are the people and the connections I have made. Being part of the student board and organizing, as well as attending, many academic and social activities with my fellow students, felt as such a big part of the programme for me. I had the privilege of meeting likeminded people from countries all over the world, while exchanging experiences and insights regarding the disciplines from the different tracks. Altogether, if you are passionate about migration and diversity and seek a programme that encourages personal and academic growth while fostering a close-knit community, this master’s programme is the perfect fit for you!

Esther van der Sluijs

Joint programme

The master track Governance of Migration and Diversity brings together different disciplines: history, sociology, politics, international development and urban design as a foundation for a better understanding of the governance of migration and diversity.

The programme is a collaboration between Erasmus University Rotterdam (including the Institute for Social Studies in The Hague), Leiden University and Delft University of Technology. The cooperation between these universities provides a unique combination of varied expertise within one single master programme. Students can apply to one of the four tracks: 

The Sociology track focuses specifically on sociological theories and empirical research about the drivers of international migration, how people migrate from one country to another (their migratory journeys and the obstacles they are faced with during their journeys) and how migrants are incorporated (or not) after arriving in the receiving society. We focus both on the challenges and the positive consequences of migration for receiving societies. We also research migration and immigrant integration policies, including possible perverse consequences of these policies.

Note that participating in the master will involve travel costs between the cities (Leiden, Delft, The Hague, Rotterdam).

Leiden Delft Rotterdam logo

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