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Doctoral Programme in Migration Studies: Applications for 2020-21 now open

Published 25 September 2019 / By Carlos Vargas-Silva

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Applications for the 2020-21 entry cohort to the Doctoral Programme in Migration Studies at the University of Oxford are now open. This programme offers the unrivalled opportunity to undertake an interdisciplinary, in-depth project focused on a specific and contemporary challenge facing the world.

We know that the first cohort of doctoral students (2019-2020) will undertake research on migration issues across different countries of the world, including refugee entrepreneurship in Turkey, the role of family ties and configurations in the migratory process in the UK, the role of the informal sector in facilitating refugee integration in Turkey and the Middle East, changing urban migratory patterns in China, and regional development of ethnic minority regions in China. We’re really looking forward to delving into the detail of their work during the upcoming months.

In this blog, I'm answering some  frequently asked questions about the programme, but do also explore the University pages and watch the video below. I’ve also written before on the benefits of studying migration at Oxford which might sway you further!

Who can supervise students in the Doctoral Programme in Migration Studies?

For supervision, students can draw on world-class scholars from the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography and the Oxford Department of International Development, including, but not exclusively, academic staff members from the Centre on Migration, Policy and Society and the Refugee Studies Centre. On these websites, search for academics with the title of Associate Professor or Professor, as they are the main supervisors of doctoral research.

Which topics can be explored in the Doctoral Programme in Migration Studies?

The degree is interdisciplinary and students can explore any topics related to migration as long as there is appropriate supervision available for the topic. It is useful, but not necessary, to contact potential supervisors before applying. However, make sure that you have a clear idea of the topic of your proposal and that it fits with the potential supervisor expertise before contacting them. These departments have experts on issues which range from humanitarian relief to transnational reproduction and ethnic relations, and much more.

What are the application deadlines?

There are two deadlines - Friday 15 November 2019 (applications submitted by this date are more likely to receive earlier decisions) and Friday 24 January 2020 (final application deadline for entry in 2020-21).

What type of funding is available?

There are many sources of funding available, some of which are institutional (automatically considered), but these are very competitive. I encourage potential students to look for outside scholarships from the start. Some useful links include the ESRC Migration Pathway, and the University’s scholarship search page.

Can I do the Doctoral Programme on a part-time basis?

Yes, the degree can be completed on a part-time basis. It takes 6-8 years, instead of 3-4 years as a full-time student.

What if I don’t have a background in social sciences or migration related research?

In that case, it is better to start your training in these topics by applying to our nine month Masters Programme in Migration Studies and then consider applying for the Doctoral Programme option.

Taking on a doctoral programme is a huge undertaking and no doubt if you’re reading this you’ve been thinking about it for some time. I wish you the best of luck in your application!