Joint Master's Degree | Moblity based across ERUA partner universities
Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context
Overview
The joint Master's program "PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context" focuses on the urgent and complex challenges of forced migration, acknowledging the increasing global displacement driven by geopolitical instability, environmental concerns, and socio-economic factors. The program aims to prepare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and effectively tackle these multifaceted issues.
PATHS provides a unique blend of interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives within a cohesive curriculum. It incorporates mobility pathways, research opportunities, and close collaboration with local, national and international organizations, enhancing students' competencies and adaptability.
This joint Master’s degree program is offered by selected member universities of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA):
What will you learn?
This interdisciplinary program, grounded in sociology and enriched by insights from political science, law, pedagogy, and psychology, offers a deep understanding of migratory phenomena. Beyond a solid theoretical foundation, we ensure that our graduates gain extensive practical experience. During the program, you will:
- Master qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Participate in intensive field training through specialized internships
- Gain professional experience within public institutions and intergovernmental organizations (IGOs)
- Engage directly with individuals who have been forced to migrate
- Network with global experts specializing in diverse aspects of migration, from children’s rights to border control
Three study paths
We offer three study paths, each focusing on a different aspect of migration. Your selected path determines the international university rotation you will follow:
- EU Border Regimes: European University Viadrina (Germany) — SWPS University (Poland) — University of the Aegean (Greece)
- Inclusion of Children and Minors: University of Paris 8 (France) — SWPS University (Poland) — University of Macerata (Italy)
- Politics and Policies: New Bulgarian University (Bulgaria) — SWPS University (Poland) — University of Macerata (Italy)
PLEASE NOTE: the Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer you a study path different from your initial selection.
Advantages
This unique interdisciplinary program offers a global perspective on migration through a highly collaborative framework. As a student, you will:
- Study at three universities across three different countries: build an international professional network across distinct academic and cultural environments, fostering the adaptability and cross-border expertise essential for a career in global NGOs or policy institutions.
- Earn a joint Master’s degree certified by three degree-granting institutions and recognized throughout Europe.
- Build practical professional experience through intensive field training and internships within public institutions, IGOs, and NGOs, working directly alongside displaced populations and global migration experts.
Career prospects
As a graduate of the PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context joint Master’s program, you will possess the theoretical depth and practical expertise in migration governance, border systems, and policymaking required to work in complex migration contexts worldwide, including areas such as:
- Migration management and border policy agencies at national and European levels
- International organizations and NGOs working with refugees and displaced persons
- Diplomatic and intergovernmental relations
- Public administration
- Humanitarian and development organizations
- Social services and community integration
- Policy advising and governmental institutions
- Legal advocacy and refugee rights
- Research institutions and think tanks focusing on migration and border studies
- Socio-economic development and research
- Education, training, and intercultural mediation
- Media, advocacy, and public information on migration issues and refugee rights
Faculty
Empowering future leaders to navigate the geopolitical, humanitarian, and socio-economic complexities of displacement in an interconnected world.
Ildiko Otova
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor, New Bulgarian University
Nasara Cabrera Abu
Ph.D. / University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Chiara Aleffi
Research Fellow / University of Macerata
Samuel Boussion
Ph.D. / University of Paris8
Fabrizio Marongiu Buonaiuti
Full Professor / University of Macerata
Antoine Burgard
Ph.D., Senior Lecturer /University of Paris8
Fabio Clementi
Ph.D., Associate Professor / University of Macerata
Jean Christophe Coffin
Ph.D., Associate Professor / Universiyt of Paris8
Edith Cognigni
Ph.D., Associate Professor / University of Macerata
Olga Czeranowska
Ph.D. / Assistant Professor
Rosita Deluigi
Ph.D. / Full Professor, University of Macerata
Jane Freedman
Professor, Paris 8 University
Stratos Georgoulas
Professor / University of Aegean
Agnieszka Golińska
Ph.D., Assistant Professor / SWPS University
Cristina Grieco
Ph.D., Assistant Professor / University of Macerata
Maria Grujić
Ph.D. / European University Viadrina
Kira Kosnick
Professor / University of Viadrina
Christos Kouroutzas
Ph.D., Associate Professor / University of the Aegean
Mouna Maaroufi
Ph.D. / European University Viadrina
Lucas Andrés Pérez Martín
Ph.D. / University of Las Palmas de Gran Canaria
Nikos Nagopoulos
Professor / University of Aegean
Vanina Ninova
Ph.D. / New Bulgarian University
Dimitris Paraskevopoulos
Ph.D., Assistant Professor / University of Aegean
Ilaria Pirone
Professor / University of Paris8
Michalis Poulimas
Ph.D., Assistant Professor / University of the Aegean
Paula Pustułka
Ph.D., Associate Professor / SWPS University
Antoine Rivière
Ph.D., Associate Professor / University of Paris8
Manos Savvakis
Professor / University of Aegean
Evelina Staykova
Ph.D., Associate Professor / New Bulgarian Universiyt
Manuel Teresi
Ph.D. / University of Macerata
Laura Vagni
Full Professor / University of Macerata
Nikolaos Xypolytas
Ph.D., Assistant Professor / University of the Aegean
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in social sciences or humanities. Degrees in other fields may also be considered, provided the applicant demonstrates relevant work experience in the field of migration. The recognition of alternative academic backgrounds will be assessed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.
- English proficiency certificate:
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Cover letter that provides a reflective account of your motivation for your chosen study path
- Letter(s) of recommendation from academic or professional referees (max. 2)
- Certificates or documented evidence of extracurricular activities, such as voluntary work, internships, community engagement, or related initiatives
- Medical insurance policy
Application
Tuition Fee
EUR 9,000 / year - Lower your tuition fee