Course Overview:

Migration is one of the most polarising and debated issues in contemporary societies. While academics and practitioners often rely on data-driven analyses and theoretical models to understand migration, public opinion is shaped by media narratives, political discourse, and anecdotal evidence. This course critically examines the gap between migration theory and practice by exploring how scholars conceptualize and model migration, how policymakers regulate it, and how migrants themselves experience it. Key topics include voluntary vs forced migration, the role of international organisations, and the evolving definition of "migrant" in relation to geopolitical borders, identity, and citizenship. The course also examines the role of scientific communication in shaping migration narratives and public perception. By employing a global, comparative perspective and combining theoretical approaches with real-world case studies, students will learn how migration is understood, regulated, and experienced in different contexts.

Intended Learning Outcomes: 

• Understanding key theories and models of migration from demography, sociology, and other social sciences. 
• Analysing how migration is represented in the media and public discourse. 
• Critically engaging with migration policies and their real-world consequences. 
• Connecting academic research with the experiences of migrants, policymakers, and practitioners.