Duration:	18 Months
Actual Credit Load Minimum Credit Load:	270 270
Maximum Credit Load:	340
Maximum MBKS Credit Load	234
ZNQF Level:	9

 

1.0. PURPOSE OF THE PROGRAMME

This programme is designed to provide a broad theoretical understanding of human mobility and the role of both internal and international migration in economic and political processes, social change and globalisation as well as an overview of the major debates and literature on migration, citizenship and refugee protection from different disciplinary perspectives. The programme offers students an understanding of the complex and varied nature of migration and refugee populations, of their centrality to global, regional and national processes of political, social and economic change, and of the needs and aspirations of displaced people. The programme also helps students develop a broad understanding of academic research related to the integrated areas of migration, citizenship and refugee protection, as well as critical thinking and sound evaluative tools relevant to policy debates at all levels including potential linkages between diaspora engagement and economic development in Africa

2.0   ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

The applicant must have completed a social science Bachelor’s Degree with (2.1 or better) in a relevant area to the programme.

3.0   PROGRAMME CHARACTERISTICS

Areas of Study

Migration

Migration is a key population variable that influences population growth. The programme equips students with in-depth knowledge and analytical skills in migration analysis from global, regional and Zimbabwean perspectives.

Forced Migration

The programme examines how millions of people in Africa have been forced from their homes by interlinked factors including persecution, armed conflict, natural disasters, development projects and socio-economic deprivation. This program provides students with a deeper understanding of the nexus between forced migration and internal displacement with special attention on Africa.

Humanitarian Law and Refugee Law

This programme focuses on how international humanitarian law and refugee law are intertwined in our understanding of the movement of people in Africa and the global society.

Research Methods

Research is key in the development, implementation, monitoring and evaluation of policies and programs. The programme aims to impart knowledge on research concepts.

Specialist Focus:

Migration, Forced Migration, Humanitarian Law, Refugee Law and Research

Orientation:            Research and Innovation oriented. Teaching and learning focus on equipping students with an in-depth understanding of the complex and varied nature of migration and refugee populations, of their centrality to global, regional and national processes of political, social and economic change, and of the needs and aspirations of displaced people.

Distinctive Features: The programme builds the research-technology-innovation continuum and focuses on knowledge development and application using a student-centred approach.

 CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

The MSc degree in Migration, Citizenship and Refugee Protection is designed for development practitioners, academics, researchers and policymakers in government, non-government organisations and institutions of higher learning, research institutes; diplomatic community, international non-governmental, inter-governmental organisations and UN agencies.
The increasing complexity of public and social issues in Africa requires visionary leaders and creative researchers with a broad knowledge of policy and governance issues, processes and specific analytical and management competencies in the proposed areas of study. Anchored in the scholarly pan-African milieu of Social Sciences, the MSc in MCRP intends to enhance academic and professional skills among graduates with broad-based backgrounds in the fields of sociology, psychology, political and social sciences, humanities, theology, development, law, economics, anthropology, health sciences, child and family studies, leadership, peace and governance, demography, statistics, public policy, and social policy.

FURTHER EDUCATION

Doctor of Philosophy Studies in Migration Studies, Refugee Studies, Displacement Studies and other related fields.

5.0   PROGRAMME DELIVERY

Teaching and Learning Methods:  Virtual or face-to-face lectures, tutorials, seminars, group work, presentations, public lectures, practicals, dissertation, lecture notes, field trips and individual independent study.

Delivery Mode: Conventional; Block 3 x 2 week blocks per semester; weekend school.

Assessment Methods: Written and oral examinations, tests, seminar presentations, continuous assessment, dissertation.

 

1. PROGRAMME STRUCTURE

Level 1 Semester 1

 

Code            Module Description                                                             Credits

MCRP701                Theories, Concepts and Principles of Migration

                     and Demography                                                                  18

MCRP702                International Humanitarian Law and

                 Refugee Law in African Context                                           18

MCRP703                The Political Economy of Migration, Citizenship

                     and Refugee Protection                                                         18

MSR703                  Advanced Qualitative Research                                             18

 

Elective Modules (choose one)

MCRP 707               Critical Perspectives on Migration, Globalization

                      and Development                                                              18

MCRP 708  Migration and Politics of Belonging                                        18

 

Level 1 Semester 2

 

MCRP704                Migration: Refuge Policy and

                     Human Rights in Global Context                                           18

MCRP705                Forced Migration and

                     Internal Displacement in Africa                                             18

MCRP706                Natural Disasters, Environmental Change

                     and Forced Migration                                                           18

MSR704                  Advanced Quantitative Research                                           18

DPS 711    Demographic Change, Ageing and Globalization                       18

 

Level 2 Semester 1

 

MCRP801    Dissertation                                                                          90

 

MODULE SYNOPSES

MCRP701 Theories, Concepts and Principles of Migration and Demography

This module explores theories, concepts and principles of migration and demography in a Pan-African context. Empirical studies from different disciplinary traditions will be explored to explain the demographic configurations of sender and receptor regions. Migration cycles are explained using temporal and spatial scales such as first, second-generation immigrants and micro and macro levels analyses. The emphasis of the module is on comparative empirical research examples, strategies and findings. In addition, the module explores current controversies in the field of migration studies and implications for immigration policies and debates.

MCRP702 International Humanitarian Law and Refugee Law in African

This module looks at how international humanitarian law and refugee law are intertwined in our understanding of the movement of people in Africa and the global society. The module explores how international humanitarian law and refugee law together with regional and national law, constitute the broad framework for the protection of refugee and displaced persons. The module looks at the legal frameworks that protect refugees with a focus on the 1951 Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and its 1967 Protocol, and regional refugee instruments and actors. Students will explore how most of our current international law relating to armed conflict was codified in the aftermath of the Second World War, with the signing of the UN Charter in 1945 and the revision of the Geneva Conventions in 1949.

MCRP703 The Political Economy of Migration, Citizenship And Refugee Protection

The module provides a broad, theoretical understanding of human mobility and the role of both internal and international migration in economic and political processes, social change and globalisation, as well as an overview of the major debates and literature on contemporary migration from different disciplinary perspectives in the social sciences. Taking a political economy perspective, the module emphasises relational processes: the historically evolving process of production of institutional fields and defining who a refugee is, and the contextual and dynamic processes and practices of its social reproduction. It sets “lack of protection” in relation to the political and economic forces which produce the refugee institution, and which are reproduced by it. As such the module critically examines the interplay between migration and political, economic and social systems and contestations on issues regarding citizenship, human rights and the protection of refugees. Informed by the theories of political economy the module further examines the consequences of migration for the fiscal and political stability of states.

MSR703 Advanced Qualitative Research

This module builds on students’ knowledge of qualitative research methods by introducing them to advanced methods and techniques commonly used by qualitative researchers. The module seeks to foster an advanced level of understanding of, and expertise in the use of, the key methods of qualitative data generation. Using a theoretical and practical learning approach, students will be further equipped with the knowledge and skills needed to critically engage with complex concepts relevant to the advanced aspects of qualitative research such as critical appraisal of research output. Topics covered will include action research, ethnographic and observational research, conversation analysis, documentary and archival analysis, participatory research, grounded theory, narrative interviewing, visual and other technology-based methods of data collection as well as fundamentals of qualitative data analysis.

MCRP704 Migration: Refugee Policy and Human Rights in Global Context

This module is in three integrated parts, which together provide theoretical, empirical, and policy perspectives on the source and consequences of migration in a global context. Part 1 deals with migration, internally displaced persons (IDPS) and refugee policies in a global context of human mobility focusing on how migration shapes policies at local and global levels. Refugee policy is understood as a formal statement of a problem relating to protection, solutions or assistance for refugees or other populations of concern to the global migration and refugee regime. Part 2 deals with global refugee policies including the 2002 Agenda for Protection and UNHCR’s policies on older refugees (2000), refugee children (1993) and refugee women (1990) and their impact on human rights and civil liberties. In this way, global refugee policy is viewed as a discernible area of activity for the global refugee regime. Part 3 deals with how global refugee policy involves the engagement of different actors, primarily states and UNCHR including other multilateral organizations, NGOs, research and advocacy communities.

MCRP705 Forced Migration and Internal Displacement in Africa

The module gives a historical overview of forced migration and internal displacement in Africa. Using a human rights-based approach and a responsibility-based approach to migration as a development and human rights issue the module asks the question on why internal displacement takes place and who should be responsible for ensuring the protection of internally displaced persons and its bearing on the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals in Africa. Particular attention is given to forced migration especially conflict-induced internal displacement in Africa. Case studies of forced migration and internally displaced persons (IDPs) across Africa will the critically analysed with a view to exploring development initiatives to alleviate internal displacement caused by conflict, violence and natural disasters. As such, this module allows students to interrogate policy decisions informed by the Kampala Convention as a human rights instrument and the challenges associated with the governance of IDPs in Africa.

MCRP706 Natural Disasters, Environmental Change and Forced Migration

This module examines the processes of ecological transformation such as climate change, pollution, flooding and other natural and human disasters with a focus on the scale and complexity of human vulnerability, insecurity and displacement. The module explores the scientific aspects of climate/environmental change, justice and efforts by the international community, and humanitarian agencies including the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) with the aim of understanding the processes at play, the humanitarian problems and challenges and mitigating the impact of human activity. Students are also expected to document the various forms of resilience that communities have developed to cope and adapt to manage ecological stresses and shocks.

MSR704 Advanced Quantitative Research

This module focuses on the concepts, methods and skills central to the successful design and implementation of quantitative research projects in the social sciences, including data collection approaches and concept operationalization. It builds on issues around probability sampling, sampling error and statistical inference. Furthermore, this module aims to produce careful and considerate researchers who understand and appreciate the key issues in the craft of applied work and are able to critically appraise quantitative social research in their respective fields. Topics covered include data collection approaches, surveys, case-control and cohort studies, data types and distribution, access and ethics, hypothesis testing, samples and populations, approaches to analyses including comparisons, regression and correlation; analysis of categorical and continuous data and combining results of independent studies.

MCRP801 Dissertation

Every student will be required to produce a dissertation of not less than 18,000 and not more than 30,000- 40,000 words in length. A proposal based on a researchable topic in the integrated areas of human rights, peace and development must be submitted at the end of the second semester. Each student will be assigned a supervisor who will guide him or her during the writing of the dissertation. The format of the dissertation shall be in accordance with the University general regulations for graduate degree programmes.

MCRP 707  Critical Perspectives on Migration, Globalization and Development 

This module offers students the opportunity to combine study and analysis of critical perspectives on development and the increasingly important and related field of migration studies. The module will address the political economy of migration from a historical perspective, major trends in migration theories, and different forms of and approaches to the study of migration and displacement. Moving beyond a narrow preoccupation with the direct and causal linkages between migration and development, the module interrogates the academic and policy discourses underpinning each and explores some of the ways in which historical, socio-political and globalizing forces construct migration contexts and environments, and how these are navigated and challenged by migrants themselves. Specific topics include sedentarism and the study of migration; history and colonialism; nations, states and territories; seasonal and labour migration, irregular migration, and circular migration; diverse forms of forced migration, including trafficking; models of immigration and emigration and their consequences; Diasporas and transnationalism; policy understandings of and responses to migration, and transformations in the north and south.

MCRP 708  Migration and Politics of Belonging                                            

This module aims to develop a critical understanding of one of the most timely and pressing issues of recent times, namely, migration, and its relationship to the politics of identities, belonging and citizenship in global societies. It aims to introduce students to key themes and issues related to the social experience of migration in a diversity of contexts. Through critical debates, there is an exploration of the ways in which migrants, refugees and diaspora communities shape their societies of settlement and origin and how they have become key actors in a process of ‘globalisation from below’ at different social and spatial scales. Key concepts and theories are critically discussed and deployed to analyse contemporary processes of migration, transnationalism and diaspora and assess their relevance across a wide range of migration case studies. Examples of the central questions this module will address are: what are the main drivers of contemporary migration? To what extent can migrants become transnational citizens? What is the link between migration and homeland development in third-world countries? How are gender, class and race relations affected by migration?

DPS 711 Demographic Change, Ageing and Globalization

This module provides a foundation of knowledge on demographic change and population ageing in a cross-cultural, global perspective. The module focuses on transitional and developing societies and on linkages between regions of the world. The implications of contemporary demographic changes on the welfare of individuals, families and societies are also explored. The module also provides an awareness of how globalization, demographic, social and economic change in one part of the world impacts upon trends in another. An intergenerational life-course approach is adopted, stressing the close interaction between older and younger people in the production of risk and welfare in later life.