International Migration and Intercultural Relations - Master of Arts
Why is there talk of 'migration crises' in very different historical and geographical contexts? How should effective refugee protection be designed? How do educational institutions deal with diversity and multilingualism? Why is the topic of gender and migration often reduced to the headscarf? How can the concepts of borders, nation states and racism be conceptualized theoretically?
Facts
Standard period of study:
4 semesters
Language of instruction:
German, partly English
Admission:
Admission restricted Numerus Clausus
Start of studies:
Winter semester
Degree:
Master of Arts (M.A.)
In this respect, the Master's is characterized by three special features:
Interdisciplinarity and a personal atmosphere: a basis for understanding and ability
Globally networked: You choose where you study
EuMIGs option: Two degrees with one Master's
The Master's program 'International Migration and Intercultural Relations (IMIB)' is dedicated to the multifaceted phenomenon of migration. Migration is understood both as social normality and as a subject of controversy and conflict.
Why is there talk of 'migration crises' in very different historical and geographical contexts? How should effective refugee protection be designed? How do educational institutions deal with diversity and multilingualism? Why is the topic of gender and migration often reduced to the headscarf? How can the concepts of borders, nation states and racism be conceptualized?
These and other questions have global relevance and are an issue in all societies. However, they are often discussed with little differentiation and without the necessary in-depth knowledge. The IMIB Master's takes up such questions and answers them from an interdisciplinary and transnational perspective. This is made possible not least by the broad subject expertise and the option of a double degree as part of the transnational EuMiGs Double Degree Program.
To get a deeper insight into the research and teaching at IMIS, we have put together some videos and podcasts by lecturers from different disciplines.
IMIB students are in high demand in many areas after graduation. Our graduates work in NGOs and civil society organizations, public authorities, academia, political education, the media, international cooperation or the private sector. The Master's degree opens up a wide range of career prospects.
If you are interested in pursuing a Doctorate and working in academia, the research-oriented Master's is the best preparation. Feel free to talk to lecturers about this. We will be happy to advise you!
The IMIB degree course is designed for two years (four semesters) and begins in the winter semester. In the first two semesters, students acquire various disciplinary and transdisciplinary fundamentals of migration research as well as methodological knowledge, which they deepen in the course of their studies through elective modules. In the final semester, they write their Master's thesis and are supported by a research colloquium. In addition to the teaching program, students complete a one-month internship and an excursion to gain practical experience and knowledge.
We would also be delighted if you could play a proactive role in shaping your studies: For example, there is the opportunity to initiate and run a seminar with other students on your own topic, you can suggest excursions and the module final papers are not exclusively traditional term papers, but you can also realize other formats (e.g. a radio feature, a contribution to an exhibition or digital formats such as a contribution to a science blog). An example of a past excursion on the topic of migrant labor in Almería is documented in the blog "A sear of plastic on the horizon".
Modul Program Schedule
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester |
| Module 1 | Module 2 | Module 4 | Colloquium |
| Module 2 | Module 3 | Module 5 | Master's thesis |
| Lecture series | Module 4 | Module 6 | |
| Excursion | Practical course | ||
| 29 ECTS | 31 ECTS | 30 ECTS | 30 ECTS |
Module 1: Introduction to Migration Research: Social, Historical and Legal Foundations
Module 2: Introduction to Migration Research: Language, Space and Education
Module 3: Methods and Methodologies in Migration Research
Module 4: Diversity in Migration Societies
Module 5: Migration Regimes
Module 6: Empirical Research Project and Free Elective
Module 7: Migration Research: Transfer and Dialogue (Lecture Series, Practical Course, Excursion)
Module 8: Master's Thesis
We would be delighted if you would choose the Master's in International Migration and Intercultural Relations! In order to maintain the high quality and personal atmosphere of the IMIB-MA, the program is limited to 30 places. Your application is subject to a selection process in which other criteria such as personal motivation, relevant practical experience and extra-academic achievements such as civic engagement count in addition to your Bachelor's grade. This makes it possible to take other individual qualities of applicants into account in addition to their academic performance.
All access requirements can be found in detail on the IMIS website for the application procedure
Applicants in possession of international certification must demonstrate sufficient levels of German Language Proficiency.
This program is subject to admission restrictions.
General information on selection procedures is available under the link How Places are Awarded. For an overview of the numerus clausus in previous years, please see the link Selection Restrictions.
All information pertaining to the application process may be found at Application, Admission and Enrollment.
German and international applicants with German certification can find all information about the application and the application deadline for the desired semester under Master's degree programs (single subject).
Please note: different application conditions and deadlines may apply for Applicants with Non-German Certification!
There are three options for the IMIB degree program:
- You study all four semesters in Osnabrück.
- You study in the second year at one of the EuMIGS partner universities.
- You stay in Osnabrück for three semesters and study one semester (usually the third semester) at one of our numerous European or non-European partner universities.
The IMIB Master is also characterized by numerous other cooperations with other universities - including those specializing in migration - within and outside Europe, where semesters abroad are possible:
- For intra-European exchanges, there is the possibility of funding through the Erasmus program
- DAAD-ISAP funding is available for the semester abroad at Toronto Metropolitan University.
- Due to the broad and long-standing transnational network of IMIS in research and teaching, IMIB-MA students also benefit from lectures by international guest researchers and English-language events.
Studying at Osnabrück University means you will be subject to semester fees. Depending on how much of your study credit (standard period of study plus tolerance semester) you have used up, you may also have to pay long-term study fees. Additional information on this topic may be found at How Much does Studying Cost?
Our Central Study Counseling Service will be happy to provide you with all the information you need about studying, admission requirements and the structure of your chosen program.
Each department’s Departmental Study Counselling Service will answer any questions you might have about the content of individual programs.
This degree program has been accredited by the German Accreditation Council.