Migration across natural and political borders has always played an important role in human history. As migration is both a cause and a side effect of internationalization and globalization, mobility and migration have drawn increasing social, economic and political attention, a fact that is also reflected in the European Union’s political agenda.
Migration studies span politics, economics, civil society, culture and the media. Migration is one of the most dynamic research fields in modern social development.
The PhD program Migration Studies contributes to a better understanding of migration policies, the background and causes of migration, the challenges facing emigration and immigration countries, and the importance of integration measures towards securing quality of life and social cohesion.
Migration Studies - PhD
Migration across natural and political borders has always played an important role in human history. As migration is both a cause and a side effect of internationalization and globalization, mobility and migration have drawn increasing social, economic and political attention, a fact that is also reflected in the European Union’s political agenda.
Module 1: PhD colloquia
Contents
PhD Colloquium 1
PhD Colloquium 2
PhD Colloquium 3
PhD Colloquium 4
PhD Colloquium 5
PhD Colloquium 6
Learning Results
PhD colloquia take place every half year with the PhD committee, during which the research progress is discussed and evaluated. The choice of courses, lectures, participation in conferences and publication options may also be addressed in the PhD colloquia. PhD candidates must prepare a written progress report and their most important questions and submit these to the PhD committee in advance.
ECTS-Points
12
Module 2: Methodology
Contents
Interdisciplinary Research in Migration Studies
Advanced Quantitative Methods
Advanced Qualitative Methods
Learning Results
The course Interdisciplinary Research in Migration Studies gives an overview of the research practices and approaches in the various disciplines in the field, while the courses in quantitative and qualitative methods provide a deeper insight into different research methods and their application.
ECTS-Points
12
Module 3: Research fields in Migration Research
Contents
Migration Theories and Policies
Law and Migration
International Management and Organization Theory
Globalization and Religion
Migration and Communication
Migration and Democracy
Selected further topics in migration research
Learning Results
The module Research Fields in Migration Research is designed to provide deeper insight into the specialized fields in migration research. The course Migration Theories and Policies, earning 6 ECTS credits, is compulsory; at least 2 of the electives (á 4 ECTS) must be completed.
ECTS-Points
14
Module 4: Complementary Subjects
Contents
Scientific Theory and Ethics
Grant Acquisition and Project Management
Inclusion and Integration in Digital Network Society
Scientific Writing and Dialectics
Selected, Further Complementary Subjects
Learning Results
The module Complementary Subjects provides extra courses that complement the program, from which students may freely choose. These could be courses, for instance, which examine the epistemological, social and ethical consequences of scientific activities, the professionalization and role of researchers, or improve communication skills.
ECTS-Points
4
Contents
Migration studies are an interdisciplinary research field. Disciplines such as economics and anthropology, sociology, political science, law, religious and communication studies play an important role in studying human migration, the determinants, processes and effects in various contexts.
The PhD program Migration Studies is a platform for collaboration and exchange between the different disciplines, providing a fertile learning environment and actively supporting PhD candidates in the field of migration studies, thereby contributing to the establishment and consolidation of this interdisciplinary research field.
Seen from a European and global perspective, the interdisciplinary PhD program Migration Studies is unique in its way in Austria, complementing the existing PhD programs at Austrian universities.
Structure
The PhD program Migration Studies is a three-year (six semester) course.
The program earns 180 ECTS. The coursework comprises 30 ECTS credits; the 6 scientific colloquia 12 ECTS, the PhD Thesis 133 ECTS credits, and the oral defense (viva) 5 ECTS.