Master of Political Science - Migration Studies Track

  • Political Science
  • Humanities and Social Sciences
Master of Political Science - Migration Studies Track
Diplôme national de master contrôlé par l'État
Diplôme national de master contrôlé par l'État

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Résumé

The Master in Migration Studies addresses one of the most pressing global issues: the impact of migration and cultural diversity on contemporary societies. Read more

Objectifs

Initial training / Executive Education Program / Accessible for resumption of studies /
2 years
École Universitaire de Recherche Société et Environnement / Ecole Universitaire de Recherche Faculté de droit et science politique
Nice / Campus Saint Jean d'Angély / Campus Trotabas
English

Details

The + of training

  • Interdisciplinary approach
  • Active teaching combining lectures, seminars, and practical application
  • Excellence in education
  • A network of international partners for exchange programs in Europe (EuMigs network) and outside Europe

Targeted occupations

  •  Research and advocacy officer for international organizations (UNHCR, IOM, etc.) and national organizations (CIMADE, etc.)
  • Project manager in the field of migration and international mobility (intercultural relations sector, public and private international structures)
  • Research officer for local authorities

Affiliated Graduate School

eur appartenance
eur appartenance

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Introduction

The Migration Studies track of the Master in Political Science focuses on a crucial issue in today’s world: the impact of migration and diversity on contemporary societies. The movement of people, ideas, and practices, along with the increasing diversification of societies, has had significant effects on legislation, public policies, and individual and collective social experiences.

The program is rooted in a strong tradition of research in the history and sociology of migrations in Nice, a border city with a cosmopolitan character. It benefits from a dense network of local associations and professionals working on migration-related issues.

The Migration Studies track combines an in-depth study of political science tools and knowledge in the first year (M1) with an interdisciplinary and international perspective in the second year (M2), integrating law, political science, and social sciences. It is the only M2-level program on migration taught in English in France.

The Master's program relies on active pedagogy that blends lectures, seminars, practical applications, and supervised projects. This approach is designed to develop skills in conducting empirical research, producing and disseminating rigorous analyses, and managing institutional or non-governmental projects.

It offers excellence training that prepares students for careers in international and European organizations, local and national administrations, international NGOs, and the media.

The Master’s Program in Key Points:

  • A full second year (M2) taught entirely in English.
  • A critical perspective on societal challenges and migration, enabled by mastery of sociological tools.
  • Combined contributions from law, political science, and sociology.
  • Instructors comprising both academics and professionals specializing in migration issues.
  • Renowned international guest professors.
  • Located in a region heavily affected by migration processes.
  • Practical applications during courses (field visits, legal clinics) and throughout the internship.
  • Integration into research activities of laboratories (URMIS, ERMES, LADIE).
  • International experiences through study, research, or internship periods in Europe and beyond.
  • A network of international partners for exchange periods in Europe (https://www.eumigs.eu) and outside Europe.
  • An alumni network and professional network that facilitates career placement.
 

Program statistics:

  • Pass Rate 2023/2024: 88%
  • Satisfaction Rate: To learn about the satisfaction rate for the Migration Studies program, please contact the program director.
 

Double degree: 


The Migration Studies Master’s is part of the EuMIGS double degree program.

Students enrolled in any of the participating master’s programs can apply for the EuMIGS double degree or a EuMIGS exchange semester during their first semester.



 

Formation accessible aux personnes en situation de handicap.
Consultez le site Mission Handicap

Cette offre de formation est éligible à MON COMPTE FORMATION
moncompteformation.gouv.fr

CAMPUS SAINT JEAN D'ANGELY 1 & 2
5 rue du 22ème BCA
06300 Nice

CAMPUS TROTABAS
Avenue Doyen Louis Trotabas
06000 Nice

  • Persons in charge of the MS program , Social Sciences mention :

Master 1 : Jean Luc Primon : Jean-Luc.PRIMON@univ-cotedazur.fr
Master 2 : Federica Infantino : federica.infantino@univ-cotedazur.fr

  • Person in charge of the MS program, Political Science mention : 
Lucie Bargel : lucie.bargel@univ-cotedazur.fr

 
  • Persons in charge of the MS program, International law and European law mention :
 Jules Lepoutre : jules.lepoutre@univ-cotedazur.fr



 

Partnership

URMIS (Migrations and Society Research Unit, affiliated with the University’s Department of Sociology)

One of the first research laboratories in France to develop social science research on interethnic relations, URMIS is a mixed research unit under the joint supervision of Paris Cité University, Université Côte d'Azur, the French National Institute for Research and Development (IRD), and the National Center for Scientific Research (CNRS). The unit brings together researchers from various social science disciplines, offering a unique space for debate and comparison. It is founded on a shared approach to national, ethnic, and racial dimensions, conceived as social constructions.

ERMES (Research Team on the Mutations of Europe and its Societies, affiliated with the Faculty of Law and Political Science)

ERMES brings together political scientists, legal scholars, and historians of law and institutions. They examine the construction and transformation of political territories and identities, as well as the evolution of the legal and political space of the European Union, particularly in relation to migration processes.
LADIE (Laboratory of International and European Law, affiliated with the Institute of Peace and Development Law, IDPD)

Specialized in the study of migrant and refugee law, international humanitarian law, human rights, security issues, the fight against transnational crime, EU foreign and security policy, and EU migration policies, LADIE has participated in various European projects. Notably, it collaborated with the International Institute of Humanitarian Law in San Remo-Genoa on the INTERREG project funded by the European Union titled “The EU and the Law of Migrants and Refugees.”

Admission

Prerequisite

Undergraduate level

  • First-year admission: Bachelor’s degree in political science or social sciences. French proficiency at C1 level; English proficiency at B2 level (no formal certification required: any proof of English level is acceptable, such as transcripts, volunteer work or internships conducted in English, or a study semester in an English-speaking environment).
     
  • Second-year admission: One year of post-bachelor studies (in political science or social sciences with a focus on politics or migration issues), or a Bachelor’s degree plus professional or volunteer experience in the field of migration. English proficiency at C1 level (no French level required, as the Master’s program is taught entirely in English).

Conditions of applications

 
INITIAL TRAINING

M1 Application : Mon Master 
M2 Application : eCandidat

More information on registering and applying : https://univ-cotedazur.fr/formation/candidater-et-s-inscrire

Procedure 

Choose your Master's program (either social sciences, political science or European and international law) and select the Migration studies specialization (please note that for M1 in European and international law, it is only in your application file that you will specify your choice of the Migration studies specialization)

Complete your application file with all the requested documents

If you are admitted into one of these two programs, you have to confirm your decision online. Then you will receive an email that will direct you to a new platform where you can proceed to registration.
CONTINUING EDUCATION

If you are applying under continuing education status, please contact our continuing education office: :
https://univ-cotedazur.fr/formation-continue/choisir-la-formation-adaptee-a-son-profil/reprise-detudes

INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

Depending on your country of citizenship/residence, you may have to apply through Campus France : here is the list of countries affected 

If you are not affected by Campus France, application modalities are the same as for national students : 


Find out more about your eligibility for the France Excellence Eiffel scholarship.

Capacity 

The programme has a maximum capacity of 10 students.
Capacity information is also indicated on the application platforms.

Conditions of admission / Conditions of successful application

Selection procedures are detailed on the respective application platforms.

Program

Semesters 1 and 2 (M1) provide in-depth training in political science. Taught in French, these courses are shared with the EPAP track of the Master’s program (Expertise in Politics and Public Action). They aim to consolidate skills in the discipline’s core areas: political sociology, public action, comparative politics, methods, etc., explored from the local to the international level.

During the first year, an initial specialization in migration studies is introduced through multidisciplinary courses taught in both French and English, as well as through the research thesis. This thesis represents a first independent experience in conducting empirical research and managing a project. Students in the Migration Studies track are encouraged to focus their thesis on migration-related topics specific to Nice and the Alpes-Maritimes region (e.g., historical migration waves, border practices, community initiatives).
The annual cycle “Introduction to Migration Studies” further supports exploration of these themes. Additionally, the two elective “Switch” courses allow students to explore related subjects (options include: Migration Through the Ages, Gender and Inequalities, etc.).
English language courses prepare students for the fully English-taught curriculum in the second year (M2).

Semesters 3 and 4 (M2) offer advanced training on migration issues. All courses are taught in English. These topics are addressed through disciplinary courses and interdisciplinary thematic seminars featuring both researchers and professionals from public administration and NGOs working in the field of migration.
Students strengthen their methodological skills in research, data production, and analysis. They also develop project management capabilities through dedicated courses and practical training experiences. As part of the “Switch” program in Semester 3, students may obtain, at no extra cost, a University Certificate titled: “Working for Equality Against Discrimination.”

 
MASTER 1
SEMESTRE 1

UE - Action publique et politique
Inégalités, redistribution, lutte contre les discriminations (CM+TD)
Introduction to Migration Studies 1 (TD)
 - Introduction to Migration Law
- Introduction to Border Studies
- Migrations and Political Mobilizations)

UE - Institutions politiques
Politique comparée : États et systèmes politiques dans les Suds (CM+TD)
Anglais appliqué au politique 1 (TD)

UE - Construire une recherche en sciences sociales
Méthodes de l'enquête et analyses de données (CM)
Construire un mémoire en Science politique (CM)

UE - « Switch »
 Un cours à choisir au sein de l’EUR Odyssee (sciences sociales et sciences de l’environnement)

SEMESTRE 2

UE - Savoirs de l'action publique
Mutations de l'État et de l'action publique (CM+TD)
Pouvoir local et territoires (CM)

UE - Union européenne
Union européenne : Institutions, acteurs, pratiques (CM)
Introduction to migration studies 2 (CM+TD)
Historical Approaches to Migration
Sociology of Contemporary Migrations
Ethnicity Race and Migration

UE - Techniques d'enquête en sciences sociales -
Enquêtes et pratiques de recherche
Méthodes de l'enquête et analyses de données 2 (TD)
Anglais appliqué au politique 2 (TD)
Finaliser un mémoire (CM)

UE - Mémoire de recherche
Défendre un mémoire de recherche

UE -  « Switch »
Un cours à choisir au sein de l’EUR Odyssee (sciences sociales et sciences de l’environnement)
 
MASTER 2
SEMESTRE 3

UE : Contemporary Migration Policies
The Implementation of Migration and Border Control: Actors, Processes and Effects (CM)
 Fieldwork visit in Ventimiglia (TD)

UE : Citizenship, Vote and Migration
Citizenship, Vote and Migration (CM)

UE : Migration Law
French Immigration Law (CM)
European Migration Law (CM)

UE : Thematic seminars
Thematic seminars (TD)

UE : Legal Aspects of NGOs and migrants' rights
Legal Aspects of NGOs and migrants' rights (TD)

UE : Research and professional project
Qualitative and quantitative methods in social sciences (TD)
Legal clinic- 9 h CM
Preparation of research/internship project (TD)

UE : “Switch” - a class to be chosen within the social sciences and environmental sciences graduate school (ODYSSEE) :
a class to be chosen within the social sciences and environmental sciences graduate school (Odyssée)
SEMESTRE 4

UE : Race, Class, Gender and Migration
Race, Class, Gender and Migration (CM)

UE : Contemporary Migration Politics
Contemporary Migration Politics (CM)

UE : Asylum Law
Asylum Law (CM)

UE : Thematic seminars
Thematic seminars (TD)

UE : Research and Professional Project
Qualitative and quantitative methods in social sciences (TD)
Legal clinic (TD)
Research dissertation or Internship Report
 

Mandatory internship of at least 3 months, to be completed between April and October of the M2 year.
Students wishing to pursue a career in research may write a research thesis instead of completing an internship.

Full time

Number of training hours per year:
  •     M1: 426 hours (excluding thesis)
  •     M2: 270 hours (excluding internship or thesis)

The Master's program relies on students active participation. Therefore, presence in Nice is required from September to June (M1- first year) and from September to the end of March (M2-second year).

What's next ?

Level of education obtained after completion

Degree equivalent to 4 or 5 years' higher education (Bac +4 & Bac +5)

RNCP URL of content

36848

Target activities / attested skills

  • Implement advanced and specialized uses of digital tools
  • Mobilize and produce highly specialized knowledge
  • Implement specialized communication for knowledge transfer
  • Contribute to transformation in a professional context
  • Produce highly specialized analyses of migration phenomena
  • Implement research protocols on migration
  • Lead projects in sectors related to migrant reception, international solidarity, and interculturality
  • Promote, disseminate, and communicate on migration issues
  • Contribute to decision-making, implement and evaluate public policies
  • Ensure communication and coordination of stakeholders, institutions, or public bodies within the public sphere

Equivalencies / Bridging Pathways: Master’s degree (5-year higher education qualification)

Possibility to validate individual competency blocks: No

Further studies: PhD
Information and registration: École doctorale DESPEG

Job(s)

Business sector or job

  • Public administration (supervision) of health, education, culture, and social services, other than social security
  • Foreign affairs
  • Other social accommodation activities
  • Other social work activities without accommodation n.e.c.
  • Activities of associations n.e.c.
  • Activities of extraterritorial organizations and bodies
  • Local authorities (cabinet positions or civil service) and their public cooperation establishments (inter-municipal bodies, Pays)
  • Semi-public bodies (development agencies, urban planning agencies, resource centers, territorial observatories), territorial operators (social housing bodies)
  • Public structures and independent administrative authorities
  • Private consulting sector
  • Education, research

  • Research and advocacy officer for international organizations (UNHCR, IOM, etc.) and national organizations (CIMADE, etc.)
  • Project manager in the field of migration and international mobility (intercultural relations sector, public and private international structures)
  • Research officer for local authorities
  • Head of the international sector, responsible for decentralized cooperation in local authorities.
  • Project manager, local and/or regional development coordinator, program manager in international solidarity NGOs, association manager in charge of international exchanges


After completing a PhD and passing a competitive exam, graduates can pursue careers as researchers and teacher-researchers in public and private institutions and public scientific and technical institutions (EPST).

 

Labor market insertion rate

Submission

Tuition fees


Tuitition fees for initial training/for international students : Tuition fees

For information on continuing education fees, please contact the continuing education department.

Find all the registration details here : 
https://univ-cotedazur.fr/formation/candidater-et-s-inscrire/sinscrire