PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context
Empowering future leaders to navigate the geopolitical, humanitarian, and socio-economic complexities of displacement in an interconnected world
⚠ Co-funded by the European Union
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About the Programme
The joint Master's programme — PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context — focuses on the urgent and complex challenges of forced migration, acknowledging the increasing global displacement driven by geopolitical instability, environmental concerns, and socio-economic factors. The programme aims to prepare professionals with the essential knowledge and skills to understand and effectively tackle these multifaceted issues.
PATHS provides a unique blend of interdisciplinary and intercultural perspectives within a cohesive curriculum. It incorporates mobility pathways, research opportunities, and close collaboration with local, national and international organisations, enhancing students' competencies and adaptability.
PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context is a joint Master's degree programme offered by selected member universities of the European Reform University Alliance (ERUA). Throughout your studies, in addition to the core modules of your chosen path, you will have the opportunity to expand your learning with extracurricular courses offered by ERUA mobility partners.
Explore the Three PathsInternational Mobility
Study in several European countries and experience different academic traditions.
Joint Degree
A flagship initiative in the European Higher Education Area.
Theory and Practice
Obtain a comprehensive theoretical foundation in migration studies coupled with practical experience gained during an internship.
Career Readiness
Graduate with applicable and transferrable skills and a professional network across Europe.
Key Facts
⚠ “Everything you need to know at a glance.” — not from DRAFT
What will you learn?
This interdisciplinary programme, grounded in sociology and enriched by insights from political science, legal science and psychology, offers a comprehensive understanding of migratory phenomena.
Beyond a solid theoretical foundation, we ensure that our graduates gain extensive practical experience. During the programme, you will:
- Master qualitative and quantitative research methods
- Participate in intensive field training through specialised internships
- Gain professional experience within public institutions and intergovernmental organisations (IGOs)
- Engage directly with individuals who have been forced to migrate
- Network with global experts specialising in diverse aspects of migration, from children's rights to border control
As a result, you will be well-prepared for academic pursuits, societal challenges, and the demands of the labour market.
Internships
A key element of the programme is its focus on practical experience. During the second semester, alongside mandatory joint courses, you will complete an internship at an organisation of your choice to apply your learning in a professional setting.
Three Study Paths
We offer three study paths, each focusing on a different aspect of migration. Your selected path determines the international university rotation you will follow.
EU Border Regimes
Examine how global inequalities as well as ecological and geopolitical instability shape forced migration. Gain a deep understanding of the legal, technological, and social dimensions of European border regimes. Analyse interactions between migration policies as well as global and racialised inequalities. Develop the critical skills needed to design ethical, socially just, and evidence-based solutions.
Inclusion of Children and Minors
Explore the multifaceted experiences of young people in forced displacement through the lenses of law, psychology, and sociology. Analyse how age, gender, and race intersect within European migration regimes and border experiences. Develop expertise in children's rights, intercultural communication, and trauma-informed care to design inclusive, ethical, and evidence-based reception systems.
Politics and Policies
Analyse the politics of forced migration and displacement. Trace how securitarian, humanitarian, rights-based, economic, and cultural frameworks shape public narratives. Examine how these narratives influence policy-making and how interest groups use these frames to advance or block reforms. Map key actors, conduct rigorous analysis, and develop skills to craft evidence-based, rights-respecting policy options.
Please note: The Admissions Committee reserves the right to offer you a study path different from your initial selection.
Your Study Journey
Four semesters across European universities — from foundations to thesis.
Begin at your path’s entry university. Joint online foundations plus path-specific courses.
EUV • Paris 8 • NBUAll cohorts converge at SWPS Warsaw for the research methods block and professional internship (15 ECTS).
SWPS WarsawMove to your path’s specialisation university for advanced courses and the joint Research Colloquium.
UAegean • MacerataCo-supervised thesis (30 ECTS) by academics from at least two partner universities.
Joint supervisionCurriculum
120 ECTS across four semesters. Joint online foundations, path-specific courses, research methods training, internship, and a co-supervised thesis.
All paths share Semester 2 (SWPS Warsaw) and Semester 4 (co-supervised thesis) structure.
The illustration of the study paths is also available in the Student Handbook.
Partner Universities & Locations
Study across Europe at leading universities. Each semester takes you to a different city, giving you a truly international academic and cultural experience.
Career Prospects
As a graduate of the PATHS Forced Migration: Europe in a Global Context joint Master's programme, you will possess the theoretical depth and practical expertise in migration governance, border systems, and policy-making required to work in complex migration contexts worldwide, including areas such as:
- Migration management and border policy agencies at national and European levels
- International organisations and NGOs working with refugees and displaced persons
- Diplomatic and intergovernmental relations
- Public administration
- Humanitarian and development organisations
- Social services and community integration
- Policy advising and governmental institutions
- Legal advocacy and refugee rights
- Research institutions and think tanks focusing on migration and border studies
- Socio-economic development and research
- Education, training, and intercultural mediation
- Media, advocacy, and public information on migration issues and refugee rights
Application Step by Step
The admissions process for the PATHS programme is coordinated by SWPS University as the lead institution. Clicking Apply will redirect you to the SWPS University Application Portal.
Student Handbook (PDF)Submit Application
Fill in the online application form and select your preferred study path. Upload all required documents before the deadline. Applications are submitted via the SWPS portal: rekrutacja.swps.pl
Await Evaluation Decision
Wait for the decision of the Selection Committee.
Take an Exam
To be admitted to the programme, all candidates must pass an entry exam. Some candidates may be invited for an online interview.
Conclude Electronic Agreement
Conclude the electronic agreement on the payment terms for studies in the Application Portal.
Deliver Original Documents
Deliver (by post, courier, or in person) the original documents to the Admissions Office for verification.
Pay Tuition Fee
Download Admission Decision
Download your admission decision from the Application Portal.
Admission Requirements
As of 1 July 2025, new Polish government regulations govern applications from non-Polish nationals. Requirements vary based on your citizenship and the country where your degree was issued.
All international applicants must provide:
- Bachelor’s degree diploma with grade transcript (translated into Polish, English, Russian, or Ukrainian if in another language)
- Language proficiency certificate (minimum CEFR B2 in English)
- Medical insurance policy valid in Poland, or declaration of enrolment in Poland’s National Health Fund
- Official passport photo meeting SWPS specifications
- Application fee: PLN 85 (non-refundable, except if programme is cancelled)
May be required depending on your citizenship and diploma origin:
- NAWA diploma recognition — required if your degree was issued outside the EU, OECD, China, Ukraine, or UK
- Student visa — required for citizens of countries outside EU/EFTA/UK
- Bachelor's degree in social sciences or humanities. Degrees in other fields may also be considered, provided the applicant demonstrates relevant work experience in the field of migration. The recognition of alternative academic backgrounds will be assessed by the Admissions Committee on a case-by-case basis.
- CEFR B2, or higher, English language proficiency certificate. Review the list of acceptable certificates.
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter(s) of recommendation from academic or professional referees (max. 2)
- Cover letter, including a reflective explanation of the applicant's motivation for selecting the specific study path within the programme
- Certificates or documented evidence of extracurricular activities, such as voluntary work, internships, community engagement, or related initiatives
Application Deadline
Applications open: 1 June
Applications close: 31 July
Entry exam: 12 August
Results published: 13 August
Interviews (if applicable): 17–31 August
Application fee: PLN 85.00 (non-refundable, except if programme is cancelled)
Study mode: Full-time, Monday–Friday classes
Faculty
Academic staff from UniMC, University of the Aegean, Europa-Universität Viadrina, Université Paris 8, New Bulgarian University, and SWPS University.
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers about the programme structure, path selection, internship, and career paths.