Overview of the course structure

In Semester 1, the program is divided between the campus of the Université Libre de Bruxelles (Anglophone track) and that of the University of Lille (Francophone track). Semester 1 focuses on general theoretical knowledge in the social sciences as applied to the field of migration.

In addition, the methodology courses aim to provide students with a shared culture in social science practices—including defining research topics, preparing for fieldwork, choosing research methods, processing data, structuring arguments, and applying social science knowledge beyond the academic setting. Foreign language courses complement this training.

MITRA staff advise students on their mobility choices for Semesters 2, 3, and 4. The mobility choice for Semester 2 is finalized at the end of October during Semester 1.

In Semester 2, students move to Central and Eastern Europe, choosing to study at either the University of Wroclaw (Poland), Babeş-Bolyai University of Cluj (Romania), or Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem in Budapest (Hungary). The choice of university depends on each institution’s academic specialization: sociology at Wroclaw, political science at Cluj, and sociology and law at Károli Gáspár Református Egyetem.

Building on the work completed in Semester 1, theoretical training continues during Semester 2, but the focus now shifts toward social science methodology, with more hours dedicated to it. Language and local culture courses remain compulsory, in keeping with the spirit of the MITRA Master’s program.

By May of Semester 2, students must choose their Semester 3 destination and their second-year specialization: research specialization or professional specialization.

The summer between Semesters 2 and 3 may be devoted to one of three Summer Schools:

• “Odysseus: EU Immigration and Asylum Law and Policy”, offered by the Université Libre de Bruxelles;
• “GovArt” (The Art of Governing), focused on migration and asylum policy and borders in international and European law, offered by the University of the Aegean; or
• The Migration Studies PhD Summer School (MISSCHO), offered by the University of Granada.

In Semester 3, the program is distributed among the six other universities of the consortium (three in Europe and three outside Europe): the University of Granada, University College Cork, the University of the Aegean, Galatasaray University, Cheikh Anta Diop University, and the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro.

Regardless of the chosen specialization (research or professional), students may attend any of these universities.

This semester is characterized by the following:

• For professional specialization students: completion of a long-term professional internship (3 months) and research for the advocacy paper supported by a scientific synthesis report.
• For research specialization students: completion of fieldwork (2 months) and a short-term professional internship (1 month).

Semester 4 can take place at any university within the consortium, depending on the student’s academic plan. The majority of the work in Semester 4 consists of various writing assignments leading up to the final graduation.