The aim of the course is to provide a critical understanding of the phenomenon of international migration and in particular public policy-makers attempts to deal with the challenges it poses. More specifically, the course seeks to provide students with an ability to critically analyse public policy responses (both national and multi-national) to international migration across a selection of migrant categories (legal, irregular and forced migration) and thematic migration related themes (human rights, responsibility-sharing, development).

Ultimately, the course aims to develop an understanding of the factors shaping public policies regarding these areas and to help them assess the effects of such measures. To do so, the course seeks to channel this knowledge through a number of 'conceptual toolkits' developed in political science and related social science disciplines which aim to enable students to develop analytical skills that provide the foundation for future research degrees in this area or can be transferred into non-academic careers.