Do you want to solve the challenge we have with the increasing flows of cross-border migration? Discuss and try to analyse all the dimensions migration has? Then Cross-Border Migration, Governance and Security is the minor for you!

How do the EU and national governments deal with this complex issue which includes various dilemmas and inherent conflicting agendas? When watching the news, the variety of opinions and national approaches vary immensely. This minor has been organised in such a way that it offers interesting perspectives and assignments for all students from Thorbecke Academy, be it students from European Studies, Public Administration, Law or Safety & Security Studies. The lectures will be given in English and as such are also accessible for students from outside the Thorbecke Academy or NHL Stenden.

Society & ethics: What is your moral compass? Which dilemmas do you face when giving your opinion or suggesting certain solutions? European and national policy: How do we deal with migration issues on a national and on a European level? Do these measures /agreements supplement or contradict each other? Security aspects: How can countries cooperate in this area when trying to control their borders, direct or limit migration flows? What can be said about human trafficking and human smuggling in this regard? How does migration get linked to the fight against terrorism? Law: What laws are relevant within the context of migration? What is the relationship between existing policy and human rights/international law? To what extent do newly developed proposals contradict existing agreements such as the Schengen Treaty and the Dublin agreement?

The minor includes a group research project for a real client in the field of migration, a knowledge acquiring subject, Cross-cultural Skills, Ethics and Conflict training, a volunteering project (minitraineeship), project management and EU Migration Law & Policy. If the situation allows it, some excursions will be undertaken to institutions/organisations involved in the processing / supporting of asylum seekers and/or refugees in the Netherlands.

Starting point for the course:
Castles, S., De Haas, H. & Miller, M.J. (2019). The Age of Migration (sixth edition). Basingstoke UK: Palgrave MacMillan
ISBN: 9781352007121

As the course is entirely in English, a minimum level of English at B2 level is required. Some experience in (practical) research is also an asset. This minor is intended for students who have a particular interest in one of the big themes of today’s world. A background in public administration, law, security studies, political science or international affairs is useful. This minor teaches you to look at the topic of migration from a variety of perspectives and supports a multidisciplinary approach to assist in solving existing or arising challenges in different aspects of society.

Exams, assessments and assignments, mix of group and individual work Grading system: mix of: 1 – 10 / pass or fail.