Related teaching and research

Find out more about how our teaching and research contribute to efforts to make the world a safer and fairer place for forced migrants and asylum seekers.

Our teaching

ßÏßÏÊÓƵ is home to two world-leading Masters in Migration and Refugee Studies and Migration and Global Development.

We also run a range of modules at undergraduate level related to asylum and migration within different schools.

Our research

One of the first centres on migration in the UK, the builds on a longstanding reputation for original, theoretically driven empirical research in the field of migration and ethnic relations. ßÏßÏÊÓƵ hosts one of the largest groups of migration scholars in the world and a large active and vibrant migration postgraduate community.

Notable projects at ßÏßÏÊÓƵ, within and beyond SCMR, have included:

  • The role of digital technology in social networks and wellbeing of unaccompanied young refugees 2025-2027: this project investigates the digital worlds of Unaccompanied Refugee Children and Young People (URCYP) and how their engagement with digital tools relates to their sense of belonging, integration and wellbeing.
  • The , a research project funded by the European Research Council (ERC) that explores the social and legal experiences of asylum seekers across Europe claiming international protection on the basis of their sexual orientation or gender identity. The project produced videos in partnership with research participants to raise awareness of SOGI asylum issues across Europe; produced a database of SOGI asylum materials; and made submissions to parliamentary and public inquiries to improve law, policy and practice.

These projects, which have involved people seeking sanctuary in active participant roles, have collectively raised awareness of the needs and rights of sanctuary seekers, and have informed local, national and global policy and practice. Such work contributes to knowledge creation, informs teaching at the University and is an important part of the University's sanctuary culture.

Events and knowledge exchange

The with the Journal of Ethnic and Migration Studies (JEMS), hosts annual , sharing academic knowledge on migration with international and national participants.

SCMR also administers a very active and extensive mailing list, which promotes local community events as well as academic seminars and publications.

ßÏßÏÊÓƵ belongs to the Eastern Arc Academic Research Consortium, and is an active member of the Consortium’s . In September 2025, the Eastern Arc Conference ‘Sanctuary Solidarities’ took place at the Sussex. Recognising that the Eastern Arc region has been shaped by migration and movement, and for centuries has offered refuge for those seeking sanctuary, participants heard from broad range of stakeholders, to learn from their experiences, and to encourage positive and creative conversations.

The Improving Education for Refugee Background Students project worked with Brighton and Hove Schools of Sanctuary to explore the experiences of RBS in secondary schools and colleges in the City in order to better support progression to Higher Education. The final report from the project is on the website on effective practice advice for refugee students, to be used by universities to inform their widening participation plans from 2019 and beyond.