This programme is unique in offering students the chance to study the main characteristics of modern forms of slavery and human trafficking, causes/roots, impacts, and methods (legal and otherwise) of prevention.
- Students will have access to the resources of the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery
- Students will also have access to cutting edge research and lectures by high profile experts in the field
Why study Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime?
This master's programme provides an advanced critical insight into current developments in the study of migration, organised crime and human trafficking. It is unique in offering students the chance to study the main characteristics of modern forms of slavery and human trafficking, causes/roots, impacts, and methods (legal and others) of prevention.
The degree is unique in examining, in an interdisciplinary manner, the intersection between human trafficking and migratory flows, and forced labour, and organised crime.
The programme combines vocational and theoretical components. You'll study the social conditions in which human trafficking occurs, including wealth, social and gender inequalities; migration due to political instability, war and poverty; and the role of criminal gangs and organised crime groups in the proliferation of this crime in recent years. The modus operandi of traffickers and their networks will be explored as will the challenges raised by the role in family members and communities in this increasingly complex issue.
You'll also engage critically with existing legal frameworks and policing in place to combat human trafficking. The degree also offers te chance to examine different discourses used to analyse the issue including debates about terminology, media representations, effectiveness of anti-trafficking policies and the efficacy of rescue and rehabilitation programmes.
Why St Mary's?
The MA programme is part of a wider commitment to addressing modern slavery and human trafficking through the work of the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery, established at St Mary’s in 2015. The Centre was founded to develop an evidence based response to addressing the current intensification of human trafficking and slavery cases globally.
The Centre is part of the Santa Marta Group and has links to many external partners including Kevin Hyland (former Independent Anti-Slavery Commissioner and Visiting Professor at St Mary’s University), policy-makers, police, other academic institutions, safe houses, campaigners, international organisations and NGOs.
Students on the MA in Human Trafficking, Migration and Organised Crime will have access to the resources of the centre, including cutting edge research and lectures by high profile experts in the field.
An inaugural conference, which took place in February 2017, was the first of an annual event, organised by the Centre for the Study of Modern Slavery. With the aim of using research to fill the knowledge and evidence gaps experienced by policymakers and practitioners, the conference provides a space to promote debate and encourage collaboration on addressing the subject of human trafficking and modern slavery, with contributions from UK and international experts.
Discussions between policymakers, practitioners and researchers will identify evidence gaps and tailor research to these needs. All MA students will be encouraged to engage with and contribute to future conferences and may choose to evaluate the experience and learning as part of their assessed work.
We've put together a bespoke virtual open day for anyone interested in studying at St Mary's.
Next live event: Thursday 22nd April, 5pm
Register now