The summer school is aimed at mid-career or senior policy makers and practitioners involved with humanitarian assistance and policy making for forced migrants. Participants typically include host government officials, intergovernmental and non-governmental agency personnel engaged in planning, administering and co-ordinating assistance.

We also accept applications from Researchers specialising in the study of forced migration.

Why participate?

The summer school offers an intensive, interdisciplinary and participative approach to the study of forced migration. It aims to enable people working with refugees and other forced migrants to reflect critically on the forces and institutions that dominate the world of the displaced.

Now in its 23rd year, the three-week course combines the very best of Oxford University's academic excellence with a stimulating and participatory method of critical learning.

How is it structured?

The curriculum
Over three weeks, the course looks at the complex phenomenon of forced migration from a number of different angles. Beginning with reflection on the diverse ways of conceptualising forced migration, the course considers the political, legal and wellbeing issues associated with contemporary displacement. Individual course modules also tackle a range of other topics, including globalisation and forced migration, and negotiating strategies in humanitarian situations.

The methodology
The summer school aims to foster a culture of the reflective practitioner while also practising and developing skills useful in the workplace. The course takes an active learning approach to the transfer of knowledge. Participants engage in reflection?analysis?synthesis?teamwork, via critical engagement with lectures, readings, case studies, interactive exercises and the sharing of insights and experiences. Each participant is allocated to a tutor group, sometimes working in these small groups, at other times in larger groups.

The teaching
Lecturers, tutors and seminar leaders are drawn both from the Refugee Studies Centre and from outside institutions. They include research staff, academics and professionals from a number of disciplines and practices, including anthropology, politics, law, psychology, international relations, and social development.

The participants
Around 70?80 participants from all over the world study together, take part in group activities and produce independent presentations. Participants have the time and space to reflect on their own work and to benefit from the international mix and varied professional experience of other participants.

Language of instruction
All teaching and instructional materials are in English.

The details

In 2012 the dates are 2?20 July.

In 2012 the summer school will be held at Wadham College and the Oxford Department of International Development.

The fee for 2012 is £3,220. Pay by 31 March to qualify for a reduced fee of £3,050.

The fee covers 19 nights' bed-and-breakfast accommodation and all weekday lunches; all tuition; all course materials, including reading materials; and a range of social activities. Evening and weekend meals are not included in the course fees.

Entry Requirements
Applicants should have as a minimum: experience in working with, or on issues related to, refugees or other forced migrants a first degree proficiency in the English language. As a guide, foreign-language English speakers should be able to obtain a score of 7.00 in ELTS/IELTS or 570 in TOEFL.
How to apply
You can apply online, or by fax/post. Please apply online or download the application form and send the completed application form to the address above or by email to: [email protected].

All applications are reviewed by a selection committee. The closing date for applications is 1 March 2012 for applicants requesting a bursary through the RSC, 1 May 2012 for all other applicants. As the summer school is typically oversubscribed, we advise you to apply early.