Bridging Courses
Academic bridging courses strengthen academic foundations and postgraduate readiness through structured pathways in the Social Sciences and Humanities, in particular through the field of Refugee and Forced Migration Studies. Our bridging courses have evolved since 2020, growing from a small-cohort intensive fellowship into programmes that reach hundreds learners across the world.
The RSC-BIEA Fellowship in Refugee Studies (2021-2022)
Was the first programme of its kind. It was a 12-month bridging fellowship for 12 African displaced scholars, delivered in collaboration with the British Institute in Eastern Africa (BIEA). Fellows undertook three terms of study and research, followed by a three-month professional research placement with partner organisations. The Fellowship combined core teaching in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies with mentorship, professional development, and research activities.
RSC Pathways
Built on the Fellowship model at a much greater scale. Inspired by the RSC’s MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies, Pathways was a three-month semi-synchronous online course offering eight core modules spanning International Relations, Anthropology, Law, Philosophy, Gender Studies, Economics, and more. Taught by RSC lecturers with direct mentorship from RLRH colleagues, the course ran in cohorts from 2022. Graduates have gone on to pursue postgraduate study at a wide range of universities, professional and research placements, and careers in humanitarian policy and practice. RSC Pathways is not currently running.
RSC Foundations
RLRH Foundations: Refugee and Forced Migration Studies is a self-paced online course available free of charge. Inspired by the RSC’s nine-month master’s degree, the course covers nine modules spanning the field’s core disciplines and themes, from the historical emergence of forced migration to international refugee law, ethics, and durable solutions. Learners engage through video lectures by Oxford academics, discussion forums, and interactive Q&A sessions, with support from an academic facilitator and a peer community. The course is designed for individuals with lived experience of forced displacement as well as students, professionals, and activists interested in the field, and can be completed within three to six months. Registration is forthcoming.
To stay informed about all academic bridging courses, contact [email protected].
