Why Do People Migrate? Part 2: Theories (iversity)

Why Do People Migrate? Part 2: Theories (iversity)

Why do people move? Which factors influence migrants' decisions? Which theories can explain migration? If you want to find the answers and learn how theories can explain real life cases: Enrol now!

The course approaches migration as a constant phenomenon in human history and examines its main supporting theories. It illustrates theories about people's individual decisions to migrate and also the factors of migration as a structural feature of our societies. It explains the role social networks and institutions play in making people move to another country, or return to their own. Finally, it includes interviews with international experts that describe how migration theories can help to understand some topical case studies of labour migrations in the world.
The course is based on video lectures, didactic videos and podcast interviews with international experts. Assignments consist of short quizzes for each unit and a journal exercise at the end of the course. Suggestions for further reading will be included in order to achieve a more in-depth understanding.
To learn more about irregular migration and asylum seeking, check out Part 1: Facts.
At the end of the course, students will be able to:

  • identify the fundamental terminology used in theoretical debates on migration;
  • illustrate the main theoretical approaches that explain the motivations for people to move and settle outside their home countries;
  • apply main theories to the interpretation of real case studies.
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Nursing in Crisis? Exploring Current Challenges (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Coventry University

Nursing in Crisis? Exploring Current Challenges (FutureLearn)

Explore the key issues affecting nurses' job satisfaction and practice today - from stress to changing roles and healthcare needs. Nurses play an important role in providing healthcare around the world and, in some countries, form more than 50% of the healthcare workforce. Yet, there is a global shortage with international organisations citing working conditions and image as contributing factors to nurses leaving the profession and to their initial recruitment.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Working Supportively With Refugees: Principles, Skills and Perspectives (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow

Working Supportively With Refugees: Principles, Skills and Perspectives (FutureLearn)

Learn how the principals of psychological well-being, communication and interpretation can benefit your work with refugees. Explore interdisciplinary approaches to working with refugees. Refugees are a diverse group, speaking many languages and of varied religions and ethnicities. This course acknowledges that skills requirements are changing rapidly and offers training for those working in this area.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
AWS Database Specialty Certification (Coursera) Coursera
EDUCBA

AWS Database Specialty Certification (Coursera)

This course offers a comprehensive journey through the world of databases and their management on the AWS cloud platform. From understanding the core concepts of databases to mastering advanced topics like migration, automation, and security, participants will gain a solid foundation in database design, deployment, and management using AWS services.

Aug 3rd 2026
5-12 Weeks
Riesgos y oportunidades empresariales en una economía globalizada (Coursera) Coursera
IE Business School

Riesgos y oportunidades empresariales en una economía globalizada (Coursera)

Oportunidades y riesgos empresariales en un mundo globalizado» es el tercer y último curso de la especialización «Globalización, crecimiento económico y estabilidad» impartido por la profesora de IE Business School Gayle Allard. En este curso, los alumnos aprovecharán los conocimientos y la teoría de sus dos cursos anteriores y los aplicarán a los eventos que actualmente suceden en el mundo. Además, puede funcionar como curso independiente para quienes quieran saber cómo afectan los factores macroeconómicos a las economías, los gobiernos y los ciudadanos en diversos países.

Jul 13th 2026
5-12 Weeks
Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History (edX) EdX
University of Bayreuth,BayreuthX

Immigration and Labour Markets in Economic History (edX)

Do immigrants lower the wages of low-skilled workers? How quickly do immigrants integrate into the labour market and what policies foster integration? Explore these questions from the perspective of economic history, using empirical evidence and data analysis. This course may serve you to enhance your career options in the public or private sector.

Self Paced
Self-Paced
Migration and Cities (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
European University Institute - EUI

Migration and Cities (FutureLearn)

Learn about how migration has shaped cities around the world and the particular issues that migrants face in urban contexts. Discover the fundamental links between migration and cities. Migration has always played a fundamental role in urban development. Without some form of inward migration – be it international or internal – cities would not develop or grow.

Nov 21st 2022
3 Weeks
Interpreting for Refugees: Contexts, Practices and Ethics (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Glasgow

Interpreting for Refugees: Contexts, Practices and Ethics (FutureLearn)

Learn skills to meet the challenges of interpreting for refugees and share your experiences with other interpreters in the sector. Learn about humanitarian interpreting and the role of the interpreter. On this course, you’ll discover the role of the interpreter and explore the specific challenges of interpreting for refugees. You’ll cover topics like cultural awareness, ethics and emotional reflexivity when working in situations that require cross-cultural communication.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Introduction to Political Citizenship (Coursera) Coursera
University of Geneva

Introduction to Political Citizenship (Coursera)

This course provides a comprehensive introduction to political citizenship from both a theoretical and empirical perspective, with a particular emphasis on its participatory dimension. Participants will engage with fresh teaching materials, alongside insightful interviews and case studies, thanks to contributions from researchers in the Department of Political Science and International Relations at the University of Geneva as well as international experts on political participation, citizenship, and migration. The various components of the MOOC offer a diverse and well-rounded approach to understanding citizenship.

Jul 13th 2026
4 Weeks
Caring for Children Moving Alone: Protecting Unaccompanied and Separated Children (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Strathclyde,CELSIS

Caring for Children Moving Alone: Protecting Unaccompanied and Separated Children (FutureLearn)

Learn about unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children. This course is about the care and protection of unaccompanied and separated refugee and migrant children who are moving across and between countries. This course will provide an understanding of the risks and vulnerabilities these children face.

Self Paced
5-12 Weeks