RSC Pathways – Online course in Refugee & Forced Migration Studies
About this opportunity
RSC Pathways is an online course in Refugee Studies designed specifically for learners who have been affected by forced displacement. It is inspired by the University of Oxford’s MSc in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies.
Over three months, learners will be part of a global cohort studying the main disciplines and themes in this field of studies. They will be taught by lecturers of the Refugee Studies Centre (RSC) and receive direct mentorship from staff at the Refugee-Led Research Hub (RLRH) who facilitate deep engagement with all course material across 10 modules.
RSC Pathways is designed to support learners to progress to advanced academic and research opportunities. Upon completion of the course, you will be eligible to join the RLRH’s graduate access support programme, OGASS. Pathways is offered free of charge, and learners will receive a certificate from the RSC upon completion.
The online course has eight required modules with additional optional modules that learners can complete alongside a cohort of classmates within three months. Detailed information about the modules can be found on the application form. Learners must be able to commit 12–14 hours per week, beginning 1 May until 31 July.
For greater insight, please visit this webpage.
Level of Study
- Pre-university
- Foundation
- Other Levels
Other levels of study
RSC Pathways is an online course that exposes students to the Social Sciences and Humanities, in preparation for further study at the undergraduate or postgraduate levels.
Other levels of study
RSC Pathways intends to serve as a bridge from Bachelor’s degrees, into Master’s or doctoral degrees.
Eligibility
Asylum seeker, Refugee, Humanitarian protection, Limited or Discretionary Leave to Remain, Indefinite Leave to Remain, Ukraine or Afghan Schemes, British National Overseas (BNO), Other forms of sanctuary (including Calais Leave, Section 67 Leave, UASC leave and Stateless Leave), I am outside of the UK, Other
Other eligibility criteria
Anyone who self-identifies as having been affected by forced displacement is invited to apply for RSC Pathways.
Additional notes about eligibility criteria
In order to join this course, applicants must:
- Have lived experience of forced displacement (e.g. identifying as a current or ‘former’ refugee, asylum seeker, IDP, stateless person, or another category);
- Have completed a bachelor’s degree, or be in the final academic year of their study. Those with degrees in fields related to Social Sciences and Humanities are encouraged to apply (e.g. in International Relations, Politics, International Development, History, etc.). If you do not have a BA but possess comparable academic, research, or professional experience, you are also welcome to apply;
- Convey interest in Refugee and Forced Migration Studies and humanitarian issues;
- Be able to commit 12–14 hours a week, for a period of 3 months.
We aim to create an inclusive learning environment that is rich in diversity. We strongly encourage applications from individuals in social groups that are under-represented in this space, including, but not limited to LGBTQI+, gender non-conforming, women, and disabled candidates.
What is included in this opportunity?
- Study costs (books, travel, etc.)
Additional notes about support provided
The RLRH team will facilitate all aspects of the course. They will be available during live weekly sessions to guide learners through the material, and they will also be available over Whatsapp, email, and during office hours to support learners.
Pathways also includes an optional 6-week intensive writing workshop that will allow learners who opt in to complete a 2,000-word essay on a topic of their choice. This multi-session workshop is great for building writing and critical thinking skills and enables learners to leave the course with a strong writing sample that can be used in graduate school applications
Types of study available
- Online
- Face-to-face
- Other
Other types of study
RSC Pathways intends to serve as a bridge from Bachelor’s degrees, into Master’s or doctoral degrees.
Additional information about the types of study
The course is available globally. If you are based in or around RLRH or RSC offices (in Oxford and Nairobi) you are invited to use our in-person resources and attend academic and social events.
Additional details about application process
To apply for this opportunity, you will have to fill out an online form. The form may take 2–3 hours to complete.
Is this opportunity available for individuals outside of the UK?
Yes
For further questions contact the scholarship provider
Email Us study@refugeeledresearch.org
Recent opportunities

Schwab and Westheimer Trust
The Scholarship Supported By The Marks Family Charitable Trust
Location
East Midlands, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, Wales, Scotland, Northern Ireland, South West, South East, London, North West, North East, West Midlands
Deadline
09/05/2025
Type of opportunity
University Scholarship

University of Southampton
University of Sanctuary Scholarship
Location
South East
Deadline
25/05/2025
Type of opportunity
University Scholarship

Birkbeck, University of London
The Compass Project Sanctuary Scholarship
Location
London
Deadline
25/05/2025
Type of opportunity
University Scholarship, Online
Resources
For further guidance on how to apply to university, check out our resources page
Get in touch