Course overview
The past three decades have witnessed a marked change in the nature of human mobility: the growing importance of migration (international, internal), and increasing temporary, multidirectional, and circular movements, particularly those associated with widespread labour mobility and students. This course introduces students to the causes, processes, and consequences of diverse forms of population mobility between and within nations. It focuses on the relationship between migration, demographic and social change, economic development (especially urbanisation), climate (environmental) change, health issues (the COVID-19 pandemic), and geopolitical issues. It addresses the causal relationship between diverse forms of mobility and environmental stresses (especially climate change) but also includes humanitarian refugee movements. Fundamental theories that link mobility to economic and social development are discussed, especially the evolution of transnational theory, diaspora, and policy relationships between countries. While the course discusses global patterns and issues, there is a focus on Australia and the Asia-Pacific region to illustrate the main patterns of mobility and development outcomes. Students will develop critical knowledge and highly transferable skills, including critical thinking, problem-solving, data analysis, and high-level professional capacities in research and presentation which employers highly value.
Course learning outcomes
- Understand the scale, composition, characteristics, distribution, causes, and consequences of global migration and its relationship with the changing global labour market
- Analyse the relationships between migration across nations and multi-dimensional development, the role of diaspora linkages, impact of COVID-19, climate change and other environmental stresses, and demographic and social changes
- Understand Australia's immigration policy and programs and how they impact Australia's population growth, composition, distribution, and development
- Critically assess the vulnerability of migrant sub-groups, such as women, refugees, displaced people, and how policy can impinge upon the settlement experience and outcomes of various categories of migrants and have implications for achieving sustainable populations and development
- Develop skills in synthesising evidence, analysing migration and development issues, problem-solving, critical thinking, and high-level written and oral presentation skills
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The Student Contribution amount displayed below is for students commencing a new program from 2021 onwards. If you are continuing in a program you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, or are commencing an Honours degree relating to an undergraduate degree you commenced prior to 1 January 2021, you may be charged a different Student Contribution amount from the amount displayed below. Please check the Student Contribution bands for continuing students here. If you are an international student, or a domestic student studying in a full fee paying place, and are continuing study that you commenced in 2025 or earlier, your fees will be available here before enrolments open for 2026.