• University of Glasgow
New

How States Coerce Migrants to Return: Comparative Perspectives

Learn how coerced return policies shape migration, asylum, and human rights with insights into Syrian migrants’ experiences.

Silhouette of migrants passing through a tunnel

How States Coerce Migrants to Return: Comparative Perspectives

  • 3 weeks

  • 3 hours per week

  • Digital certificate when eligible

  • Intermediate level

Find out more about how to join this course

  • Duration

    3 weeks
  • Weekly study

    3 hours
  • 100% online

    How it works
  • Unlimited subscription

    $244.99 for a whole yearLearn more

Develop an in-depth understanding of coerced return migration policies

Dive into the complexities of migration governance with this course from the University of Glasgow. Drawing from the GAPS Project, this course offers essential insights into coerced return migration, human rights challenges, and the policies shaping these critical issues.

Develop in-depth insights into coerced return migration

On this three-week course, designed for intermediate-level learners, you’ll explore the intricate dynamics of coerced return migration.

Through case studies and policy reviews – including recent perspectives on Syrian migrants – you’ll unravel the layers of coercion involved in return migrations and examine the spectrum from voluntary to forced returns.

This knowledge will empower you to identify and analyse the factors driving these processes and the implications on migrants and societies.

Examine migration governance and human rights violations

Next, you’ll explore the contradictions within migration governance and their impact on human rights. You’ll gain critical insights into how current policies may lead to serious human rights violations and discuss alternative approaches to uphold justice and dignity.

Analyse sustainable migration policy alternatives

Lastly, you’ll examine sustainable migration policy alternatives and the need for reforming existing frameworks.

You’ll discuss rights-based and sustainability-focused approaches that prioritise the dignity and human rights of migrants.

In taking this course, you’ll open yourself to understanding the pressing issues surrounding migration and asylum today and be better equipped to evaluate and advocate for changes in migration governance that prioritise equitable and sustainable outcomes.

Syllabus

  • Week 1

    Understanding Coerced Return Migration

    • Text image reading "Week 1: Introduction"

      Introduction

      An introduction to the course and learning team.

    • What is Coerced Return Migration?

      This activity will introduce the terminology that will be essential for going through the course and its learning content.

    • Coerced Returns: Lessons from History

      In this activity, we'll start looking at the history of coerced return migration overall.

    • Governing Coerced Returns Today

      In this activity, we'll look at governance surrounding coerced returns and migrants' rights in question.

    • Text image reading "Week 1: Wrap-up"

      Week 1 Wrap-up

      An overview of what was covered this week, how this will tie into the next week, and an opportunity to add your thoughts to the discussion forum.

  • Week 2

    International Perspectives on Coerced Return Migration Policies

    • Text image reading "Week 2: Introduction"

      Introduction

      An introduction to the current week of learning.

    • Text image reading "Week 2: Coerced Return from Destination Countries"

      Coerced Returns from Destination Countries

      In this activity, we'll look at the policies of destination countries regarding coerced return migration.

    • Text image reading "Week 2: The Role of Transit Countries in Coerced Return Migration"

      The Role of Transit Countries in Coerced Return Migration

      In this activity, we'll review some transit countries involved in return migration and the role they play.

    • Text image reading "Week 2: Coerced Return Migration to Countries of Origin"

      Coerced Return Migration to Countries of Origin

      In this activity, we'll review origin countries and the role they play in return migration.

    • Text image reading "Week 2: Wrap-up"

      Week 2 Wrap-up

      An overview of what was covered this week, how this will tie into the next week, and an opportunity to add your thoughts to the discussion forum.

  • Week 3

    The Human Impact of Coerced Return Migration

    • Text image reading "Week 3: Introduction"

      Introduction: Migrant Journeys and Stories

      An introduction to the final week of learning.

    • Text image reading "Week 3: Before Return: The Fear of Deportation in Everyday Life"

      Before Return: The Fear of Deportation in Everyday Life

      In this activity, we'll look the experience and fears migrants have concerning deportation in their everyday lives.

    • Text image reading "Week 3: Migrant Experiences and the Impact of Return Policies"

      Migrant Experiences and the Impact of Return Policies

      In this activity, we'll review additional experiences of return migration and the impact they have.

    • Text image reading "Week 3: Back to the Start? Post-Return Experiences"

      Back to the Start? Post-Return Experiences

      In this activity, we'll look at the experiences of those who have returned and what that return can look like.

    • Text image reading "Week 3: Wrap-up"

      Week 3 Wrap-up

      An overview of what was covered this week and an opportunity to add your thoughts to the discussion forum.

    • MOOC Conclusion

      An overview of what was covered in the course.

When would you like to start?

Start straight away and join a global classroom of learners. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.

  • Available now

Learning on this course

On every step of the course you can meet other learners, share your ideas and join in with active discussions in the comments.

What will you achieve?

By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...

  • Identify forced and voluntary return policies and their ambiguities.
  • Explore migrant experiences to reveal policy implementation gaps and ethical challenges.
  • Explore the role of state coercion in return migration and understand the concept of "coerced return".
  • Assess global dynamics of coerced return in destination, transit, and origin countries.
  • Evaluate migrant rights and common human rights violations in return policies.

Who is the course for?

This course is for those interested in migration, asylum, and human rights. Designed for learners at the intermediate level, it’s suitable for advanced students, civil society officers, and the general public. However, beginners with an interest in these topics are also welcome.

Who will you learn with?

Anna Triandafyllidou

Professor, Canada Excellence Research Chair in Migration and Integration, Toronto Metropolitan University

Gerasimos Tsourapas

I am a Professor of International Relations at the University of Glasgow. My research focuses on the politics of migrants, refugees, and diasporas in the Middle East and the broader Global South.

Who developed the course?

University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow

Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. It is a member of the prestigious Russell Group of leading UK research universities.

  • Established

    1451
  • Location

    Glasgow, Scotland, UK
  • World ranking

    Top 70Source: QS World University Rankings 2020

Ways to learn

Buy this course

Subscribe & save

Limited access

Choose the best way to learn for you!

$54/one-off payment

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Free

Fulfill your current learning needDevelop skills to further your careerSample the course materials
Access to this courseticktick

Access expires 7 Mar 2025

Access to 1,000+ coursescrosstickcross
Learn at your own paceticktickcross
Discuss your learning in commentstickticktick
Certificate when you're eligiblePrinted and digitalDigital onlycross
Continue & Upgrade

Cancel for free anytime

Ways to learn

Choose the best way to learn for you!

Subscribe & save

$244.99 for a whole year

Automatically renews

Develop skills to further your career

  • Access to this course
  • Access to 1,000+ courses
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Digital certificate when you're eligible

Cancel for free anytime

Buy this course

$54/one-off payment

Fulfill your current learning need

  • Access to this course
  • Learn at your own pace
  • Discuss your learning in comments
  • Printed and digital certificate when you’re eligible

Limited access

Free

Sample the course materials

  • Access expires 7 Mar 2025

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Find out more about certificates, Unlimited or buying a course (Upgrades)

Sale price available until 3 March 2025 at 23:59 (UTC). T&Cs apply.

Learning on FutureLearn

Your learning, your rules

  • Courses are split into weeks, activities, and steps to help you keep track of your learning
  • Learn through a mix of bite-sized videos, long- and short-form articles, audio, and practical activities
  • Stay motivated by using the Progress page to keep track of your step completion and assessment scores

Join a global classroom

  • Experience the power of social learning, and get inspired by an international network of learners
  • Share ideas with your peers and course educators on every step of the course
  • Join the conversation by reading, @ing, liking, bookmarking, and replying to comments from others

Map your progress

  • As you work through the course, use notifications and the Progress page to guide your learning
  • Whenever you’re ready, mark each step as complete, you’re in control
  • Complete 90% of course steps and all of the assessments to earn your certificate

Want to know more about learning on FutureLearn? Using FutureLearn

Do you know someone who'd love this course? Tell them about it...