Unit Overview

Description

This unit introduces students to the burgeoning field of the economics of migration, with a specific focus on the links between migration and economic development. Students are first introduced to the various ways migration is conceptualised, before being given an overview of world trends with a specific focus on Australia. Students are then be given a sequence of lectures on migration theory, both internal and international, which leads naturally to discussions of the determinants of migration and an overview of migration policies enacted by nation-states. The unit then explores the impacts of migrants at destination (labour market adjustments, attitudes, votes, etc.). The unit concludes by discussing the potential of migration for global economic development, including migration as a form of economic development and the crucial roles migrant networks play in shaping our world (remittances, trade, FDI, etc.).

Credit
6 points
Offering
AvailabilityLocationModeFirst year of offer
Not available in 2026UWA (Perth)On-campus
Outcomes

Students are able to (1) demonstrate a knowledge of migration issues; (2) analyse how different migration policies are applied in practice; (3) assess how countries leverage migration for economic development; and (4) explain migration as both a form of development and as an integral societal process..

Assessment

Indicative assessments in this unit are as follows: (1) assignment; (2) test; and (3) final examination. Further information is available in the unit outline.



Student may be offered supplementary assessment in this unit if they meet the eligibility criteria.

Unit Coordinator(s)
Christopher Parsons
Unit rules
Prerequisites
Successful completion of
level 4 12 points Unit(s)
Contact hours
Lectures/tutorials: 3 hours per week
  • The availability of units in Semester 1, 2, etc. was correct at the time of publication but may be subject to change.
  • All students are responsible for identifying when they need assistance to improve their academic learning, research, English language and numeracy skills; seeking out the services and resources available to help them; and applying what they learn. Students are encouraged to register for free online support through GETSmart; to help themselves to the extensive range of resources on UWA's STUDYSmarter website; and to participate in WRITESmart and (ma+hs)Smart drop-ins and workshops.
  • Visit the Essential Textbooks website to see if any textbooks are required for this Unit. The website is updated regularly so content may change. Students are recommended to purchase Essential Textbooks, but a limited number of copies of all Essential Textbooks are held in the Library in print, and as an ebook where possible. Recommended readings for the unit can be accessed in Unit Readings directly through the Learning Management System (LMS).
  • Contact hours provide an indication of the type and extent of in-class activities this unit may contain. The total amount of student work (including contact hours, assessment time, and self-study) will approximate 150 hours per 6 credit points.

Face to face

Predominantly face-to-face. On campus attendance required to complete this unit. May have accompanying resources online.

Online flexible

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit is asynchronous delivery, with NO requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online timetabled

100% Online Unit. NO campus face-to-face attendance is required to complete this unit. All study requirements are online only. Unit includes some synchronous components, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times.

Online Restricted

Not available for self-enrolment. Students access this mode by contacting their student office through AskUWA. 100% Online Unit.

NO campus face-to-face attendance. All study and assessment requirements are online only. Unit includes some timetabled activities, with a requirement for students to participate online at specific times. In exceptional cases (noted in the Handbook) students may be required to participate in face-to-face laboratory classes when a return to UWA’s Crawley campus becomes possible in order to be awarded a final grade.

External

No attendance or regular contact is required, and all study requirements are completed either via correspondence and/or online submission.

Off-campus

Regular attendance is not required, but student attends the institution face to face on an agreed schedule for purposes of supervision and/or instruction.

Multi-mode

Multiple modes of delivery. Unit includes a mix of online and on-campus study requirements. On campus attendance for some activities is required to complete this unit.