Our Masters degree in Gender Studies examines the history, context and development of key debates around gender, sexuality and identity, exploring commonalities and differences in the ways they have played out in a range of contemporary, historical and global cultures.

Developed by specialists who are passionately engaged with gender, feminist and queer issues, the strength of our programme lies in its interdisciplinary curriculum which branches across multiple fields ranging from: film, media and literary studies, sociology, history, philosophy, curation and politics.  

Through core modules like Understanding Gender, Researching Gender and Key Feminist Thinkers, you’ll explore a range of theoretical and methodological approaches for studying gender. You’ll also delve into the ways in which academic debate informs, is shaped by and is at times distanced from how gender actually ‘works’ in real-world contexts.

The course places the application of learning to real-world contexts at the heart of its teaching. You’ll have the opportunity to apply your learning on a research placement. The course team has established links with potential placement providers from the third sector, as well as with a number of organisations who are committed to gender equality as part of their work in arts, culture and sport.

As a member of the Institute for Advanced Studies, you’ll have access to seminars and events held across the university led by staff and practitioners working on gender, queer and feminist issues.

Placements

Your research placement enables you to apply your research in real-world contexts. We have connections with a wide range of potential placement providers, from the leading feminist organisations across the third sector in Scotland to a number of organisations who are committed to gender equality as part of their work in arts, culture and sport. 

Career

Our Masters course combines in-depth knowledge of gender studies with transferable skills in research and analysis that are indispensable to a range of public, private and third-sector organisations.

The course can also serve as a launching pad for further postgraduate studies.