Gender Studies MA

Course overview

On this interdisciplinary course you’ll explore gender relations in the past, present and future, centring marginalised perspectives. We take a transnational view, engaging with decoloniality to tackle some of the most pressing social issues of our modern lives.

You’ll gain a thorough intellectual grounding in feminist scholarship, including both the foundational and canonical texts to which contemporary feminist scholarship owes its legacy, alongside current debates and developments. We are dedicated to privileging transnational, indigenous and marginalised feminist knowledge, disrupting the narrative of dominant Western perspectives that have frequently come to define feminist scholarship..

Supported by our Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies, and drawing on teaching expertise from around the University, you’ll be able to explore approaches from across a range of academic disciplines. You’ll learn the principles of conducting research on gender and examine issues that both shape and are shaped by gender relations, such as family roles, reproductive technologies, citizenship, sexuality and culture.

You’ll take core modules in gender theory and research to develop your foundation of knowledge, and you’ll build on this by choosing from a range of optional modules on topics such as gendered embodiment, gender and media, racism, decoloniality and migration, and religion and sexuality. This is an exciting time to study gender, and our course will give you a thorough insight into this vital and fascinating field.

Research insight

The Centre for Interdisciplinary Gender Studies at the University of Leeds is at the forefront of gender research, working closely with other research centres within the School and maintaining strong links with universities around the world. It’s a welcoming and stimulating environment in which to explore gender issues from a range of perspectives. You’ll also benefit from research expertise from other schools and faculties across the University.

Course details and modules

Your core modules will introduce you to research and a range of theoretical approaches in gender studies. You'll consider feminist research practices, including ethical and epistemological issues. At the same time, you’ll engage with contemporary theoretical approaches to analyse different – and sometimes contradictory – explanations for the source and operation of gender, and how it affects different areas of social life.

As you gain a strong foundation of knowledge in these core topics, you’ll also select specific areas of interest to explore. These optional modules hone in on subjects such as reality tv, the presence of inequality in the media and racism.

The course teaches you strong research skills and gives you a broad education in Gender Studies. You’ll put these into practice when you complete a dissertation on a topic of your choice, which you’ll submit by the end of the course.

Course structure

The list shown below represents typical modules/components studied and may change from time to time. Read more in our terms and conditions.

For more information and a full list of typical modules available on this course, please read Gender Studies MA in the course catalogue

Year 1 compulsory modules

Year 1 optional modules (selection of typical options shown below)

You will also choose 60 credits from the below.

Learning and teaching

At Leeds we use a range of teaching and learning methods including student-led workshops and discussions, online resources, and group tasks. Independent study is also crucial to this degree, as an opportunity to develop your skills and form your own ideas.

On this course, you’ll be taught by our expert academics, from lecturers through to professors. You may also be taught by industry professionals with years of experience, as well as trained postgraduate researchers, connecting you to some of the brightest minds on campus.

Assessment

Assessment methods may vary, depending on the modules you choose. They could include presentations, book reviews, research proposals and essays. We offer plenty of support including feedback on essay plans and draft dissertation chapters and regular opportunities to meet with academic staff on a one-to-one basis.

Applying

Entry requirements

A bachelor degree with a 2:1 (hons) or equivalent in a social science, or related subject.

We accept a range of international equivalent qualifications.

English language requirements

IELTS 6.5 overall, with no less than 6.0 in any component. For other English qualifications, read English language equivalent qualifications.

Improve your English

International students who do not meet the English language requirements for this programme may be able to study our postgraduate pre-sessional English course, to help improve your English language level.

This pre-sessional course is designed with a progression route to your degree programme and you’ll learn academic English in the context of your subject area. To find out more, read Language for Politics and Society (6 weeks) and Language for Social Sciences and Arts: Politics and Society (10 weeks).

We also offer online pre-sessionals alongside our on-campus pre-sessionals. Find out more about our six week online pre-sessional and our 10 week online pre-sessional. 

You can also study pre-sessionals for longer periods – read about our postgraduate pre-sessional English courses.

How to apply

If you intend to apply for funding, you should submit an application for a place on your chosen course at least one month before any specific scholarship deadline.

The ‘Apply’ link at the top of this page will take you to information on applying for taught programmes and to the University's online application system.

If you're unsure about the application process, contact the admissions team for help.

Documents and information we will need include:

• original or certified copies of your transcripts
• original or certified copies of your degree certificate
• original or certified copy of your IELTS/TOEFL results (if English is not your first language).

Read about visas, immigration and other information in International students. We recommend that international students apply as early as possible to ensure that they have time to apply for their visa.

Admissions policy

University of Leeds Admissions Policy 2025

This course is taught by

School of Sociology and Social Policy

Contact us

Postgraduate Admissions Office

Email: pgssp@leeds.ac.uk
Telephone:

Fees

UK: £12,250 (Total)

International: £26,000 (Total)

Read more about paying fees and charges.

For fees information for international taught postgraduate students, read Masters fees.

Additional cost information

There may be additional costs related to your course or programme of study, or related to being a student at the University of Leeds. Read more on our living costs and budgeting page.

Scholarships and financial support

If you have the talent and drive, we want you to be able to study with us, whatever your financial circumstances. There may be help for students in the form of loans and non-repayable grants from the University and from the government.  Find out more at Masters funding overview.

The School of Sociology and Social Policy usually offers a number of scholarships each year. Find out more on the School's scholarships page.

Career opportunities

This course equips you with transferable skills such as research, analysis and communication, as well as a range of subject-specific knowledge and skills. Graduates have gone on to further study, pursuing both academic and non-academic research careers. Our students have also found work in the public and third sector, in national and international organisations like think tanks, the WHO and United Nations, or in private organisations.

Careers support

We encourage you to prepare for your career from day one. That’s one of the reasons Leeds graduates are so sought after by employers.

The Careers Centre and staff in your faculty provide a range of help and advice to help you plan your career and make well-informed decisions along the way, even after you graduate. Find out more about Careers support.