Program Overview

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Our MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies is an innovative, interdisciplinary programme located in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies (PPS) . Our approach is highly interdisciplinary and intersectional, combining elements of sociology, psychology, literature, history, politics, human rights, philosophy, and art. On this course, you will gain a strong grounding in the theories and concepts that have been essential to the study of gender and sexuality while also being supported in the exploration of your own unique cross-disciplinary research interests through our wide range of optional modules from across the University. In PPS we value the fact that your choice of study is often deeply motivated by your life experience as well future ambitions -- this is perhaps especially the case with Gender and Sexuality studies. Our expertise in psychosocial approaches means that, in studying with us, you will be encouraged to recognise and explore the many ways that issues relating to gender and sexuality bring together personal, social, and political questions (for example, questions of identity and subjectivity, equality and justice, history and global politics). You will learn from scholars whose current research projects demonstrate their own interests and commitments in the field; our specialisms include intersectional feminist theory and methods; LGBTQ+ politics and activism; gendered childhoods; masculinities and youth work; sexuality and health activism; global perspectives on reproductive justice; human rights and refugee communities. You will also learn from your peers and the wider community. In PPS, we are explicit in our commitment to trans-inclusivity and to ensuring a learning environment in which everyone can flourish. We will offer you a transformative educational experience that will deepen your understanding of gender, sexuality and equality as well as empower you to contribute to future social and cultural challenges. Throughout the course, you will have the opportunity to develop your understanding of key sites of psychosocial life, including:

• Gender
• Sexuality
• Identity
• Race
• Class
• Family
• Work
• Psychology
• Environment
• Normativity
• Objectivity
• Nation
• Capital
• Colonialism
• Violence
• Politics
• Health

Why we're great.

• You’ll be taught by internationally renowned scholars and teachers, committed to helping you understand how social, historical and psychological factors shape the experience of gender
• You’ll be joining a diverse postgraduate community with students from over 29 countries
• You’ll learn a range of transferrable skills, theories, and methods that will transform your personal and professional life beyond the university

Our expert staff

The University of Essex has a long and luminous tradition as one of the pioneering universities for the study of gender and sexuality. Recognizing this, we draw from the wide range of expertise from scholars across the university and combine it with a unique focus on ‘psychosocial’ life. In this way, our staff support a unique, interdisciplinary degree that works across sociology, psychology, and the humanities.

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Dr Carolyn Laubender

Co-Course Director, MA Gender and Sexuality Studies Carolyn is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies. As Co-Director of the Gender and Sexuality Studies programme her research interests include feminist and queer theory, postcolonial theory, psychoanalytic history and 20th century literature and film.

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Dr Julie Walsh

Co-Course Director, MA Gender and Sexuality Studies As a Senior Lecturer in the Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies Department, and Co-Director of the Gender and Sexuality Studies programme, Julie’s research interests include critical and cultural theory, gender and sexuality studies, medical humanities, psychoanalysis and psychosocial studies. The Department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies is internationally recognised as one of the leading departments in its field. Our expertise in psychosocial approaches combined with our strengths in psychoanalysis and depth psychology provides a vibrant intellectual backdrop for students of Gender and Sexuality Studies to pursue research that is underpinned by a commitment to thinking the social and the personal together. Being part of a leading university in the study of social sciences means you are surrounded by strong departments that fully support and enhance our work. This allows you to gain the opportunity to work with and be taught by world-class scholars in their fields.

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Specialist facilities

As a student on the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies, you will have access to our extensive facilities to aid your learning and research. In particular, our Albert Sloman Library is well stocked with books, journals, electronic resources and major archives relevant to our work and, in addition, the department of Psychosocial and Psychoanalytic Studies has its own library of specialist books and journals. The Department holds free evening Open Seminars on a range of interesting topics and there are a number of active student societies to support your extra-curricular engagement. Elsewhere in the University, the Centre for Sexual and Intimate Citizenship , directed by Professor Roisin Ryan-Flood (Sociology), hosts a bi-monthly lunchtime speaker series and reading group on a wide-range of topics in gender and sexuality studies; and the Human Rights Centre (Essex Law School) holds a regular speaker series with expert academics and related social events.

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Your future

You will develop key employability skills including analytical thinking, public speaking, research methods, and professional writing that are applicable to many professional spheres. Our MA Gender and Sexuality Studies course will equip you for a career in sectors including activist and NGO work; law; health and social care; education; and clinical work. This course also acts as a stepping stone to further PhD study