Program Overview

Introduction to the Gender Studies MA

The University of Sussex offers a Gender Studies MA program, which explores the intersection of gender and modern social issues. This course is ideal for individuals seeking to develop an existing research interest, those in careers where gender issues play a significant role, or those wishing to explore a broad range of issues concerning gender.

Key Information

• Duration: 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time
• Start Date: September 2026
• Application Deadline: 1 August 2026 (international), 1 September 2026 (UK)

Rankings and Recognition

• Ranked 1st in the UK for research impact in Sociology in REF 2021 (Times Higher Education)
• Ranked 8th in the UK for Sociology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)
• Ranked 9th in the UK for Social Sciences (The Times Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2024)

Course Description

This MA program delves into the intersection of gender and contemporary social issues, including identity, culture, and speech. It is designed for students to conduct their own research and discuss contemporary social issues focusing on gender, feminist, and queer theory, and methodology.

Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

• Upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honors degree or above
• Subject-specific requirements: Social sciences or humanities subject, but other backgrounds will be considered

International Requirements

Requirements vary by country. Please select your country from the list to view specific requirements.

English Language Requirements

• IELTS (Academic): Standard level (6.0 overall, including at least 5.5 in each component)
• Alternative English Language Qualifications: Cambridge Advanced Certificate in English (CAE), Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (CPE), Duolingo English test, LanguageCert Academic SELT, LanguageCert International ESOL SELT, Pearson (PTE Academic), TOEFL (iBT)
• Country Exceptions: If you are a national of one of the exempt English-speaking countries, you will normally meet the English requirement

Modules

Core Modules

• Autumn Teaching: Critical Reading in Advanced Gender Theory, Gender Politics and Social Research
• Spring and Summer Teaching: Dissertation Gender Studies

Options

• Spring Teaching: Activism for Development and Social Justice, Cinematic Bodies, Hate Crime and Sexual Violence, Sex, Work and Reproduction, Techno-Feminism History and Practice, The Existential Self: Chaos, Meaning and Human Potential, Women and Human Rights

Fees and Scholarships

Fees

• Home Students: ｣11,250 per year for full-time students
• International Students: ｣23,500 per year for full-time students

Scholarships

• Aziz Foundation Scholarship
• Chancellor's International Scholarships
• Chancellor's Masters Scholarship
• Climate Leaders Scholarship
• Friends of the University of Sussex Scholarship
• Mandela Scholarship supported by FirstRand Empowerment Foundation
• Sussex Alumni Scholarship
• Sussex Bangladesh Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Egypt Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex India Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Kenya Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Nepal Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Nigeria Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Pakistan Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Progressive Futures Scholarships
• Sussex Sri Lanka Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Turkey Scholarship (Masters)
• Sussex Vietnam Scholarship (Masters)

Careers

91% of Sussex postgraduates have completed work experience by the end of their course. Graduates are well-prepared for careers in sectors such as national and local government, NGO/charity work, journalism, teaching, and equalities and diversity work within corporations. The advanced methodological skills also provide a strong foundation for further academic study or a career in research.