Program Overview

Gender Studies MRes

Overview

The MRes Gender Studies course is designed to provide students with postgraduate-level research methodologies and skills, as well as highlighting contemporary debates on 'gender' as a broadly defined field. With expert guidance, students will produce a 28,000-word dissertation on a gender-related topic.

Course Structure

• Year 1
  • Advanced Research Methods in Gender Studies
  • Consensus and Dissent: Contemporary Debates in Gender Studies
  • Research Dissertation

Modules

Advanced Research Methods in Gender Studies

Module Content

This module introduces students to the entire research process from initial literature reviewing through to presentation of findings. It critically examines the role and use of research in producing knowledge on gender and society through academic, political, and public domains.

Module Aims

• To highlight the role of research in producing knowledge within Gender Studies and to consider technical arguments alongside epistemological concerns when deciding on research designs.
• To develop students' critical awareness of the potential uses and limitations of a range of research methods.
• To encourage a critical awareness of the role of feminism and gender in research paradigms and to consider the impact this has had in relation to research relations and knowledge construction.
• To facilitate the construction of a realistic, well-designed, and ethical postgraduate research project.

Consensus and Dissent: Contemporary Debates in Gender Studies

Module Content

This module has been designed to introduce MRes Gender Studies students to the theoretical, conceptual, and practical debates that have characterized, and continue to inform, feminist, women's, and gender studies.

Module Aims

• To highlight the theoretical, conceptual, and practical debates that have characterized, and continue to inform, feminist, women's, and gender studies.
• To develop students' critical awareness of contemporary debates in gender studies.
• To encourage a critical awareness of the role of feminism and gender in significant areas of the lives of individuals and communities.
• To enable students to position their own critical voices in the broader field of gender studies and debates.

Research Dissertation

Module Content

Each student researches and writes a 28,000-word dissertation or equivalent. The topic and title are negotiated between the student and the supervising tutor; the tutor's approval of these is an essential requirement.

Module Aims

• To enable students enrolled on the MRes in Gender Studies to pursue selected topics in depth via independent research.
• To familiarize these students with the range of texts available for the study of their selected dissertation topic.
• To facilitate students' exploration and critical examination of the nature and characteristics of their chosen topic.
• To develop students' specialist knowledge in one or more areas of the broader field of interdisciplinary gender studies.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is via discussions with a highly experienced published lecturer.
• Assessment is via written work, including a dissertation.

Entry Requirements

• A 2:1 honors degree in any relevant discipline or an equivalent qualification is required.
• Credit exemption may be given for appropriate certificated or experiential learning undertaken or completed within the previous five years.
• Consideration may be given to those who hold a lower classification who can demonstrate they are capable of performing at the level required to complete the course successfully.
• Admission to the MRes course is by written application (including a research proposal) and interview.

English Language Requirements

For more information on our English Language requirements, please visit International Entry Requirements.

Location

• Exton Park, Chester

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £5,006 per year full-time (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,084 per year full-time (2025/26)
• Additional Costs: Books, printing, photocopying, educational stationery, and related materials.
• Bursaries: The University of Chester supports fair access for students who may need additional support through a range of bursaries and scholarships.

Career Prospects

• The MRes Gender Studies course is ideal preparation for PhD study, but the research skills developed in the program are also transferable to a wide range of other careers.
• The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.