Program Overview

MPhil/PhD Gender

The MPhil/PhD in Gender is a dynamic programme that will develop your scholarly and career interests, preparing you for the world of academia and policy research. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication, and which makes an original contribution to the field of Gender Studies.

Introduction

Learning takes the form of courses, workshops, and professional training over your first three years. You’ll begin on the MPhil, and once you’ve met certain requirements, you’ll be upgraded to PhD status.

In your first year, you’ll receive core gender theory, epistemology and methodology training to prepare you for research and writing. You’ll also receive ongoing training throughout your studies in and outside of the department. Fortnightly PhD workshops are also held throughout the programme from Years 1 to 3.

You’ll be matched with your main supervisor who will guide you through the various stages of your research, acting as your point of contact during your time in the department.

The PhD programme aims to attract the very best future researchers, and we’re attentive to questions of power and inequality and their impact on faculty, staff and students. The department has a commitment to social justice and to ensuring an inclusive space for all.

Key Information

• Study mode / Programme availability:
  • Home full-time students (Three to four years, minimum two years) Open
  • Overseas full-time students (Three to four years, minimum two years) Open
  • Home part-time students (See "Your application" for more information) Open
• Academic year: 2026/27
• Start date: 28 September 2026
• Location: Houghton Street, London
• Application deadline: 10 December 2025

Overview

The MPhil/PhD in Gender is a dynamic programme that will develop your scholarly and career interests, preparing you for the world of academia and policy research. You’ll have the opportunity to undertake a substantial piece of work that is worthy of publication, and which makes an original contribution to the field of Gender Studies.

Introduction

Learning takes the form of courses, workshops, and professional training over your first three years. You’ll begin on the MPhil, and once you’ve met certain requirements, you’ll be upgraded to PhD status.

In your first year, you’ll receive core gender theory, epistemology and methodology training to prepare you for research and writing. You’ll also receive ongoing training throughout your studies in and outside of the department. Fortnightly PhD workshops are also held throughout the programme from Years 1 to 3.

You’ll be matched with your main supervisor who will guide you through the various stages of your research, acting as your point of contact during your time in the department.

The PhD programme aims to attract the very best future researchers, and we’re attentive to questions of power and inequality and their impact on faculty, staff and students. The department has a commitment to social justice and to ensuring an inclusive space for all.

Entry Requirements

• The minimum entry requirement for this programme is a high merit (68 per cent) in a taught master’s degree in a related discipline and normally a distinction in the dissertation.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Research.

Programme Content

In addition to progressing with your research, you're expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. You may take courses in addition to those listed but you must discuss this with your supervisor.

Year 1

• GI424: Half unit, Gender Theories: An Interdisciplinary Approach
• GI402: Half unit, Gender, Knowledge and Research Practice
• GI500: Non-credit bearing, Doctoral Workshop: Department of Gender Studies

Year 2

• You'll take or audit courses as agreed with your supervisor.
• GI500: Non-credit bearing, Doctoral Workshop: Department of Gender Studies

Year 3

• You'll take or audit courses as agreed with your supervisor.
• GI500: Non-credit bearing, Doctoral Workshop: Department of Gender Studies

Year 4

• You'll take or audit courses as agreed with your supervisor.
• GI500: Non-credit bearing, Doctoral Workshop: Department of Gender Studies

Why Study with Us

• Student stories: The reputation of LSE enabled me to gain access to individuals and organisations for my research that would otherwise have been closed to me.
• Meet the department: Established in 1993, the Department of Gender Studies is an internationally renowned hub of research and teaching in the field of Gender Studies.
• Why LSE: Discover more about our students and department.

Your Application

• We welcome applications for research programmes that complement the academic interests of our staff at LSE.
• We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your form, such as your academic achievement, statement of academic purpose, references, CV, outline research proposal, and sample of written work.

Fees and Funding

• Home student fee (2026/27): £5,131
• Overseas student fee (2026/27): £24,400
• Scholarships, bursaries and loans: We recognise that the cost of living in London may be higher than in your home town/city or country and we provide generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students.

Learning and Assessment

• Supervision: You'll be assigned a main supervisor and an advisor (or joint supervision in rare cases).
• Progression and assessment: At the end of the first year you'll go through your First Year Upgrade viva.

Graduate Destinations

• Students who successfully complete the programme often embark on an academic career.
• Career support: From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.