Program Overview

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MSc Gender (Sexuality)

The MSc in Gender (Sexuality) is an interdisciplinary programme that explores sexuality theories and transnational issues of sexual activism and legal frames. This is a flexible degree, and you’ll develop expertise in gender theories, as well as gaining an understanding of the significance of gender and sexuality in research design.

Introduction

The programme is organised around broad themes, introducing you to new developments and critical frameworks such as queer theory, trans* politics, and arguments about the "sexualisation of culture" and cultural production. A key focus of the degree is the ethical and intellectual issues that arise from practicing gender and sexuality studies. In addition to the compulsory courses, you can choose from a range of options, from within and outside of the department, enabling you to develop your own gender studies pathway and focus on key research areas.

Preliminary Readings

• J Alexander, Gay Tourism: culture and context (Haworth Press, 2006)
• C Hemmings, "Sexuality section", M Evans et al, eds, Handbook of Feminist Theory (Sage, 2014)
• K Kempadoo, Sexing the Caribbean: gender, race and sexual labour (Routledge, 2004)
• S YP Choi and M Luo, "Performative family: homosexuality, marriage and intergenerational dynamics in China", British Journal of Sociology 67(2): 260-280 (2016)
• J Puar, Terrorist Assemblages: homonationalism in queer times (Duke UP, 2007)
• M Rastegar, "Emotional attachments and secular imaginings: western LGBTQ activism on Iran", 19(1): 1-29 (2013)
• D Richardson, "Constructing sexual citizenship, theorising sexual rights", Critical Social Policy 20(1): 105-135 (2000)
• L A Stoler, Race and the Education of Desire (Duke University Press, 1995)
• S Stryker and T M Bettcher (eds.), “Trans/feminisms” [Special Issue] Transgender Studies Quarterly 3(1-2) (2016)
• H S "Herukhuti" Williams, "Introduction to afrocentric decolonizing kweer theory and epistemology of the erotic", J ournal of Black Sexuality and Relationships 2(4): 1-31 (2016)

Key Information

Study Mode / Programme Availability

• Home full-time students (12 months) Open
• Home part-time students (24 months) Open
• Overseas full-time students (12 months) Open

Academic Year

2026/27

Start Date

28 September 2026

Location

Houghton Street, London

Application Deadline

None – rolling admissions. However, please note the funding deadlines.

Entry Requirements

• Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in social science or humanities.
• English language requirements: Higher.

Programme Content

Year 1

You'll take two compulsory courses, options to the value of one and a half units, and a dissertation.

• GI422: One unit, Transnational Sexual Politics
• GI424: Half unit, Gender Theories: An Interdisciplinary Approach
• GI499: One unit, Dissertation - Independent Research Project
• Courses to the value of one and a half units from a range of options.

Why Study with Us

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. The department offers eight master's programmes and a stimulating PhD programme, attracting around 150 talented students each year from a huge array of different academic backgrounds and countries.

Why LSE

• University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK (Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 2025)
• 1st in London for the 14th year running (The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 2026)
• 6th In the world (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025)
• Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK

Your Application

Overview

We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential, and motivation, irrespective of background.

When to Apply

Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full. There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

Home

£18,300 (Home student fee for 2026/27)

Overseas

£30,400 (Overseas student fee for 2026/27)

Fee Status

At LSE, your tuition fees, and eligibility for any financial support, will depend on whether you’re classified as a home or overseas student (known as your fee status).

Scholarships, Bursaries, and Loans

• Fee reduction: Students who completed undergraduate study at LSE and are beginning taught graduate study at the School are eligible for a fee reduction of around 10 per cent of the fee.
• Scholarships and other funding: We offer some needs-based awards for this programme, including the Graduate Support Scheme.

Learning and Assessment

How You Learn

• Contact hours and independent study: Within your programme, you'll take a number of courses, often including half unit courses and full unit courses.
• Teaching methods: LSE is internationally recognised for its teaching and research and therefore employs a rich variety of teaching staff with a range of experience and status.

How You're Assessed

All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award.

Graduate Destinations

Overview

Our Department of Gender Study students go on to work in varied career paths: research and consultancy for government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developed and less developed countries, international organisations, humanitarian and charity work, personnel work, civil and diplomatic services, representative politics, advocacy, the legal profession, academia, media and communication, and in education.

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.

Find Out More

Related Programmes

• MSc Gender
• MSc Gender, Media and Culture
• MSc Gender (Research)
• MSc Gender, Policy and Inequalities
• MSc Media and Communications
• MSc Gender (Rights and Human Rights)
• MSc Gender, Peace and Security
• MSc Gender, Development and Globalisation
• MSc Inequalities and Social Science
• MSc Sociology
• MSc Social Research Methods

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