Program Overview

Program Overview

The University of Birmingham offers a Master of Arts in Gender and Sexuality, a postgraduate program that explores how gender and sexuality relate to race, class, disability, and other key aspects of society. This program tackles real-world issues while engaging with theory and research across humanities and social science.

Course Highlights

• Our interdisciplinary network of scholars in Gender and Sexuality brings together academics from across the University who each teach in their own area of expertise.
• Understand different critical theories of gender and sexuality - ideal if you're interested in a career related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• We're one of the Top 100 universities for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2025).
• Choose from a variety of modules across different subject areas relating to gender and sexuality.
• Take part in the ROLES network run by postgraduate researchers in sexuality and gender studies.
• Explore a range of current and historical critical theories about sexuality and gender.

Course Delivery

At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Gender and Sexuality.

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
• Dissertation – you'll undertake a 12,000-word dissertation in an area that interests you.

Module Information

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

2026/27 Session

The following must be taken:

• Dissertation in Gender and Sexuality | 60 credits
• Gender and Sexuality Studies | 20 credits
• Praxis in Gender and Sexuality | 20 credits
• Research Methods in Gender and Sexuality | 20 credits Students must choose 60 credits of optional modules. All optional lists are indicative; not all modules will run each year depending on staff availability.

Optional Modules:

• Contemporary Gender Issues in Africa | 20 credits
• Contemporary Art and Masculinity | 20 credits
• Cultures of Popular Literature | 20 credits
• Gender and Development | 20 credits
• Gender and Power in Colonial Africa | 20 credits
• Gender, Sexualities and Religion | 20 credits
• Gender, Sexuality and Law | 20 credits
• Black Activisms in the US South: Power, Feminisms, and Black Lives Mattering from 1960-present | 20 credits
• Gender and the Making of the Modern Britain, | 20 credits
• Gross Indecency to Gay Marriage? Gender and Sexual Minorities 1885 to the Present | 20 credits
• The Making of the British Raj: Gender, Conquest and Race in early colonial India,c. | 20 credits
• Sexuality, Gender and Representation | 20 credits
• Queer and Trans Histories | 20 credits
• Theories, Issues + Methodologies of Sexuality and Gender | 20 credits
• Women and Artistic Culture in the Late Medieval and Early Modern Period | 20 credits

Entry Requirements

To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.

• 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant subject You will need an Honours degree, normally in any humanities or social science discipline such as History, Politics, Cultural Studies, or Literature, and normally of an upper second-class standard. Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.

English Language Requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification or a Presessional English course.

• IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band
• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

Fees and Scholarships

The University tuition fee covers the cost of your tuition, supervision, assessment and includes membership to the Guild of Students.

• £11,250 (full-time)
• £5,625 (part-time) We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2026 entry are above.

Paying Your Tuition Fees

Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.

Application Process

To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.

• 28 August 2026: Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.

Career Opportunities

By studying a postgraduate degree in Sexuality and Gender Studies at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include critical thinking abilities, presentation skills and the ability to independently manage your time. Our Sexuality and Gender postgraduate students have gone on to work in careers such as 'Media and Communications Officer', 'Assistant Manager' and 'Programmes Coordinator' in organisations such as Groundwork, Container Love, and the NHS.