Program Overview

Programme: BSocSciHons specialising in Gender Studies

The BSocSciHons specialising in Gender Studies is a postgraduate programme offered by the University of Pretoria.

Programme Information

• Code: Faculty of Humanities, Department: Sociology
• Credits: 120
• Duration: Minimum duration of study: 1 year
• NQF level: 08

Admission Requirements

General Admission Regulations

The programme adheres to the UP Institutional Admissions Policy as well as the General Academic Regulations and Student Rules.

• All applications must be accompanied by certified full academic transcripts, a certified copy of ID or passport, and a research concept note (not applicable to honours or coursework master's degrees).
• International applicants must submit a SAQA evaluation of their completed qualification, TOEFL or IELTS test results (if applicable), and a certified copy of their passport.
• Admission is based on prior degree performance, bridging arrangements (if required), academic merit, and prior work experience (if applicable).
• The department has the right to limit the number of students per year based on supervisory capacity and research projects.
• Complying with minimum admissions requirements does not guarantee admission.
• Proposed research studies should align with the research focus of the relevant department.
• Applicants must be proficient in English.
• All applicants must be computer literate and have access to an internet-enabled device and consistent email and internet access.

Minimum Admissions Requirements

• A relevant bachelor's degree with a directly related major or modules in Gender Studies (NQF level 7)
• An average of at least 70% at final-year level in the major/field of specialisation
• An admissions essay may be required

Additional Requirements

• In certain cases, additional modules may be required.
• Students with an average of between 68% and 70% in the major/field of specialisation could be admitted at the discretion of the department, subject to operational capacity.

Programme Structure

Core Modules

• GNR 758: Introduction to Gender Studies
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module traces the history of feminist theory, the emergence of gender studies, and feminist movements, including masculinity studies and queer theory.
• SOC 751: Research Methodology
  • Credits: 20.00
  • Module content: The module focuses on debates about and the practice of research, introducing the idea of science, theoretical conceptualisations, and epistemological assumptions.
• SOC 753: Research Paper
  • Credits: 30.00
  • Module content: Students are expected to produce a research paper under weekly supervision, demonstrating their ability to conduct empirical research and integrate findings with the literature.

Elective Modules

• GNR 753: Gender and the Law
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: The module exposes students to different perspectives on gender and the implications for conceptualising and thinking about law and theories of law.
• GNR 757: Women in Africa
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module examines debates on gender with an emphasis on the historical and social context of gender inequalities and stratification on the African continent.
• GSO 756: Contemporary Development Issues and Debates
  • Credits: 20.00
  • Module content: The module provides a critical analysis of contemporary development themes and practices in the post-development theory impasse era.
• IPL 752: International Relations Theory
  • Credits: 20.00
  • Module content: The study of empirical and normative theories of international relations, with specific reference to the contemporary development and state of the art thereof.
• LAB 754: Sociology of Work and Employment Relations
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module explores the relationship between work and employment relations, including the relationships between employers, employees, labour organisations, and the state.
• LCC 729: Gender and Literature
  • Credits: 20.00
  • Module content: An advanced focus on Western and Southern Feminisms, Queer Theory, Gay and Lesbian Studies in literary texts.
• PTO 751: African and Regional Politics
  • Credits: 20.00
  • Module content: The module focuses on African political systems, the position and role of Africa in the international system, and aspects of regionalism and regionalisation.
• SOC 756: Social Theory
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module introduces students to key conceptual vocabularies and selected theoretical paradigms in order to facilitate an understanding of current debates and innovations in the field.
• SOC 761: Sociology of South Africa
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module takes a sociological approach to understanding and interrogating South African society, reviewing key issues to understand the political economy of Apartheid and post-apartheid South Africa.
• SOC 762: Identity, Culture and Society
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: The module focuses on the relationship between the personal and social, considering how societal structures and institutions shape and construct identities historically.
• SOC 763: Gender, Reproduction, and the Politics of Intimacy
  • Credits: 25.00
  • Module content: This module explores the gendered, intersectional, and feminist politics of reproduction across a range of transnational contexts, grappling with core debates about the meaning/s of gendered labour, family, and kin relations.

Other Programme-Specific Information

• Students must select two elective modules from the available list.
• Not all modules are offered in any given year; please consult the Head of Department for more information.
• IPL 752 and PTO 751 are only available to students with International Relations, Politics, or a directly related first-degree major.