Gender Studies (MLitt) 2021 entry
The MLitt in Gender Studies explores the theory and history of gender studies as well as the ways in which gender interacts with class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power.
Key information
Course type
Postgraduate, leading to a Master of Letters (MLitt)
Course dates
- Start date: 6 September 2021
- End date: 30 September 2022
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Course duration
One year full time; part-time study is not currently offered.
Entry requirements
- A good 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
- English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.
The MLitt in Gender Studies welcomes applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including, but not limited to:
- anthropology
- cultural studies
- history
- liberal arts
- literary studies
- media studies
- philosophy
- politics.
The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.
Tuition fees
Home: £9,900
Overseas: £20,370
Application deadline
Wednesday 11 August 2021. Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.
Application requirements
- A CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
- A personal statement explaining:
- why you have applied for this course
- how it relates to your personal or professional ambitions
- how your academic and professional background show you have the skills needed to work effectively at postgraduate level.
- Two original signed academic references on headed paper.
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates.
- Evidence of English language proficiency (required if English is not your first language).
For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.
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Course information
What is gender and how does it influence our thinking about concepts such as equality, difference, and justice? On the MLitt in Gender Studies you will explore the theory and history of gender studies and its application to contemporary debates.
Highlights
- Introduces key topics in gender studies, providing a broad-based overview of the field.
- Interdisciplinary character helps you to develop a more rounded understanding of gender studies questions and concepts.
- Prepares students for further academic study and research.
- Links with the St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies bring you into contact with current gender studies research across different disciplines.
- Integrated training programme connects your academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies.
The MLitt in Gender Studies is distinguished by its interdisciplinary character and an emphasis on an intersectional understanding of gender. You will also benefit from links with the St Andrews Institute of Gender Studies.
Gender studies are inherently interdisciplinary. On this MLitt subject experts from across the University provide their own disciplinary perspectives on key topics. Your learning will encompass feminism and women’s studies, masculine studies, sexism and oppression, and queer theory. In this way you will engage with critical perspectives on gender and related subjects.
You will be encouraged to develop a more rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of gender studies questions and concepts and learn how to critically discuss gender from multiple disciplinary perspectives. You will also demonstrate your ability to solve complex problems by critical understanding, analysis, and synthesis.
The degree will be of particular interest if you intend to continue to doctoral research as it provides a broad-based programme of study culminating in a supervised research project.
The MLitt in Gender Studies is committed to the intersectional analysis of the phenomena it examines. You will explore the history and nature of key theoretical concepts in gender studies and the ways in which gender is defined, generated, and communicated in different academic and non-academic contexts. You will learn how to evaluate and construct arguments concerning the application of theoretical accounts of gender to contemporary questions and how to articulate controversies surrounding gender in the contemporary world. In doing so you will develop your understanding of how gender interacts with class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power.
The MLitt includes an integrated programme of skills workshops that connect your academic learning with the development of personal and professional competencies. Workshops bring together students from other Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies Masters degrees, helping you to make new interdisciplinary connections.
The MLitt in Gender Studies has close links with the St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies. The Institute brings together more than 100 academic affiliates from 17 of the University’s schools and, as part of your studies, you will be encouraged to attend Institute events and to reflect on your learning from these. These links will bring you into contact with current gender studies research across different disciplines, helping to give your studies a remarkable richness and depth.
Teaching format
The taught modules are taken over two semesters – September to December (Semester 1) and January to May (Semester 2). The period from June to August is used to complete the end of degree project.
Each taught module will use teaching and learning methods appropriate to its aims. These may include seminars, workshops, lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
Assessment methods used may include essays, reports, presentations, practical exercises, reflective exercises, and examinations.
Modules
The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue which is for the 2020–2021 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2021 entry.
The MLitt is structured around two compulsory taught modules
Semester 1
-
Gender Theory: explores the history and theory of gender studies and the ways in which gender is defined, generated, and communicated in different contexts.
Semester 2
- Interdisciplinary Topics in Gender Studies: In this module, you will undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of topics that are central to gender studies. You will gain an appreciation of the ways in which issues concerning gender may be applied in different academic disciplines as well as outside of academia. You will learn how to critically examine current issues and controversies surrounding gender and deepen your understanding of the inextricable connections between gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power. Teamwork will play a key part in how the module will be run.
Optional modules allow you to broaden your learning in key topics relevant to the MLitt.
The available optional modules will be confirmed before the MLitt start date.
Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).
The final part of the MLitt is the end of degree project. This takes the form of a period of supervised research where you will explore a gender studies topic in depth.
Through the project, you will show your ability to undertake sustained critical analysis, develop and improve your research skills, and produce an extended piece of written work that demonstrates a high level of understanding of your area of study.
You can choose to present your end of degree project in one of the following ways:
- policy report that emphasises your ability to critically assess gender policy and make convincing recommendations for policy changes
- multi-media portfolio that emphasises your ability to present gender studies concepts in exciting and engaging ways
- written dissertation that emphasises your ability to plan and execute academically rigorous research.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
The modules listed here are indicative, and there is no guarantee they will run for 2021 entry. Take a look at the most up-to-date modules in the module catalogue.
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies was established in 2017 to foster interdisciplinary postgraduate education and scholarship.
The ability to work across subject boundaries is now recognised as an essential skill. The Graduate School’s Masters degrees will help you to develop a more rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of your subject and to use ideas from different disciplines to illuminate your studies.
As well as their interdisciplinary character, the Graduate School's Masters degrees are distinguished by an emphasis on the development and application of practical skills. In addition to broadening your subject knowledge, you will develop your skills of critical thinking and creativity, analysis and appraisal, problem-solving and decision-making, and project management and personal leadership.
One of the most appealing aspects of joining the Graduate School is the welcoming interdisciplinary community. The Graduate School is a place where you can make social and intellectual connections across subject boundaries and where students form close networks within and across their Masters degree groups.
Funding
Scholarships
Scholarships are designed to help students support themselves during their studies. Find out more about postgraduate scholarships.
Postgraduate loans
Loans are available for students who meet the residency and other criteria. Find out about postgraduate loans.
Recent Graduate Discount
The University of St Andrews offers a 10% discount in postgraduate tuition fees to students who are eligible to graduate or who have graduated from St Andrews within the last three academic years and are starting a postgraduate programme with the University of St Andrews. Find out more about the Recent Graduate Discount.
After the MLitt
Research degrees
St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of a St Andrews research degree is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed by means of a substantial thesis of original research.
Careers
The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The MLitt in Gender Studies provides subject knowledge and applied skills relevant to a range of career paths; it will be of particular interest if you intend to continue to doctoral research.
In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and enquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including:
- critical thinking and creativity
- analysis and appraisal
- problem solving and decision making
- personal leadership and project management
- interpersonal communication and team working
However, your Masters degree is just one part of your personal and professional development during your time at St Andrews. The Professional Skills Curriculum is the University's programme of skills development activities for all students.
Comprising evening lectures, workshops, and online presentations, the Professional Skills Curriculum will help you develop your personal and professional capabilities and gain skills that you need to succeed in your studies and enhance your employability.
Additionally, the Careers Centre provides advice and support to help you plan your professional development and achieve your career goals. As well as online resources the Careers Centre offers one-to-one appointments to discuss any career-related matters.
Contact
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
University of St Andrews
Bute Building
Queen's Terrace
St Andrews
KY16 9TS
Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email: gradschool@st-andrews.ac.uk
Policies
Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our admissions policy.
Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.
Curriculum development
As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.
Tuition fees
The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.