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Gender Studies (MLitt) 2023 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. 

Gender Studies MLitt - University of St Andrews
Start date
September 2023
End date
September 2024
Duration
One year full time
School
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies

Application deadline

Thursday 10 August 2023

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships and for international visa purposes.

Entry requirements

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.

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.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability.  See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

What is gender, and how does it interact with our thinking about equality, inclusion, and justice? In this course, you will explore these questions by studying gender theory and by critically examining contemporary debates on gender issues. 

Highlights

  • Introduces key topics in gender studies. 
  • Its interdisciplinary character helps you develop a more rounded understanding of gender studies questions and of its key questions and concepts. 
  • Prepares you for further academic study and research. 
  • Well-established links with the vibrant and diverse academic community at St Andrews will 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 by an emphasis on an intersectional understanding of gender.  

You will be taught by experts drawn from a pool of 100 academics from 17 academic Schools across the University providing distinctive disciplinary perspectives on key topics in gender studies, including gender theory, masculinities, queer theory, and trans theory. 
This will enable you to develop a well-rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of gender studies and the ability to solve complex problems by critical understanding, analysis, and synthesis. 

The degree provides a broad programme of study culminating in a supervised research project. It will thus be of particular interest if you intend to progress to doctoral research. It will equip you with a range of essential skills that are highly valued in a variety of professional contexts (e.g. journalism, media studies, social work, advocacy work).  

The MLitt also 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 Masters degrees within the Graduate School, helping you to make further interdisciplinary connections. 

Modules

The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your programme. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue.

The modules in this programme have varying methods of delivery and assessment. For more details about each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the latest module catalogue, which is for the 2022-2023 academic year; some elements may be subject to change for 2023 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. 

Modules are expected to be offered in the following areas:  

  • art history 
  • international development 
  • film studies 
  • philosophy 
  • politics 
  • international relations. 

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 available optional modules will be confirmed before the MLitt start date. 

The available optional modules will be confirmed before the MLitt start date. 

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. 

Teaching

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.

Fees

Home
£11,120

Overseas
£23,530

More information on tuition fees can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.

Taught postgraduate scholarships    Postgraduate loans

After your degree

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.

The University also offers a programme of skills development activities for all students known as the Professional Skills Curriculum. 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. 

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.


Further study

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. 

Research degrees

What to do next

Online information events

Join us for one of our information events where you can find out about different levels of study and specific courses we run. There are also sessions available for parents and college counsellors.

Postgraduate online visiting days

We encourage all students who are thinking of applying to the University to attend one of our online visiting days.

Contact us

Phone
+44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email
gradschool@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address
The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies
The Old Burgh School
Abbey Walk
St Andrews
KY16 9LB

The Graduate School for Interdisciplinary Studies website