Gender & Womens Studies

Course Overview
The M.Phil. in Gender and Women’s Studies provides a critical understanding of the current scholarship on the position and representation of gender in society. Drawing on insights and perspectives from a number of academic fields within the Humanities and Social Sciences disciplines, the course is both interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary, training students to research across a range of disciplines. Its students acquire a deep understanding of the cultural contexts in which theories of gender are produced, performed and negotiated, and an ability to use primary source material as well as critical theories and scholarship.

Is This Course For Me?
This course is aimed at students interested in exploring the social, political, and economic aspects of gender, sex, and sexuality analyse the ways in which power and privilege work to shape gender roles. It also provides an opportunity to explore the history, literature, arts, and culture of gender and women's experience. In general, Gender and Women's Studies provides students with an understanding of the complexities of gender and the power dynamics that shape our lives.

Course Structure
Taken full time course, the M.Phil. lasts for 12 months, starting in September. Teaching will be spread over two terms, beginning in September and concluding the following April. EU/ UK/EEA students can also take the course on a part-time basis over two years. The M.Phil. degree within the School of Histories and Humanities consists of 90 ECTS.

All students take the core modules Gender Theories, and Approaches; and Methods to Gender Research, which provide a grounding in key approaches and skills.

Students choose further modules from a wide range of electives, varying from year to year. These include both special topics and further skills and methodologies training options, allowing students to build specific skills and to follow their individual interests. Recently offered modules include: Gender and Symbolic Violence; Gender, Art and Identity; Gender and War in the 20th Century; Saints and Sanctity in Ireland, Britain and Europe; Gender, Identity and Authority in 18th Century France; Gender and Nation in Irish Writing; Approaches to Historical Research; Libraries and Archives; and Curating Art in Theory and Practice.

The capstone of the course is a dissertation of 15,000-20,000 words on a research topic in the area of Gender and Women’s Studies selected by the student, carried out under the supervision of a member of the teaching staff of the course.

Applicants should normally have at least an upper second class (2.1) Honours Bachelor degree or equivalent (for example, GPA of 3.3) in a relevant area. Since places on the course are limited, applicants may be interviewed or asked to submit a writing sample for assessment.

Closing Date: 28th June 2024.

Apply
Please click on "Application Weblink" below.

1 year full-time (EU and non-EU students) / 2 years part-time (EU/UK/EEA students only).

Next Intake: September 2024

Career Opportunities
The programme helps prepare graduates for a wide variety of careers including in NGOs, public policy and administration, teaching, media and communications. The course also hones the sort of analytical, written, and verbal communication skills that are highly valued and effective in a many different careers. It also provides invaluable training in research for those planning to pursue a doctorate and/or career in research.