Womens Studies

Course Outline

Our MA in Women’s Studies programme is offered by the College of Arts, Celtic Studies & Social Sciences (CACSSS) at University College Cork (UCC).



This MA course has been offered in UCC for over 20 years and is an inclusive course ideally suited to Irish, international and mature students. The Women's Studies MA involves a wide variety of possibilities for interdisciplinary study, and for contact with the community and other organisations dealing with women’s and gender issues.



We cover a range of themes including representations of women in history, literature and popular culture (music and film); gender and sexuality; women and politics; women, work and family; and gender violence.



You will be provided with training in research skills and introduced to theoretical material that will enhance your personal research in Part II of the course, the dissertation.



The MA in Women's Studies is offered as a full-time interdisciplinary programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme or as a part-time programme taken over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The teaching team is drawn from a range of departments/schools which may vary from year to year but has usually come from among the following: Applied Social Studies, English, Folklore, French, History, Law, Philosophy and Sociology.



On successful completion of this course, you should be able to:

• formulate arguments that reflect a critical and comprehensive, interdisciplinary knowledge of feminist debates around social and cultural issues;

• communicate those arguments effectively both orally and in writing;

• apply concepts, theories, and methodologies appropriately at the postgraduate level;

• assess how differences (race, ethnicity, class, sexual identity, time, place, values, etc.) inform theoretical positions;

• critically evaluate evidence drawn from existing research and scholarship;

• design and pursue independent research;

• & use the transferable skills developed through engagement with the self-directed learning, research and academic writing aspects of the course.

Students take 90 credits as follows:

Part I

WS6002 Feminist Theory (10 credits)

WS6003 Gender and Society I: Contexts (5 credits)

WS6005 Gender and Society II: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (15 credits)

WS6007 Research Skills Part I: Feminist Methodologies (5 credits)

WS6008 Research Skills Part II: The Literature Review (10 credits)



Part II

WS6004 Dissertation in Women's Studies (45 credits)

To apply for this course, you will have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or the equivalent



If you have relevant experience in the areas of community work, industry, or professions, you can also apply.



You will be asked to submit an essay of at least 1,000 words on a book, experience, or personal contact which stimulated your interest in women's studies. Further examples of your work may be requested. It is likely that you will be required to attend an interview.



For Applicants with Qualifications Completed Outside of Ireland

Applicants must meet the required entry academic grade, equivalent to Irish requirements. For more information see our Qualification Comparison page.



International/Non-EU Applicants

For full details of the non-EU application procedure visit our how to apply pages for international students.

• In UCC, we use the term programme and course interchangeably to describe what a person has registered to study in UCC and its constituent colleges, schools, and departments.

• Note that not all courses are open to international/non-EU applicants, please check the fact file above. For more information contact the International Office.



English Language Requirements

Applicants who are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements.

Closing Date

Rolling deadline. Open until all places have been filled. Early application is advised.



Non-EU Closing Date

Open until all places have been filled or no later than 15 June. Early application is advised.

90 credits

1 year full-time, 2 years part-time.

Start Date 8 September 2025

Skills and Careers Information

You will develop skills that enhance your employability, including critical thinking; analytic skills; innovative approaches to social issues; gender expertise; understanding of power dynamics and diversity; awareness of social justice and legal issues.



Our graduates enter a wide range of occupations in the public and private sectors, including equal opportunities/equality advisory; research and education; non-governmental/civil society organisations; journalism and the information sector; and the social and health sectors.



There are also academic possibilities such as studying for a PhD, and some students enter further professional training, e.g. studying law, training as a social worker or counsellor, moving into the equality or community sectors.



Many graduates suggest that the course reinforces their self-confidence and encourages them to become involved in community or political activism.