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.

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.

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

90 credits

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

Start Date 9 September 2024

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.