Introduction
The MA in Sexuality Studies is a unique, interdisciplinary, postgraduate programme offering specialist theoretical training in issues relating to all sexualities in the Irish, European and global contexts. It is jointly established by the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, and the School of Nursing.
The programme will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a competent professional in your encounters with all issues related to sexuality.
Our educational philosophy aims at advancing cross-, inter-, and multi-disciplinary teaching and research. It also seeks to nurture advocacy in sexuality studies to enhance sexual literacy, thereby generating well-being and social justice.
Programme
Our strategic aim for this programme is to provide the first Irish Sexuality Studies Taught Programme in the 21st century which will:
Educate the next generation of leaders in Sexuality Studies research and dissemination of knowledge, • Advance quality research on sexuality,
Elaborate on sexuality-related literary, artistic and cultural discourses and artefacts
Advocate for social policy on sexuality, sexual health, and sexual education in relation to human rights that shape social justice and diversity.
For these reasons, the aims of this interdisciplinary programme are to enable students to
Develop knowledge regarding the working and diversity of sexual cultures, sexual identities and gender role formation.
Engage in socio-political and ethical debates regarding the interaction of artistic, cultural, economical, health, historical, and social, influences with human sexuality, at personal and societal levels.
Provide a challenging environment where initiative and creativity will be fostered, where students will be encouraged to share experiences and learn cross-disciplinary approaches from each other.
Familiarise participants with central parameters and trends in the contemporary Sexuality Studies environment.
Equip students with the skills and sexual literacy to devise and implement work-related strategies.
Develop in students the necessary competencies to measure and evaluate Sexuality Studies- related initiatives.
Emphasise in its content and delivery the need for an integrated approach to Sexuality Studies.
Develop negotiating skills to give participants the confidence to promote solutions in the Sexuality Studies environment.
Develop in students lifelong learning skills.
Why DCU
This programme provides a national platform for contemporary Irish debates, but also formalises and develops links with the leading academic and research institutions in this field.
By bringing together different constituencies (two Faculties and two Schools) this programme gathers a vast array of university-wide expertise to create a dynamic, comprehensive and inter-disciplinary new programme.
Our teaching is informed by the best available research, an emphasis on engagement in learning partnerships with our stakeholders, and the development of a distinctive Sexuality Studies inquiry-led approach to learning. The DCU academic community and the on-campus support services all advocate sexual literacy and the advancement of knowledge in this growing field.