MSc Gender, Sexuality and Society

The MSc Gender, Sexuality and Society at Birkbeck University of London is a one-year, full-time or two-year, part-time postgraduate program that explores the social, cultural, and political constructions of gender and sexuality. The course covers a wide range of topics including feminist theory, queer studies, gender and sexuality in different cultures and historical periods, intersectionality, and activism. Students will have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and develop advanced critical thinking skills, as well as practical research methods. This program is ideal for those interested in pursuing a career in academia, research, or advocacy related to gender, sexuality, and social justice.

Additional Information

The course is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual supervision. Students will have access to the University's library and resources, as well as opportunities for fieldwork and internships. The program also includes a dissertation or research project, allowing students to apply their knowledge and skills to a real-world problem.

Unlocking Innovation: A Leading Institution for Gender, Sexuality, and Social Justice Research

Birkbeck is a world-renowned institution for the study of gender, sexuality, and social justice. Our faculty is composed of leading scholars and activists in the field, providing students with unparalleled access to knowledge and expertise. The University's location in London also offers opportunities for engagement with diverse communities and organizations, enriching the learning experience.

The course explores current debates and incorporates the cutting-edge research of world-leading academics at Birkbeck, who are working in feminism and gender studies, LGBTQ+ history and activism, queer theory, and histories of medicine, sexology, psychiatry, and psychoanalysis. Our academics are passionate and engaged in the real world, working towards social justice with activists, policy-makers, academics, and charities and NGOs. You will find yourself in a classroom with a diverse range of people, from many different backgrounds and careers, which generates a lively, enthusiastic learning environment. You will consider competing for ideas and theories about gender and sexuality and explore the ways in which these intersect with concepts of race, ethnicity, age, and class. The course will develop your ability to critically discuss these theories and to consider how the social sciences can help us understand gender and sexuality. This firm grounding in theories of gender and sexuality, along with research skills preparation, will help you develop the confidence you need to undertake an independent research project in the area that most interests you. Graduates go into careers in community and voluntary sector organizations, the public sector, and research. Possible professions include social researchers, charity fundraisers, or social workers. This degree may also be useful in becoming a human resources officer or further education lecturer.

A second-class honors degree (2:2 or above) in a social science subject and references.