Gender Studies

Discuss contemporary social issues, focusing on gender, feminist and queer theory and methodology.

This course is ideal for you if you:

• seek to develop an existing research interest
• are in a career in which issues of gender play an important role
• wish to explore a broad range of issues concerning gender.

On this course, you’ll gain a deep understanding of a range of topics, from identity and the social construction of gender to political aspects of gender and feminist research.

Key facts

• Learn from expert faculty: in the Centre for Gender Studies, we look at many areas of gender research, nationally and internationally. We are intersectional, trans-inclusive and advocate for sex workers’ rights.
• Become part of an active student community: there’s the PhD seminar series NGender and strong links with local women’s and LGBT groups.
• Embark on lifelong learning: gender studies provides perspectives and information that will illuminate your personal experience and enhance your career prospects.

If you’re starting your course in 2016, these are the modules we expect to run. Modules running in 2017 may be subject to change.

CORE MODULES

Core modules are taken by all students on the course. They give you a solid grounding in your chosen subject and prepare you to explore the topics that interest you most.

• Feminism, Law and Society
• Dissertation Gender Studies
• Gender Politics and Social Research

OPTIONS

Alongside your core modules, you can choose options to broaden your horizons and tailor your course to your interests.

• Activism for Development and Social Justice
• Culture and Identity Rights
• Global Queer
• Hate Crime and Sexual Violence
• Queering Popular Culture
• Sex and Violence
• The Body: current controversies and debates
• The Cinematic Body
• Women and Human Rights

Requirements

• Applicants normally have an upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above in a social science or humanities subject but other backgrounds will be considered
• Standard level (IELTS 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each section)
• Reference
• Transcript
• A personal statement
• The application fee is £13 if you’re applying to just one course

Scholarships

• Sussex Graduate Scholarship 
• Chancellor's International Scholarship 

Gender Studies at the University of Sussex is a multidisciplinary programme that explores the complex and diverse issues related to gender, sexuality, and power structures in society. The programme examines how gender intersects with other social categories such as race, class, ethnicity, and disability, fostering a comprehensive understanding of social inequalities and the cultural practices that sustain them. It is designed to develop students' critical thinking, analytical skills, and awareness of contemporary debates surrounding gender politics, feminist theory, LGBTQ+ rights, and gender activism.

The course offers a variety of modules that cover historical and contemporary perspectives on gender, gender identity, gender norms, and the role of gender in media, literature, and politics. Students are encouraged to engage with both theoretical frameworks and empirical research methods, allowing them to conduct detailed independent research projects. The programme emphasizes a global outlook, discussing gender issues across different cultural and political contexts to promote a nuanced understanding of local and international gender dynamics.

At Sussex, Gender Studies is embedded within a vibrant academic community that includes renowned scholars and activists. The university’s location in Brighton, a city known for its progressive attitudes, provides students with rich opportunities for extracurricular engagement and internships with NGOs and social movements. The programme aims to prepare students for careers in education, media, policy-making, human rights organizations, and further academic research.

The teaching methods include lectures, seminars, workshops, and collaborative projects, fostering interactive and participatory learning. The programme also encourages students to critically evaluate existing research and contribute their original ideas to ongoing debates. Assessment is typically a combination of essays, presentations, seminars, and research projects designed to enhance academic skills and real-world applicability.

Graduates of the programme have gone on to pursue careers in advocacy, journalism, public policy, community development, and academia. The University of Sussex supports its students through dedicated academic advising, research centers, and partnerships with relevant organizations, ensuring a supportive environment for exploring gender issues. Ultimately, the programme aims to produce reflective, socially conscious individuals equipped with the knowledge and skills to challenge inequalities and contribute positively to societal change.