Gender and Women's Studies

Programme description for Gender and Women's Studies at Lancaster University:

Gender and Women's Studies at Lancaster University offers a comprehensive interdisciplinary education that explores the complex ways in which gender identities, roles, and relations influence societies worldwide. The programme is designed to critically examine issues such as gender inequality, feminism, masculinity, queer studies, sexuality, and intersectionality, providing students with a nuanced understanding of how gender intersects with race, class, ethnicity, and additional social categories. Through engaging coursework, students will explore historical and contemporary perspectives on gender, including the influence of culture, politics, and social change. The programme emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical applications, preparing graduates for careers in activism, policy-making, education, media, Social research, and nonprofit sectors. Students will have opportunities to participate in research projects, attend guest lectures, and engage with local and global gender issues. The interdisciplinary nature of the programme allows students to combine insights from sociology, anthropology, literature, history, politics, and cultural studies. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, research projects, and group work, fostering critical thinking and effective communication skills. Lancaster University's strong network of researchers and practitioners ensures that students are engaged with current debates and developments within gender studies, both academically and socially. The programme aims to empower students to analyze and challenge social inequalities and to contribute meaningfully to social justice initiatives. Graduates will be equipped with a deep understanding of gender as a significant dimension of human experience, along with transferable skills such as critical analysis, research methodologies, and effective communication, enabling them to pursue diverse career paths or further academic study.

Core

• Debates in Gender Research
• Gender, Sex and Bodies

Optional

• Contemporary British Fiction
• Postcolonial Women's Writing
• Contemporary Gothic: Text and Screen
• Fusions
• Research Projects in Practice: From Design to Dissemination
• Beyond the Text: Literature, Image and Voice as Historical Evidence
• Writing the Nineteenth Century City
• Social and Cultural Theory
• Cybercultures
• Women's Studies Research Project
• Victorian Literature and Other Media
• Romance and Realism
• Environment and Culture
• The Social Life of Science and Technology: Theories and Debates
• Contemporary Debates in Sociology
• Feminist Technoscience Studies
• Methods in Science and Technology Studies
• Critical Debates in Media and Cultural Studies
• Gender and Violence
• Capitalism and Crisis

Requirements

• An upper second class honours degree, or its equivalent, in Sociology or Gender and Women’s Studies (or related field)
• IELTS: 7.0 or equivalent
• Assessment: Coursework and dissertation
• Bakalavr or Specialist Diploma
• Degree certificates and transcripts of previous higher education (college/university) degrees or other courses that you have completed/for which you are currently studying. Note that, for transcripts in languages other than English, a certified English translation will be required
• Personal Statement
• Research proposal (for research degrees)
• References

Funding for the Gender and Women's Studies programme at Lancaster University is available through a variety of sources to support both domestic and international students. Students can apply for tuition fee loans through the UK Student Loan Company if they are eligible, which covers the cost of tuition fees for UK residents. For EU and international students, there are scholarship opportunities and financial aid options provided by Lancaster University and external organizations. The university offers merit-based scholarships that consider academic achievements and potential contributions to the academic community, as well as bursaries aimed at supporting students from diverse backgrounds. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek external funding from government grants, sponsorships, and charitable foundations that support arts and social sciences education. Part-time work opportunities on campus, including positions in administrative offices, libraries, and student services, are also available to help students finance their studies. Lancaster University has a strong commitment to increasing access to higher education, and thus, international students can explore various scholarship programs specific to their country of origin or for international students in general. Furthermore, some students may qualify for special financial support if they have dependents or face additional financial hardships. The university provides financial advice and guidance through its student support services, helping students navigate available funding options and apply for bursaries and scholarships effectively. Students are also advised to consider personal savings, family contributions, and external student loans as part of their financial planning. Lancaster University encourages early applications for funding opportunities, as many scholarships and bursaries have limited numbers of awards and deadlines that are crucial to meet. The university’s Business School often partners with industry and charitable organizations to offer exclusive funding opportunities, internships, or exchange programs that can provide both financial support and valuable experience. International students can also look into specific visa work rights that allow them to engage in paid employment during their studies, which can help supplement their income. Overall, students are advised to explore all available avenues of financial support well in advance of starting their programme to ensure a smooth and sustainable financial plan throughout their academic journey.

Gender and Women's Studies at Lancaster University is a multidisciplinary programme that explores issues related to gender, feminism, sexuality, and women’s experiences across different cultures and historical periods. The programme provides students with critical perspectives and analytical skills to examine societal structures, cultural norms, and power relations that influence gender identity and inequality. It encourages active engagement with contemporary debates on gender rights, social justice, and policy development.

Students enrolling in this programme have the opportunity to study a wide range of topics, including feminist theory, gendered violence, sexuality studies, body politics, and LGBTQ+ issues. The curriculum is designed to foster a comprehensive understanding of how gender intersects with other social categories such as race, class, disability, and ethnicity. Through lectures, seminars, research projects, and practical activities, students develop both theoretical knowledge and practical skills that are applicable in various professional contexts, including education, social work, policy-making, and advocacy.

Lancaster University’s Gender and Women’s Studies programme emphasizes critical thinking, independent research, and a global perspective, encouraging students to consider gender issues in a variety of international and local contexts. The programme also incorporates opportunities for internships, community engagement, and collaborative research, helping students to connect academic theories with real-world applications. Graduates of this programme are well-equipped to pursue careers in academia, non-governmental organizations, government agencies, journalism, counseling, and other fields that require a nuanced understanding of gender dynamics.

The university’s supportive academic environment includes access to expert faculty members who are actively involved in gender research and advocacy, as well as resources such as libraries, online databases, and gender-focused research centres. The programme can be taken as an undergraduate BA (Hons) degree and often offers flexibility for students to tailor their learning through optional modules and dissertation topics. Lancaster University also fosters a vibrant community for students interested in gender issues, offering societies, events, and conferences that enhance learning and networking opportunities.

Overall, Lancaster University’s Gender and Women’s Studies programme prepares students to critically analyze gender-related issues and contribute to social change, emphasizing equality, justice, and human rights both locally and globally.