Gender Society and Representation

Gender, Society and Representation MA at University College London (UCL) offers a comprehensive exploration of gender issues within societal, cultural, and political contexts. This interdisciplinary programme examines how gender shapes identities, influences social structures, and interacts with race, class, ethnicity, sexuality, and other social categories. Students will engage with critical theories and empirical research to analyze contemporary debates around gender norms, equality, intersectionality, and representation across various media and institutions. The programme combines academic rigor with practical insights, providing skills necessary for careers in academia, policy-making, advocacy, journalism, and media industries. Core modules cover topics such as gender theories, activism, social justice, and media representation, while optional modules allow specialization in areas like queer studies, feminist theory, or global gender politics. With a diverse faculty renowned for their expertise in gender studies, students will participate in seminars, workshops, and research projects that foster critical thinking and innovative analysis. UCL's vibrant academic environment encourages active participation and collaboration, preparing graduates to contribute meaningfully to discussions on gender equity and social change. The programme also emphasizes the importance of understanding the historical and cultural contexts that shape gender identities and disparities worldwide. Graduates of this MA will be equipped with a nuanced understanding of how gender operates within societal institutions and cultural narratives, enabling them to influence policy, media, education, and community initiatives. Designed for students passionate about social justice and equality, the programme promotes an inclusive approach and encourages critical engagement with complex gender issues relevant to contemporary society. UCL’s Gender, Society and Representation programme stands out for its interdisciplinary approach, combining theoretical frameworks with real-world applications, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to challenge and transform societal perceptions of gender.

Students gain the advanced skills, methods, concepts and theories required for the study of gender in an interdisciplinary context at graduate level. Optional modules offer students a genuine opportunity to develop their own interests in a wide range of disciplines, and the dissertation provides opportunities for independent research.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme offers two pathways: Taught and Research. The taught pathway consists of three core modules (60 credits), optional modules (60 credits), and a dissertation (60 credits). The research pathway consists of three core modules (60 credits), optional modules (30 credits) and a dissertation (90 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma, three core modules (60 credts), two to four optional modules (60 credits), full-time one year, part-time two years, is offered.

Core modules

• Gender, Society and Representation
• Gender, Politics and Feminism
• Research and Writing Skills

Optional modules

Options may include the following.

• Apocalypse Literature
• Equality, Justice and Difference
• Feminism and Philosophy
• Gender, Race and Sexuality: New Readings in Francophone Literature and Visual Culture
• Gendering the Study of Politics: Theory and Practice
• Gender in Policy and Planning
• Gender and Sexuality in Education
• Gender, Sexuality and Cultural Politics
• The Global Politics of Gender and Sexuality
• Hollywood Genres
• The Human and Non-Human in Medieval Art
• Public and Private Modernities
• Readings in 20th Century Chinese Culture: Family, Childhood, Gender
• Reproduction, Sex and Sexuality
• Sex and the Body in Early Modern Europe
• Sexuality and Society in Russia and Eastern Europe
• Theories of Childhood and Society
• Tracing the Body: Technologies of Representation in 18th and 19th Century France
• Women in the Jewish Tradition
• Elective modules from the School of Oriental and African Studies

Dissertation/report

Students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 12,000 words (taught pathway) or 18,000 words (research pathway).

Teaching and learning

Teaching sessions are interactive, with a limited amount of lecturing and an emphasis on student participation and critical discussion. Assessment is through a variety of methods, including essays, coursework, written papers, oral examination and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant discipline from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

All prospective students can apply for the UCL Graduate School Open Scholarships.

Scholarships relevant to this department are displayed below.

Wellcome Trust Scholarship

Eligibility:

UK, EU, Overseas students

Criteria:

Based on academic merit

Gender, Society and Representation at University College London offers an in-depth exploration of the ways gender influences and is influenced by societal structures, cultural norms, and representations across various media. This interdisciplinary programme examines issues such as identity, sexuality, power dynamics, and inequality, integrating perspectives from sociology, media studies, cultural studies, and gender theory. Students analyze contemporary and historical debates about gender roles and identities, engaging critically with a wide range of texts, films, advertisements, and digital media. The course aims to develop a nuanced understanding of how gender identities are constructed, challenged, and represented in society. It also addresses intersectionality, considering how gender interacts with race, class, sexuality, and other social categories. The programme prepares students for careers in academia, media, public policy, advocacy, and culture industries by fostering critical thinking, analytical skills, and a sociopolitical awareness of gender issues. UCL's diverse and inclusive academic environment encourages open dialogue and research-led learning. Throughout the programme, students participate in seminars, workshops, guest lectures, and practical projects that emphasize both theoretical understanding and applied skills. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, offering opportunities for specializations and electives aligned with students’ interests. The programme aims to produce graduates who are not only knowledgeable about gender and society but also capable of engaging thoughtfully with ongoing debates and contributing to social change. It emphasizes inclusivity, social justice, and an understanding of global perspectives on gender issues. Students are encouraged to undertake independent research and participate in conferences, fostering a vibrant academic community dedicated to advancing knowledge in gender studies. Overall, the programme combines rigorous academic analysis with practical engagement, preparing students to become informed citizens and change-makers in an increasingly complex world.