Gender Studies — Intersectionality and Change

The programme focuses on intersectional gender, i.e. gender in interplay with other social categorisations and power differentials such as ethnicity, class, nationality, sexuality, age, (dis)ability etc.

The programme gives students the opportunity to explore how processes of social and cultural change can be initiated or sustained by integrating a critical understanding of intersectional gender, by counteracting multiple inequalities and processes of discrimination and by other kinds of transformative work. Students will learn how to act as agents for change, i.e. to actively change, develop and challenge existing norms and structures.

The aim of the programme is to provide students with knowledge of theories and methodologies in Gender Studies - Intersectionality and Change, and to enable them to develop academic skills to analyse and to intervene innovatively and professionally in gendered and intersectional processes of transformation in society. A key ambition is to reflect on and develop an understanding for links between activism, theory, professional development and career paths.

The programme is innovative in its cutting edge approach to intersectional gender research and teaching, as well as in its strong focus on professional development and career paths. It combines online distance education with intensive on-campus seminars. The programme is also offered as a campus-based education. More traditional pedagogical formats are mixed with those that focus on written and spoken performances which challenge traditional boundaries between academic and creative writing, speaking and intervening.

The programme is designed for students with a bachelor’s degree in humanities, natural or social sciences. Students attending the programme usually have different educational or professional backgrounds.

The programme builds on international research traditions. It is linked to the excellent and internationally renowned milieu for intersectional gender research at the Unit of Gender Studies, Linköping University. This is one of the largest interdisciplinary research and teaching units for Intersectional Gender Studies in the Nordic countries with a staff of more than 30 researchers, including four full professors and many PhD students.

Career opportunities

As a student of the master’s programme in Gender Studies – Intersectionality and Change you will be prepared for a career in higher education and research as well as professional work with intersectional gender in organisations, media, communication and politics.

Degree: Master of Social Science with a major in Gender Studies, specialisation Intersectionality and Change (60/120 credits)

Course details

The programme runs over two years and encompasses 120 credits, including a thesis.

Term 1

• Introduction to Studies of Intersectional Gender at Advanced Level, 6 credits
• Gender Studies – Intersectionality and Change, 12 credits
• Analytical Tools, 12 credits

Term 2

• Career Paths and Professional Communication, 6 credits
• Case Study: Analyzing Change, 9 credits
• Optional course: Feminist Genealogies and Social Movements, 7,5 credits
• Optional course: Historiographies of Intersectional Gender Studies, 7,5 credits
• Optional course: Master Thesis, 15 credits

Term 3

• Theories and Methodologies, 15 credits
• Optional course: Feminist Pedagogy and Intersectional Gender Didactics, 7,5 credits
• Optional course: Science Communication and Critical Media Interventions, 7,5 credits
• Optional course: Intersectional Gender Mainstreaming in Organisations, 7,5 credits
• Optional course: Internship, 7,5 credits

Term 4

• Master Thesis, 30 credits

Programme specific requirementsApplicants are expected to have:a bachelor’s degree in humanities, fine arts, natural or social sciences with at least 30 credits in gender studies or equivalent qualifications.Each applicant must enclose a letter of intent written in English, explaining why they want to study this programme, and a summary of their bachelor's essay or project. If applicants hold a degree that does not include a bachelor's essay or project, then their letter of intent should describe previous studies and any other academic activities related to the master's programme. All supporting documents, including the letter of intent and the specific paper, should be sent to University Admissions in Sweden, FE 1, SE–838 73 Frösön, Sweden. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 TOEFL paper-based test score : 575 TOEFL iBT® test: 90

Scholarships

LiU International Scholarships

Linköping University offers scholarships to new students with excellent academic results. Scholarships within the programme LiU International Scholarships will result in a tuition fee waiver.

Who is eligible?

• Students who have applied for master’s programmes at Linköping University in time (before 15 January)
• AND who have chosen a programme at Linköping University as the first priority (ranked as No.1 out of 4)
• AND who are required to pay tuition fees