Gender and Society

Gender and Society at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive exploration of the social and cultural constructions of gender, examining how gender identities, roles, and relations influence and are influenced by societal structures and institutions. This programme aims to develop students’ critical understanding of gender issues within diverse contexts, including history, politics, media, and everyday life. Throughout the course, students will engage with key theories and debates on gender, equality, and social justice, equipping them with analytical skills to critically assess the impact of gender norms and inequalities. The curriculum encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing on sociology, anthropology, history, and cultural studies to provide a nuanced perspective on gendered experiences across different communities and global settings. Students will have the opportunity to study contemporary issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and the role of gender in identity formation and social change. The programme emphasizes active learning through seminars, case studies, research projects, and fieldwork, fostering both academic inquiry and real-world understanding. Graduates from this programme will be well-prepared for careers in areas such as social policy, advocacy, education, community development, media, and research. They will also gain valuable skills applicable to further study or professional pursuits that require critical thinking, cultural awareness, and a deep understanding of gender dynamics. Queen’s University Belfast provides a supportive learning environment with access to leading faculty researchers, diverse student community, and extensive resources that enhance learning and encourage intellectual growth. Whether students are exploring gender issues out of personal interest, academic pursuit, or professional aspiration, this programme offers an engaging and rigorous path to understanding the complexities of gender and society.

Gender and Society at Queen's University Belfast offers a comprehensive exploration of gender issues within contemporary social contexts. This programme examines the ways in which gender influences individual identities, social interactions, and institutional structures across different cultures and societies. Students will engage with key theoretical frameworks and empirical research that address gender inequalities, stereotypes, and power dynamics. The curriculum covers a wide range of topics, including the history of gender roles, feminist theories, LGBTQ+ perspectives, masculinities, gender and employment, media representations, and gender and health. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, and research projects, students develop critical thinking skills and gain practical insights into how gender shapes social policies and practices. The programme encourages an interdisciplinary approach, drawing from sociology, anthropology, psychology, and political science to foster a nuanced understanding of gender issues.

Students will also have opportunities to participate in contemporary debates on gender policy and activism, preparing them for careers in education, social work, media, government, and non-governmental organizations. The programme emphasizes research literacy and methodology, equipping students with the skills needed to conduct independent investigations into gender-related topics. The diverse faculty bring extensive expertise in gender studies, and students are encouraged to critically assess both historical and current developments in the field. By engaging with case studies, fieldwork, and collaborative projects, students will enhance their practical understanding of gender's role in shaping societal outcomes. Graduates of the programme will be well-equipped to critically analyze societal structures, advocate for equality, and contribute to the development of inclusive policies and practices. This programme aims to foster a nuanced, critical perspective on gender and society, preparing students for active participation in addressing gender issues at local, national, and international levels.

Programme Requirements:
The Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Society at Queen's University Belfast is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of gender issues within a societal context. To successfully complete the programme, students are expected to meet a set of academic requirements that ensure they gain both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. First, students must complete a total of 120 credits over the course of the programme, typically spread across three or four years, depending on the study pathway. Core modules include Introduction to Gender Studies, Sociological Perspectives on Gender, Feminist Theories, and Research Methods in Social Sciences. These foundational courses establish the necessary background for more specialized modules and encourage critical thinking about gender-related topics.
In addition to core modules, students are encouraged to select elective courses that complement their main field of study, such as Disability Studies, Queer Theory, Global Gender Politics, or Gender and Media. The programme emphasizes experiential learning, and students are often required to undertake fieldwork, internships, or community engagement projects to apply their knowledge in real-world settings.
Assessment methods include essays, presentations, research projects, and exams, designed to develop diverse academic and analytical skills. Students are also expected to participate actively in seminars and discussion groups, fostering an environment of debate and exchange of ideas. To graduate, students must achieve an overall average of at least 40% in all modules, with no less than 30% in any individual module, adhering to university regulations.
Throughout their studies, students benefit from academic support services and access to resources such as the university's gender studies library collection and online databases. In line with the university’s commitment to inclusive education, the programme welcomes students from diverse backgrounds and encourages gender-sensitive perspectives. Overall, the programme aims to prepare graduates for careers in academia, social research, policy development, advocacy, and other sectors that focus on gender equality and social justice.

The Financing of the Gender and Society programme at Queen's University Belfast primarily includes a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, grants, and personal funding. Tuition fees vary depending on the student's residency status, with international students generally paying higher rates than domestic students from the UK or Ireland. The university offers a range of scholarships and financial support options to assist students in funding their studies. These include merit-based scholarships for outstanding academic achievements, specific bursaries for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds, and departmental scholarships that are tailored specifically for students enrolled in gender studies or related social sciences programmes. Additionally, students are encouraged to seek out external funding sources such as government grants, research council funding, and charitable foundations that support gender studies and social sciences education. Queen's University Belfast also provides guidance on student loans and personalized financial planning services to help students manage their educational expenses effectively. For international students, there are specific scholarships designed to encourage diverse and inclusive student enrollment. The university promotes a range of part-time employment opportunities within the campus, allowing students to gain work experience and supplement their income during the course of their studies. Furthermore, students can explore external fellowships and research funding if they engage in advanced research components or thesis work connected with the programme. The overall aim of the financing options is to make education accessible and affordable for all qualified students interested in studying gender and society, fostering an inclusive academic environment. Students are advised to consult the university's official website and financial aid office early in their application process to identify suitable funding options, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria. In conclusion, while the exact total cost of attending the programme depends on individual circumstances, Queen's University Belfast provides comprehensive financial support mechanisms designed to facilitate the successful completion of the Degree in Gender and Society.

Gender and Society at Queen's University Belfast is a comprehensive programme designed to explore the complex interconnections between gender identity, social structures, cultural practices, and historical developments. The course aims to shed light on how gender influences and is influenced by societal norms, policies, and individual experiences across different contexts. Students engaging with this programme will examine a wide range of topics including feminist theory, LGBTQ+ issues, gender inequality, media representations, and the role of gender in politics, economics, and religion. The curriculum is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical insights, encouraging students to critically analyze contemporary social debates and historical movements related to gender justice. Through lectures, seminars, research projects, and fieldwork opportunities, participants will develop analytical skills and a nuanced understanding of how gender shapes social identities and power relations.

The programme is typically suitable for students from diverse academic backgrounds, including sociology, anthropology, history, politics, and cultural studies, among others. It emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to draw from various fields to deepen their understanding of gender-related issues. Opportunities for engagement include guest lectures by leading scholars, participation in gender-focused research groups, and collaborations with local community organizations to understand real-world applications of their studies.

The department responsible for the programme ensures that students receive support from experienced academics dedicated to issues of social justice, equality, and human rights. The coursework balances theoretical frameworks with empirical research, promoting critical thinking and encouraging students to challenge established norms. Graduates of the programme can expect to be equipped with valuable skills for careers in sectors such as education, public policy, advocacy, social work, journalism, and academia, where understanding gender dynamics is crucial. Overall, Gender and Society at Queen's University Belfast aims to foster an inclusive learning environment that promotes awareness, empathy, and social responsibility among its students, preparing them to contribute thoughtfully to contemporary societal challenges related to gender equality and social justice.