Gender and Development

Degree programme in Gender and Development at the University of Sussex

The University of Sussex offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary Degree programme in Gender and Development designed to equip students with a deep understanding of gender issues within global development contexts. This programme explores how gender shapes social, political, economic, and cultural structures worldwide and examines the strategies used to promote gender equality and social justice. Students engage with critical theories, policy analysis, and practical case studies to develop a nuanced perspective on gendered experiences across diverse communities and institutions.

Throughout the course, learners delve into topics such as gender identities, rights-based approaches, human rights, intersectionality, and the impact of globalization on gender dynamics. The programme encourages analytical thinking, research skills, and active engagement with contemporary debates surrounding gender policies, activism, and implementation at local, national, and international levels. Interactive lectures, workshops, and fieldwork opportunities foster an experiential learning environment, enabling students to connect theoretical insights with real-world challenges.

The programme also emphasizes the importance of inclusive development practices and sustainable solutions, preparing graduates for careers in policy-making, advocacy, NGOs, international agencies, and community development projects. The interdisciplinary nature of the course combines insights from sociology, anthropology, political science, and international development, providing a holistic understanding of gender issues.

Students are supported by a team of world-class academics and practitioners renowned in gender and development fields. Assessments include essays, presentations, policy analyses, and research projects, culminating in a dissertation that allows students to explore an area of personal interest in depth.

Graduates of the Gender and Development programme at Sussex are well-equipped to contribute effectively to efforts aimed at achieving gender equality and social justice globally. They gain valuable skills in critical thinking, research, policy formulation, and intercultural communication, making them highly valuable in a range of professional settings. The programme prepares students not only for employment but also for leadership roles in shaping equitable development initiatives worldwide.

Whether engaging in grassroots activism, policy advisory roles, or academic research, students leaving the programme will have a solid foundation to advance gender-sensitive approaches and foster positive social change. The University of Sussex’s commitment to social justice and inclusive education ensures that graduates are motivated, informed, and equipped to make meaningful contributions to gender and development discourses across the globe.

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.

• Dissertation Gender and Development
• Doing Gender and Development
• Ideas in Development and Policy, Evidence and Practice
• Introduction to Research
• Key Issues in Gender and Development
• Professional Skills for Development
• Theoretical Perspectives in Gender and Development

OPTIONS

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

• Aid and Poverty: the Political Economy of International Development Assistance
• Analysing Poverty, Vulnerability and Inequality
• Climate Change and Development
• Decentralisation and local government
• Emerging Powers and International Development
• Global Governance
• Governance of Violent Conflict and (In)security
• Health and Development
• Impact Evaluation
• Law, Rights and Development
• Nutrition
• Politics of Implementing Gender and Development
• Poverty, Violence and Conflict
• Public Financial Management
• Qualitative and Quantitative Research Methods
• Sexuality and Development: Intimacies, Health and Rights in Global Perspective
• Sexuality and Masculinity in Gender and Development
• SOUR - unruly politics

Requirements

• An upper second-class (2.1) undergraduate honours degree or above in the social sciences or a related discipline, and preferably two years' development-related work experience. Applications must be accompanied by a detailed, two-page personal statement.
• Higher level (IELTS 7.0, with not less than 6.5 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 

The Gender and Development program at the University of Sussex is a comprehensive interdisciplinary course designed to equip students with a critical understanding of gender issues within the context of development. The program explores the social, political, economic, and cultural dimensions of gender inequality and aims to foster a nuanced perspective on global development challenges through the lens of gender. Students engaging in this program have the opportunity to analyze gender inequalities and their intersections with issues such as poverty, education, health, human rights, and environmental sustainability. The curriculum integrates theoretical frameworks with practical approaches, encouraging students to critically assess policies, programs, and initiatives aimed at promoting gender equality and social justice.

The program offers a combination of lectures, seminars, case studies, and research projects, facilitating both individual and collaborative learning. Students are encouraged to develop analytical skills, research competencies, and a deep understanding of gender-related theories and methodologies. The program also emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches and community involvement, preparing students for careers in development agencies, international organizations, NGOs, government departments, and academic research.

Experienced faculty members with diverse expertise in gender studies, development policy, human rights, and international relations contribute to a stimulating academic environment. The course also offers opportunities for international fieldwork and internships, allowing students to gain practical experience and engage directly with gender issues in different cultural and geographical contexts. By the end of the program, students are expected to produce a substantial research project or dissertation that demonstrates their ability to critically analyze gender and development issues. Overall, the Gender and Development course aims to inspire graduates to become advocates for gender equality and social change in various professional settings around the world.