Women Studies

Women’s Studies at the University of Oxford offers an interdisciplinary exploration of gender, sexuality, and women’s experiences across historical, cultural, social, and political contexts. This programme aims to develop a comprehensive understanding of the theories, concepts, and debates surrounding gender and women’s issues, equipping students with critical analytical skills applicable to a wide range of academic and professional fields. The course covers a diverse array of topics, including feminist theory, gender identities, gender and power relations, representation in media and literature, social justice movements, and the impact of globalization on gender equality. Students will engage with historical and contemporary case studies, participate in thought-provoking seminars, and undertake independent research projects. Emphasizing a global perspective, the programme discusses the intersectionality of gender with race, class, ethnicity, and sexuality, encouraging an inclusive and comprehensive approach to gender analysis. Taught by leading academics and experts in the field, it provides an environment for rigorous intellectual inquiry as well as practical understanding of gender-related issues. The programme prepares graduates for careers in academia, policy-making, advocacy, international development, journalism, and other sectors where gender awareness and expertise are valued. Through a combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and research opportunities, students develop vital skills in critical thinking, academic writing, research methodology, and public engagement. The Women’s Studies programme at Oxford is designed for students passionate about understanding and contributing to social change, promoting equality, and advancing gender justice. Graduates leave with a nuanced understanding of the complexities of gender phenomena and are empowered to influence positive change in their professional and personal lives.

This nine-month interdisciplinary master's degree equips you with the critical and research tools needed for women's studies in the humanities. It provides a systematic introduction to feminist theory, highlighting women's contribution to culture and history alongside critical analysis and theorisation of the meanings assigned to the category 'woman' in philosophical, literary, socio-cultural and historical thought.

It also provides the practical equipment necessary to engage in original research into topics in the humanities relating to women and to gender, in a university with excellent facilities for both traditional and computer-age researches. Teaching is delivered through close individual supervision, as well as a carefully designed programme of lectures and classes led by specialists from a wide variety of disciplines, promoting collaborative work as well as the development of independent and original scholarship.

You will follow an intensive core course, combining introductions to feminist theory and to methodologies/methods of research. You will take two options, drawn from a list of up to thirty covering a very wide range of topics which are then examined by coursework essay. The options allow deepening of skills acquired in a first degree or the development of new skills under specialist teaching, which can be further practised in the third assessed element of the course, a closely supervised dissertation on a subject of your choice.

Five departments within the Humanities Division contribute option choices and supervision expertise to the degree: the Faculties of English, History, Classics, Philosophy and Modern Languages. The programme does not normally involve departments within the Social Sciences Division but has a close relationship with the International Gender Studies Centre.

Whilst you are pursuing the MSt in Women’s Studies you are also encouraged to go to lectures and seminars organised by individual faculties, which might help you to frame your immediate or future projects.

Applicants are normally expected to be predicted or have achieved a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours (or equivalent international qualifications), as a minimum, in any subject. Whilst there is no restriction on the subject of the first degree, applicants should be able to demonstrate a clear and well-reasoned commitment to women’s studies.

Entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA, the minimum GPA sought is 3.75 out of 4.0.

If you hold non-UK qualifications and wish to check how your qualifications match these requirements, you can contact the National Recognition Information Centre for the United Kingdom (UK NARIC).

Whilst there is no  restriction on the subject of the first degree, candidates should be able to demonstrate a clear and well-reasoned commitment to women’s studies.

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

• Official transcript(s)
• CV/résumé
• Statement of purpose/personal statement: Up to 700 words
• Written work: Two essays of 2,000 words each or one essay of 4,000 words
• References/letters of recommendation:Three overall, generally academic

ENGLISH LANGUAGE REQUIREMENTS

Higher level

• Global Education
• Hill Foundation Scholarships
• Ertegun Scholarship Programme

Women’s Studies at the University of Oxford is an interdisciplinary program dedicated to examining gender and women’s issues from multiple perspectives, including social sciences, humanities, and cultural studies. The program aims to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of gender inequality, feminist theory, and the historical and contemporary roles of women across different societies. Students explore topics such as gender identity, sexuality, violence against women, gender and policy, and representation in media and literature. The curriculum incorporates a variety of teaching methods, including seminars, lectures, and research projects, encouraging critical thinking and active engagement with current debates and issues.

The program is designed to foster analytical skills, enabling students to critically assess gender-related policies and cultural norms. Students are encouraged to investigate the intersections of gender with race, class, sexuality, and other social categories, promoting an inclusive and nuanced understanding of gender dynamics globally. Collaboration with faculty members who are experts in feminist theory, gender studies, and social sciences enhances the learning experience. The program often includes opportunities for internships, fieldwork, and participation in academic conferences, providing practical experience and networking opportunities within the field of gender studies.

Graduates from the Women’s Studies program at Oxford often pursue careers in academia, social work, policy-making, advocacy, journalism, and non-governmental organizations focused on gender equality. The program also emphasizes research skills, preparing students for further postgraduate study, including master's and doctoral degrees. The university’s vibrant academic community and extensive resources, including libraries and research centres dedicated to gender research, support student learning and development. Overall, Oxford’s Women’s Studies program aims to equip students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to contribute actively to gender equality and social justice initiatives both nationally and internationally.