Welcome to MA Gender Studies
The MA Gender Studies offers the opportunity to explore ideas of gender and gain knowledge of contemporary gender issues in a global context, at an advanced level.
Students will be encouraged to critically examine their own assumptions, and, most importantly, to question popular and common-sense notions of gender.
The programme places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right. It draws on a range of subject specialisms within the School of Social and Political Sciences and connects students with tutors who are well-known in their respective fields of study.
The School of Social and Political Sciences is collegiate and friendly. All students are invited to attend the School's research seminar series. Tutors are approachable and keen to support students on their personal research and career paths.
Overseas Study Trips
There may be opportunities to participate in optional field trips to key international organisations, and national and international political institutions, including New York, Washington D.C, Brussels, Ypres, and The Hague. Places are limited so students are encouraged to register their interest early in the academic year. Students who wish to take part are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.
Research Areas, Projects and Topics
Research within the School of Social and Political Sciences is diverse. Examples include work on violence against women and girls in the UK and India by Dr Sundari Aritha. Dr Catherine Bochel holds a research fellowship at the House of Commons considering key elements of public engagement, and Professor Hugh Bochel a fellowship at the Scottish Parliament, looking at committee witnesses. These projects involved working with MPs, MSPs, and officials on ways to enhance the work of the two legislatures.
Students can engage in the Eleanor Glanville Centre, the University’s centre for equality. Research themes within the centre include inclusive environments, life course, embodiment, social construction, culture and creativity, and perceptions and prejudice.
How You Study
The learning and teaching strategy adopted within the MA Gender Studies reflects a commitment to self-directed, student-centred learning, with an emphasis on applied analytical skills.
This degree offers a distinctive range of modules, drawing upon the existing research and teaching expertise in the School of Social and Political Sciences to deliver an academically rigorous and contemporary programme.
This programme is not only designed to develop a student's specialist subject knowledge, but aims to equip students with a set of transferable skills relevant to further academic study and employment. The incorporation of a strong research methods element within the MA is designed to enhance employability and development of transferable skills.
Students will be taught using a range of methods including lectures, seminars/workshops and tutorials.
- Lectures are designed to introduce students to key themes and perspectives, generate enthusiasm for further enquiry, provide illustrative examples and to signpost substantive issues
- Seminars and workshops provide students with an environment for more interactive learning and reflection, aimed at deepening critical understanding of the subject matter. These sessions are organised in a variety of ways, including tutor or student-led discussions, presentations, and problem-solving exercises, normally centred on a particular theme
- Tutorials are available to students on an individual or small-group basis as a means of supporting the preparation of individual or group assignments, offering feedback on progress, dealing with any particular learning difficulties, and offering advice on specific choices within the module programme
- E-learning will be supported through use of the University of Lincoln's virtual learning environment.
Core modules taken by full-time students:
-Feminisms: Theories and debates (30 credit points)
-Global Issues in Gender and Sexuality (15 credit points)
-Critical Reading in the Social and Political Sciences (15 credit points)
-Researching Social and Political Sciences (30 credit points)
-Independent Study in Gender Studies (60 credit points)
Option modules taken by full-time students:
-Option Modules in Gender Studies (30 credit points), composed of two 15 credit point modules or of one 30 credit point module from a list of validated modules.
Core modules taken by part-time students:
- Feminisms: Theories and debates (30 credit points) (Year 1)
-Global Issues in Gender and Sexuality (15 credit points) (Year 1)
-Critical Reading in the Social and Political Sciences (15 credit points) (Year 1)
-Researching Social and Political Sciences (30 credit points) (Year 2)
-Independent Study in Gender Studies (60 credit points) (Year 2)
Option modules taken by part-time students:
-Option Modules in Gender Studies (30 credit points), composed of two 15 credit point modules or of one 30 credit point module from a list of validated modules. (Year 2)
An Introduction to Your Modules
† Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.
How you are assessed
The programme is designed to expose students to a range of different forms of assessment and to develop a range of academic, professional, and work-relevant skills such as public speaking.
Students will have the chance to develop written communication skills through essays, report writing, and independent study, all of which are designed to expand students' skills in professional and academic writing.
Oral communication skills are also developed, enabling students to improve their public presentation and public speaking abilities
Students will be expected to develop their research skills, which will be assessed through core research methods modules and independent study. Further research skills are also embedded in assessments throughout other core and option modules.
Critical, analytical, and reflexive thinking are central to all assessments. IT skills are embedded in many modules and include word processing, digital data management and presentation, statistical data handling, the use of electronic search engines, and other resources.
Assessment Feedback
The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.
Career and Personal Development
The programme is designed to develop specialist subject knowledge relevant to careers in a wide range of areas, such as the voluntary and public sectors. Students have the opportunity to develop a set of transferable skills relevant to roles in social research and that are vital for further academic study at doctoral level.
The University Careers and Employability team can provide tailored, individual support and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up 15 months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national, and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.
Entry Requirements 2023-24
First or second class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Candidates holding other qualifications or substantial relevant work experience may be considered on an individual basis.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ . These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.
Fees and Funding
For eligible students, there are more ways than ever before to fund your postgraduate study, whether you want to do a taught or research course. For those wishing to undertake a Master's course, UK students can apply for a loan as a contribution towards the course and living costs. Loans are also available to those who wish to undertake doctoral study. The University offers a number of scholarships and funded studentships for those interested in postgraduate study. Learn how Master's and PhD loans, scholarships, and studentships can help you fund your studies on our Postgraduate Fees and Funding pages.
Programme-Specific Additional Costs
There are opportunities to supplement your studies by participating in optional field trips to key international organisations and political institutions. Students are responsible for the costs of their travel, accommodation, and general living expenses.
For each course you may find that there are additional costs. These may be with regard to the specific clothing, materials or equipment required. Some courses provide opportunities for you to undertake field work or field trips. Where these are compulsory, the cost for travel and accommodation will be covered by the University and so is included in your fee. Where these are optional, you will normally be required to pay your own transport, accommodation and general living costs.
With regards to text books, the University provides students who enrol with a comprehensive reading list and you will find that our extensive library holds either material or virtual versions of the core texts that you are required to read. However, you may prefer to purchase some of these for yourself and you will be responsible for this cost.

Dr Ana Jordan - Programme Leader
Ana's research expertise is in gender politics, masculinities and feminist theory. She has published on men's movements, including the construction of fatherhood(s) and masculinity/ies by fathers' rights groups and the politics of men's rights groups. She has also researched and published on gender-based violence in universities. Ana teaches the MA modules Feminisms: Theories and Debates and Masculinities, Power and Society and co-convenes the Gender and Sexuality Reading Group.
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