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Gender and Sexuality Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS

Course options

2025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

Our gender and sexuality studies course is built around the interdisciplinary study of gender and sexuality, an exciting and growing area of study. It is ideal if you are interested in how gender and sexuality are constructed, understood and represented in different historical, cultural, geographic and social contexts. We bridge the divide between the social sciences and the arts and humanities by offering an MA and MSc so you can tailor the course to your interests.

  • The MA allows you to explore aspects of gender and sexuality in literature, history, media and film, visual art, philosophy and cultural theory.
  • The MSc allows you to explore the diverse and changing nature of personal relationships, economics and the workforce, and development and legal studies.
You will examine current debates which incorporate the cutting-edge research of world-leading academics at Birkbeck, who are passionate and engaged in the real world, working towards social justice with activists, policy-makers, academics, and charities and NGOs. You will also find yourself in seminars with a diverse range of people, from many different backgrounds and careers, generating a lively, engaged and enthusiastic learning environment. The gender and sexuality studies course considers competing ideas and theories about gender and sexuality and investigates the ways in which these intersect with concepts of race, ethnicity, age and class. You will develop your ability to critically discuss these theories and, depending on whether you have opted for the MA or MSc, you will consider how either arts and humanities or the social sciences can help us understand gender and sexuality. You can also take this course as a Postgraduate Diploma or Postgraduate Certificate. For the Diploma and Certificate you study fewer modules and do not complete a dissertation. This course is part of our new Birkbeck Flexible Master’s UK, which gives you the choice of how you want to study - on campus, online or via flexible learning, which combines both. Highlights
  • Birkbeck is a leading centre of research in the interdisciplinary field of gender and sexuality studies.
  • This course is linked to Birkbeck Gender and Sexuality (BiGS). BiGS hosts experts in the field, organises a diverse range of events throughout the year, including dedicated postgraduate workshops and seminars, and sponsors a lively student postgraduate forum, which runs reading groups, workshops and symposia, as well as the BiGS students' blog.
  • All Master’s students are eligible to apply for our prestigious Eric Hobsbawm Scholarships, subject to availability. One of the most influential historians of the twentieth century, Eric Hobsbawm taught at Birkbeck for over five decades and embodied what is central to our teaching and research: a continued commitment to critical enquiry and public engagement.
  • If you are taking this course part time, you may be eligible for a Bonnart Trust Master’s Studentship which will cover the cost of your tuition fees.
Careers and employability Graduates can follow career paths in sectors directly connected to gender and sexuality issues such as in:
  • social work
  • non-governmental and charitable organisations
  • journalism
  • government and policy research.
Our graduates have also successfully found work across a wider range of other professions and disciplines, from education to business to the arts. Those interested in further study have gone on to complete research degree (MPhil/PhD) programmes. We offer a comprehensive careers service - Careers and Enterprise - your career partner during your time at Birkbeck and beyond. At every stage of your career journey, we empower you to take ownership of your future, helping you to make the connection between your experience, education and future ambitions.

Modules

For information about course structure and the modules you will be studying, please visit Birkbeck’s online prospectus.

Assessment method

Written exercises such as source analyses or literature reviews, oral presentations and end-of-module research essays. Plus a 15,000-16,000-word dissertation.

How to apply

International applicants

If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, the requirement for this course is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.5, with not less than 6.0 in each of the sub-tests. If you don't meet the minimum IELTS requirement, we offer pre-sessional English courses and foundation programmes to help you improve your English language skills and get your place at Birkbeck.

Entry requirements

A second-class honours degree (2:2 or above) in a social sciences subject. Applications are reviewed on their individual merits and your professional qualifications and/or relevant work experience will be taken into consideration positively. We actively support and encourage applications from mature learners.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

England £5535 Year 1
Northern Ireland £5535 Year 1
Scotland £5535 Year 1
Wales £5535 Year 1
International £10170 Year 1

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

Students are charged a tuition fee in each year of their course. Tuition fees for students continuing on their course in following years may be subject to annual inflationary increases.
Gender and Sexuality Studies at Birkbeck, University of London - UCAS