MLitt in Gender Studies
Saint Andrews, United Kingdom
07 Aug 2025
EARLIEST START DATE
GBP 25,880 *
* overseas / home: £11,680
The MLitt in Gender Studies explores the theory and history of gender studies as well as how gender interacts with class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power.
What is gender, and how does it interact with our thinking about equality, inclusion, and justice? In this course, you will explore these questions by studying gender theory and by critically examining contemporary debates on gender issues.
- Introduces key topics in gender studies
- Its interdisciplinary character helps you develop a more rounded understanding of gender studies questions and its key questions and concepts
- Prepares you for further academic study and research
- Well-established links with the vibrant and diverse academic community at St Andrews will bring you into contact with current gender studies research across different disciplines
The MLitt in Gender Studies is distinguished by its interdisciplinary character and by an emphasis on an intersectional understanding of gender.
You will be taught by experts drawn from a pool of 100 academics from 17 academic Schools across the University providing distinctive disciplinary perspectives on key topics in gender studies, including gender theory, masculinities, queer theory, and trans theory.
This will enable you to develop a well-rounded, interdisciplinary understanding of gender studies and the ability to solve complex problems by critical understanding, analysis, and synthesis.
The degree provides a broad program of study culminating in a supervised research project. It will thus be of particular interest if you intend to progress to doctoral research. It will equip you with a range of essential skills that are highly valued in a variety of professional contexts (e.g. journalism, media studies, social work, advocacy work).
The modules published below are examples of what has been taught in previous academic years and may be subject to change before you start your program.
The MLitt is structured around three compulsory modules
- Gender Theory: Explores the history and theory of gender studies and how gender is defined, generated, and communicated in different contexts
- Gender and Social Theory: Explores topics central to gender studies using interdisciplinary methodologies with a special focus on the social sciences
Interdisciplinary Topics in Gender Studies: In this module, you will undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of topics that are central to gender studies. You will gain an appreciation of how issues concerning gender may be applied in different academic disciplines as well as outside of academia. You will learn how to critically examine current issues and controversies surrounding gender and deepen your understanding of the inextricable connections between gender, class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power. Teamwork will play a key part in how the module will be run.
Optional modules allow you to broaden your learning in key topics relevant to the MLitt.
Modules are expected to be offered in the following areas:
- Art history
- International development
- Film studies
- International relations.
The available optional modules will be confirmed before the MLitt start date.
The final part of the MLitt is the end-of-degree project. This takes the form of a period of supervised research where you will explore a gender studies topic in depth.
Through the project, you will show your ability to undertake sustained critical analysis, develop and improve your research skills, and produce an extended piece of written work that demonstrates a high level of understanding of your area of study.
You can choose to present your end-of-degree project in one of the following ways:
- Policy report that emphasizes your ability to critically assess gender policy and make convincing recommendations for policy changes
- The multi-media portfolio that emphasizes your ability to present gender studies concepts in exciting and engaging ways
- The written dissertation that emphasizes your ability to plan and execute academically rigorous research.
If students choose not to complete the dissertation requirement for the MLitt, there is an exit award available that allows suitably qualified candidates to receive a Postgraduate Diploma. By choosing an exit award, you will receive a PGDip instead of an MLitt.
The taught modules are taken over two semesters – September to December (Semester 1) and January to May (Semester 2). The period from June to August is used to complete the end-of-degree project.
Each taught module will use teaching and learning methods appropriate to its aims. These may include seminars, workshops, lectures, tutorials, and independent study.
Assessment methods used may include essays, reports, presentations, practical exercises, reflective exercises, and examinations.
Scholarships and Funding
The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.
The University of St Andrews offers postgraduate scholarships and other financial awards. These may be held in addition to external funding or awards from a government body. These may also cover (fully or partially) tuition fees, maintenance (living costs including accommodation), or both.
Scholarships are available based on academic merit and financial need. There are scholarships available for both home and overseas fee status. The scholarship team recommends reading the terms of each award carefully and applying to a range of funding sources.
Postgraduate study is an investment in your intellectual development and career potential. The University of St Andrews provides scholarships to help as many students as possible continue in higher education.
Scholarship availability may depend on your area of study or fee status (for example, whether you are a 'Home' or 'Overseas' student).
The University of St Andrews’ global reputation makes its graduates highly valued by employers. The MLitt in Gender Studies provides subject knowledge and applied skills relevant to a range of career paths; it will be of particular interest if you intend to continue to doctoral research.
In addition to broadening your subject knowledge and applying established techniques of research and inquiry, you will develop and demonstrate essential skills including:
- Critical thinking and creativity
- Analysis and appraisal
- Problem-solving and decision making
- Personal leadership and project management
- Interpersonal communication and teamwork.
St Andrews offers a vibrant and stimulating research environment. One of the great strengths of a St Andrews research degree is the collegiate atmosphere which enables access to expertise beyond your formal supervisors and the ability to conduct interdisciplinary research.
Research students are supported by a supervisory team throughout their studies and are assessed through a substantial thesis of original research.