Gender Studies (MLitt) 2025 entry

The MLitt in Gender Studies explores the theory and history of gender studies as well as the ways in which gender interacts with class, race, ethnicity, sexuality, inequality, and power. 

Gender Studies MLitt - University of St Andrews

Video transcript

So in the Gender Studies MLitt programme, we're going to study gender and its relationship to equality, inclusion and power by studying gender theory and also the history of gender studies, particularly thinking about how gender interacts with race and class and disability and sexuality and ethnicity.

And the idea of the module is it sort of provides students with the sort of foundational theoretical, analytical, interpretive skills necessary for the rest of their studies.

Gender itself is interdisciplinary.

There is no one field that it belongs to and so it would almost be inappropriate if we just had one professor from one background teaching us about it.

The kind of big draw for a lot of the students on this course is that we get professors from a whole host of different departments who all have their own background, their own research interests and their own skills.

I think if I were just to approach it from my background in film or in history, it wouldn't be as interesting for me to learn.

So our students get to be part of the Graduate School as well, which means that not only sort of mixing with the particular cohort in your programme, but you also get to mix with a variety of other students taking other interdisciplinary masters programme.

I mean, St Andrews is a wonderful place to study.

It's a wonderful place to work.

We're five minutes away from the beach, but there needs to be a place where people can be drawn together and have these discussions and that's what the Graduate School offers.

My big draw to St Andrews is its location.

There's really never another opportunity in my life where I can live within walking distance from three beaches.

I just wanted to be somewhere which is small.

Everything's in walking distance.

It's very safe.

I feel so comfortable there.

So one of the great things about the MLitt programme is that it's linked to the St Andrews Institute for Gender Studies.

So this is an interdisciplinary research institute with over 100 academic affiliates drawn from 18 different schools across the university.

We have a really sort of rich research environment.

We hold bi-monthly research seminars.

We have research events including visiting speakers and it provides a really exciting, invigorating and lively intellectual community for our MLitt students to be part of.

I didn't want to come into this course being surrounded by people who have all the same ideas as I do.

I want to be challenged by people.

I don't want to just be in my own little echo chamber.

It's important, I think, as academics and as people to have our views challenged.

The MLitt in gender studies is perfect for anyone who wants to gain sort of critical
thinking skills, problem-solving skills, who wants to understand how gender interacts with our ever-changing social world.

Start date: September 2025
End date: September 2026
Duration: One year full time
School: Graduate School

Apply for 2025 entry Register your interest

Gender Studies (MLitt) 2025 entry

Application deadline

Thursday 7 August 2025

Applicants should apply as early as possible to be eligible for certain scholarships.

Entry requirements

A 2.1 Honours undergraduate degree. If you studied your first degree outside the UK, see the international entry requirements.
English language proficiency. See English language tests and qualifications.

The MLitt in Gender Studies welcomes applicants from a range of disciplinary backgrounds including, but not limited to:

anthropology
cultural studies
history
liberal arts
literary studies
media studies
philosophy
politics.

The qualifications listed are indicative minimum requirements for entry. Some academic Schools will ask applicants to achieve significantly higher marks than the minimum. Obtaining the listed entry requirements will not guarantee you a place, as the University considers all aspects of every application including, where applicable, the writing sample, personal statement, and supporting documents.

Application requirements

A CV or résumé. This should include your personal details with a history of your education and employment to date.
A personal statement explaining:
- why you have applied for this course
- how it relates to your personal or professional ambitions
- how your academic and professional background show you have the skills needed to work effectively at postgraduate level.
Two original signed academic references on headed paper.
Academic transcripts and degree certificates.

For more guidance, see supporting documents and references for postgraduate taught programmes.

English language proficiency

If English is not your first language, you may need to provide an English language test score to evidence your English language ability. See approved English language tests and scores for this course.

Course details

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.

Highlights

Introduces key topics in gender studies.
Its interdisciplinary character helps you develop a more rounded understanding of gender studies questions and of 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 programme 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). 

Modules

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 course. For more details of each module, including weekly contact hours, teaching methods and assessment, please see the module catalogue.

The MLitt is structured around three compulsory taught modules

Semester 1

Gender Theory: explores the history and theory of gender studies and the ways in which gender is defined, generated, and communicated in different contexts. 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 the ways in which 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.

Semester 2

Gender and Social Theory: explores topics central to gender studies using interdisciplinary methodologies with a special focus on the social sciences.  In this module, you will undertake an interdisciplinary exploration of topics that are central to gender studies. You will gain an appreciation of the ways in which 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
philosophy
politics
international relations.

Optional modules are subject to change each year and require a minimum number of participants to be offered; some may only allow limited numbers of students (see the University’s position on curriculum development).

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 emphasises your ability to critically assess gender policy and make convincing recommendations for policy changes

multi-media portfolio that emphasises your ability to present gender studies concepts in exciting and engaging ways
written dissertation that emphasises 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.

Fees

Home
£12,030

Overseas
£25,900

Application fee

Before we can begin processing your application, a payment of an application fee of £50 is required. In some instances, you may be eligible for an application fee waiver. Details of this, along with information on our tuition fees, can be found on the postgraduate fees and funding page.

Funding and scholarships

The University of St Andrews is committed to attracting the very best students, regardless of financial circumstances.

15% Recent Graduate Discount

If you have graduated from the University within the last three academic years, you may be eligible for a 15% discount on postgraduate taught tuition fees. Terms and conditions apply.

Taught postgraduate scholarships Postgraduate loans

After your degree

Careers

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 enquiry, 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 team working.

The University also offers two awards for all students known as the Saints Skills Awards. You can develop a range of skills through the Skills Builder Award or learn how to best articulate them through the Skills Spotlight Award. These skills are highly valued by employers and the awards are a good addition to your CV.

The Careers Centre offers one-to-one advice to all students as well as a programme of events to assist students in building their employability skills.

Further study

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 by means of a substantial thesis of original research.

Contact us

Phone: +44 (0)1334 46 2032
Email: gradschool@st-andrews.ac.uk
Address: Graduate School

Legal notices

Admission to the University of St Andrews is governed by our Admissions policy

Information about all programmes from previous years of entry can be found in the archive.

Curriculum development

As a research intensive institution, the University ensures that its teaching references the research interests of its staff, which may change from time to time. As a result, programmes are regularly reviewed with the aim of enhancing students' learning experience. Our approach to course revision is described online.

Tuition fees

The University will clarify compulsory fees and charges it requires any student to pay at the time of offer. The offer will also clarify conditions for any variation of fees. The University’s approach to fee setting is described online.

Page last updated: 3 September 2024