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PhD/MA by Research Sexuality and Gender Studies

Postgraduate research in Sexuality and Gender Studies at University of Birmingham is a truly interdisciplinary collaboration, led by leading international academics from a range of disciplines, each bringing their specific expertise to the subject.

Quick Facts

  
Duration: 1 year (MA by Research)
3 years (PhD)
Starting in: January, September
Tuition Fee: £20,820 full-time
£10,410 per year part-time (distance learning only)
Location: Birmingham, United Kingdom / Online

Research at the Sexuality and Gender Studies at University of Birmingham can focus on topics including: feminist theory, masculinity studies, queer theory, postcolonial theory, psychoanalysis, ethnography, sexology, and criminology.

We offer two postgraduate research-only programmes, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or pursue your research at Masters level.

Research Areas:

  • Cultural Studies
  • History
  • Literary/ Film Studies
  • Politics
  • Sociology
  • Psychology

“The transition from undergrad to postgrad can be a big step up in terms of workload and what is expected of you, but there is so much support available to you as a postgrad student, from academic writing support (if you’ve been out of education for a few years or just want a bit of extra help) to mental health and wellbeing services. The careers support is fantastic – the uni puts on employer fairs throughout the year and you have access to one on one support from the Careers Network team, who can help you develop your skills ready for your next step!”

Emma Sutton // PhD Psychology

Why study this course?

  • Cutting-edge work: Academic staff and postgraduate students at Birmingham engage in cutting-edge work in the areas of gender theory and feminism; LGBT and queer studies; and the critical history of medicine and sexual science (sexology, psychiatry). Since we are particularly interested in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary work, it is possible to arrange joint supervision involving staff from other departments, thereby giving you access to a broader knowledge base and maximising the quality and originality of your work.
  • Outside the academy: We engage with policy-making, activism and social justice work outside the academy.
  • Research opportunities: You will develop your research project within an active and friendly postgraduate community. Postgraduates are offered opportunities to present work-in-progress at Departmental Research Seminars and at the School Postgraduate Forum. Roles is a popular reading and research group that brings together postgraduate students from across the University with an interest in Sexuality and Gender Studies. For several years, Roles has hosted a successful annual conference, organised by postgraduate students.

Requirements

Our requirements for postgraduate research are dependent on the type of programme you are applying for:

  • For MRes and MA by Research programmes, entry to our programmes usually requires a good (normally a 2:1 or above) Honours degree, or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK, usually in a relevant area.
  • Applicants for a PhD will also need to hold a Masters qualification at Merit level or above (or its international equivalent), usually in a relevant area.

Any academic and professional qualifications or relevant professional experience you may have are normally taken into account, and in some cases, form an integral part of the entrance requirements.

Learn more