Gender studies

Why Gender Studies @ Memorial?

The Master of Gender Studies degree allows students to critically examine " at an advanced level " how gender shapes our identities, our social interactions and our world. Students will incorporate into their study frameworks for thinking about power relations and the ways those relations are shaped and challenged by intersecting constructions of gender, race, class, sexuality, age, ability and nationality.

We offer three degree completion options: thesis, project, internship. Memorial University is the only university in Canada to offer degree completion by internship.

We also offer a graduate diploma program, which offers an opportunity to study gender studies at an advanced level, without committing to a thesis, project, or internship. The graduate diploma is not a degree.

Faculty members in the Department of Gender Studies bring research expertise and interests in a range of fields, including: citizenship and human rights; corporeal feminism; reproductive rights; auto/biography and life writing; postcolonial and transnational feminisms; and First Nations studies. This interdisciplinary master's program offers a thriving environment that draws on the expertise of scholars from a wide range of academic disciplines. Interdisciplinary resources in cognate areas are available to all MGS students.

Description of program

• Graduate diploma - Disciplinary graduate diplomas provide an opportunity to acquire additional academic credentials at the graduate level without committing to a full master's program. These programs allow students to expand on their knowledge of a particular discipline and may also be used for professional development within their careers.
  
  
• MGS " The Master of Gender Studies addresses the need for a deeper understanding of women and gender in society, and students may explore a range of topics, including but not limited to everyday experiences, social and political institutions, literary and philosophical contributions, and past and present events and issues. Students may also develop practical and policy initiatives that promote equality and social justice. The master's degree can be completed by full- or part-time study and by thesis or non-thesis (project/internship) programs. Students may draw on the expertise of faculty members hailing from a range of academic disciplines and divisions.

• MASF (course work): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• MASF (thesis): Bachelor’s degree (minimum second class) in a relevant area of study OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed area for the major project.
  
  
• PhD: Master’s degree in a relevant area of study and an excellent academic record OR 12 months in a Master’s program and demonstration of exceptional ability to pursue research at the doctoral level OR Bachelor’s degree with honours (or equivalent) and 5 years of related full-time professional experience OR some combination of educational, personal, professional, and cultural experience aligned with the program and proposed research area (with permission).

Law, midwifery, union work (communication, organization), community project coordinator, media and design specialist, university lecturer

• The application must be fully and accurately completed. Please note the online application only supports the English language.
• Ensure your full legal name (including previous last name if applicable) is listed in the correct order, as it appears on your passport or other government-issued ID. Please ensure your date of birth is entered accurately in the format listed.
• Under “Personal Information” and “Canadian Immigration Status”, select "Student Visa" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you require a study permit to legally study in Canada. Select "Permanent Resident" if your citizenship is not Canadian and you have immigrated to Canada.
• Please carefully review the definitions of full-time and part-time status before selecting this under “Student Status”. Graduate student status is not determined by the number of courses one registers for.
• If you have previously applied to or enrolled in Memorial University, please ensure you enter your MUN student number under “Program Information”. You can find this in Self-Service (if you were previously a student) or on a decision letter emailed to you (if you previously applied). This will ensure your application is processed quickly and accurately.
• Please ensure you choose the right graduate program under “Program Information”. This normally cannot be changed after you submit your application online.
• Please note the correct route (e.g., thesis, course, internship) for your program of interest under “Program Information”. Refer to the Graduate Programs and Routes document for details. Incorrect routes may lead to delays in the admission process. You can only be considered for a route available for your graduate program of interest.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), under “Program Information” please note the names of up to two faculty members you may be interested in working with. Please visit our website for more information on how to find potential supervisors.
• If you are applying for a research program (e.g., one that requires a thesis), please note the research area or focus you are interested in for your graduate thesis (or instrument for Master of Music applicants).
• Under “Program Information” and “Self-declared Average”, please enter in number form your overall average from your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program as it appears on your university transcript (e.g., 80%, 3.0, 16, etc.). In the following field, please select the country in which your most recent undergraduate (bachelor’s) program was completed.
• Ensure you provide names and email addresses for all referees. Please ensure you contact your referees before applying to confirm their availability and willingness to write a reference letter on your behalf. Please also ensure the email address you enter is correct and one actively used by your referee.
• Ensure that the “Statement of Interest” section is properly completed, as most academic units place considerable emphasis on this section. You’ll find a video tutorial on this at the bottom of this page.
• Please complete the “Special Circumstances” section if there are any exceptional circumstances that may have had an impact on your past academic records.