Gender Studies (MLitt)

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.

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.

Entry requirements

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.

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.