Centre for Women's Studies
The Centre for Women's Studies at York (CWS) is among the most well-established bases for feminist and gender-oriented teaching and research, both in the UK and internationally. Drawing on social science and arts-based methods, we explore and critique gendered ways of knowing. We adopt an inclusive, intersectional, transnational and interdisciplinary approach to the changing nature of women's experiences, gender relations and identities.
Founded in 1984, CWS is a leading centre for the study of women and gender. Our interdisciplinary courses are suitable for students with arts, humanities or social science backgrounds.
Study with us
Postgraduate taught
Research
Find out more about Women's Studies Now!
Find out more about CWS Student Wellbeing and Support
Watch CWS's Inaugural Annual Lecture with Avtar Brah
Events
News
CWS and this year’s York Festival of Ideas: Voices of Resistance at York
Posted on Thursday 18 June 2026
Last weekend, on 6th June, the Festival of Ideas hosted the event Voices of Resistance: Diaries from Gaza.
CWS students win York Open Research Awards!
Posted on Wednesday 3 June 2026
Two students in the Centre for Women's Studies, PhD student Alice Flinta and MA student Irene Palencia Mora have both received awards in the York 2026 Open Research Awards.
CWS Annual Lecture
Posted on Wednesday 3 June 2026
Professor Jackie Stacey at the Centre for Women's Studies third Annual Lecture.
What our students say
"Make the most of your time at this great centre - the more you put in the more you'll get out of it (and the sky's the limit for that)!" - Lotika (former PhD student)
Read more students' experiences at the CWS.