Centre for Women's Studies

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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.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E56yT-zSNZI

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

MA in Women's and Gender Studies

MA in Women, Violence and Conflict

Research

MPhil and PhD Women's and Gender Studies

MA in Women's and Gender Studies (by Research)

Our research students

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

Tue

May

Uncertain Desires: Queer Feminism & the Cinema: The CWS Annual Lecture

Join us for the York Centre for Women's Studies' 2026 Annual Lecture by renowned feminist film scholar, Prof. Jackie Stacey (Manchester), on key debates in feminist and queer film studies, and gender and racial representation on film from the 1980s to the present day. Welcoming all queer and feminist cinema enthusiasts, students, and scholars from within and beyond the University of York. The event will feature a 40-minute lecture, followed by a Q&A and a chance to meet the presenters in a complementary wine reception.

News

CWS & friends Feb-March 2026 event roundup

Posted on Friday 20 February 2026

CWS and English staff and students are thrilled to announce our Feb-March 2026 event roundup, celebrating LGBT History Month and International Women's Week (or Month, as March should be!).

Calling all GEMMA graduates - PhD Studentship in the Centre for Women's Studies

Posted on Tuesday 3 February 2026

Applications are open for 2026/2027.

Highly Commended Award for Centre for Women’s Studies Director, Dr Rachel Alsop, at University of York Inclusive Impact Awards

Posted on Monday 1 December 2025

Dr Rachel Alsop along with colleagues Professor Sara de Jong and Professor Simon Parker from the Department of Politics received a highly commended award in the 'Bridge Builder' category at the fourth annual Community Without Limits Inclusive Impact Awards held at the Merchant Adventurers’ Hall on Tuesday 25 November.

More news

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.