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.
CWS is celebrating its 40th anniversary. Founded in 1984, it has become a leading centre for interdisciplinary, transnational and intersectional women's and gender studies. Look out for events across the year to mark this milestone.
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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 PhD student writes in The Conversation on Playboy and Halloween
Posted on Thursday 26 October 2023
Congratulations to PhD student Daisy McManaman who has an article published in The Conversation looking at how the Playboy costume has become a popular Halloween costume.
Remembering Dr Jo Woodiwiss, CWS Graduate
Posted on Wednesday 4 October 2023
The Centre for Women's Studies is very sad to hear of the recent death of Dr Jo Woodiwiss, a graduate and friend of CWS.
New issue of Centre for Women's Studies Journal, Cultivate
Posted on Monday 25 September 2023
We are delighted to share the latest issue of Cultivate: The Feminist Journal of the Centre for Women's Studies (CWS). 'Issue 5: The Creative Issue' puts our usual peer-reviewed article process aside and instead spotlights creative work.
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.