Study gender and feminism through the lens of art and culture.
Year of entry: 2024 (September)
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Upcoming eventsThe MA in Women’s Studies (Humanities) is a tailored programme for those with a particular interest in humanities-informed approaches to interdisciplinary women’s and gender studies.
You'll address a diverse range of theoretical and methodological approaches to women's and gender studies, developing a critical awareness of the gendered aspects of cultural life, representation and textual enquiry.
You will have the opportunity to focus on a variety of cultural perspectives and practices – literary, visual, and artistic – from both contemporary and historical cultures and across a range of geographical and societal spaces. The emphasis on humanities-informed feminist methodologies and practical research skills will enable you to conduct a substantial piece of independent research.
This is an interdisciplinary programme where students can select option modules offered by the Centre for Women’s Studies (CWS), English and Related Literature, Sociology, and other departments.
in the UK for research impact in Sociology, according to Times Higher Education's ranking of the latest REF (2021)
Explore perspectives across disciplines, led by academics actively engaged in a variety of fields
Forge deeper connections with alumni at the CWS and cultivate your learning at our Feminist Research and Careers Skills (FRACS) workshops
With a focus on humanities-informed approaches to scholarship, this course is designed to challenge preconceptions, broaden understanding and encourage reflection on the wider ethical implications of feminist research, including power relations and your own positionality as a researcher.
Our modules will help you to interrogate key issues within intersectional feminist, women's, and queer studies. You will explore the potential of artistic practice and theory for feminist activism and scholarship, and develop the practical, advanced research skills to undertake your own humanities-informed research project, adopting a reflexive practice and a critical awareness of the politics of research.
The programme's interdisciplinary and cross-cultural scope is inclusive to all students, regardless of background, culture or existing knowledge and competencies. We foster a diverse and engaging learning experience for all.
You will also study two option modules. Examples from previous years have included:
Students may also choose option modules offered by other departments, including English & Related Literature or Sociology.
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
The final stage of the MA is the completion of a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation.
This is an opportunity to further develop and apply your skills to a research question and specialism in a particular area of research using humanities-informed methodologies.
Past dissertation research projects have included:
You will be supported by your allocated dissertation supervisor who will provide supervisions and read drafts of your work. You'll be invited to attend the ‘Sisterhood in Action’ conference to discuss your provisional dissertation topic and research with staff and PhD students.
Further dissertation support and independent research skills development will be available throughout the year, in modules such as Feminist Research Methodologies and the CWS extracurricular skills workshop series, alongside additional support from the university library, Writing Centre, and other student services.
Every course at York is built on a distinctive set of learning outcomes. These will give you a clear understanding of what you will be able to accomplish at the end of the course and help you explain what you can offer employers. Our academics identify the knowledge, skills, and experiences you'll need upon graduation and then design the course to get you there.
One of the most valuable aspects of being an MA student is having the opportunity to develop your own particular areas of interest in a creative and empowering environment. I felt like part of a wonderful international family where my ideas were always encouraged and supported.Gilly, MA Women's Studies (Humanities)
| Study mode | UK (home) | International and EU |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time (1 year) | £10,590 | £23,900 |
| Part-time (2 years) This is the year 1 fee. Fees for future years are subject to confirmation. |
£5,295 | £11,950 |
Students on a Student Visa are not currently permitted to study part-time at York.
For courses which are longer than one year, the tuition fees quoted are for the first year of study.
UK (home) or international fees? The level of fee that you will be asked to pay depends on whether you're classed as a UK (home) or international student. Check your fee status.
Find out more information about tuition fees and how to pay them.
You may wish to buy any textbooks used in your modules, although this is not compulsory.
Discover your funding options to help with tuition fees and living costs.
We'll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2024/25 throughout the year.
If you've successfully completed an undergraduate degree at York you could be eligible for a 10% Masters fee discount.
You can use our living costs guide to help plan your budget. It covers additional costs that are not included in your tuition fee such as expenses for accommodation and study materials.
You’ll work with world‐leading academics who’ll challenge you to think independently and excel in all that you do. Our approach to teaching will provide you with the knowledge, opportunities, and support you need to grow and succeed in a global workplace.
Teaching is usually in the form of two-hour seminars which include group work and full class discussions. Seminars are led by a single tutor or run collaboratively by a team of academics.
You will be assigned a personal supervisor and you'll regularly meet with tutors, in seminars and during arranged meetings.
As a student at CWS, you will have access to a kitchen and small library of general interest women’s studies books, as well as course resources. The building in which CWS is located is light and spacious with plenty of seating for socialising, post-seminar discussion and private study.
All of our module materials are available in the Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
You will be based in the Centre for Women’s Studies on Campus East, where most of your teaching will take place.
Our beautiful green campus offers a student-friendly setting in which to live and study, within easy reach of the action in the city centre. It's easy to get around campus - everything is within walking or pedalling distance, or you can always use the fast and frequent bus service.
You’ll be assessed in a number of different ways, depending on the modules you study.
Forms of assessment include:
We pride ourselves on delivering detailed written and verbal feedback to all of our students. Whenever you complete an assessment you are encouraged to discuss your work with the tutors to improve your learning.
You’ll also receive feedback on assignments that don’t count towards your final grade, helping you to understand your strengths and identify areas for improvement.
Our programmes emphasise a feminist sensitivity to difference and power relations, advocating transferable skills applicable in the realms of public engagement and career development. You will learn to analyse your own preconceptions and engage with a wide variety of social/political issues, facilitating your development into responsible global citizens.
Fostering enhanced analytical and critical thinking skills, and the ability to communicate complex ideas with nuance and awareness of difference and diversity, this MA in Women's Studies (Humanities) also offers a suitable foundation for graduates wishing to pursue doctoral research.
| Typical offer | |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate degree | 2:1 or equivalent in a related subject. |
| Other qualifications and experience | Applications from those with other qualifications may be considered on their merits. Applications are also welcomed from mature students and those returning to education. |
| Other international qualifications | Equivalent qualifications from your country |
If English isn't your first language you may need to provide evidence of your English language ability. We accept the following qualifications:
| Minimum requirement | |
|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic and Indicator) | 6.5, minimum 6.0 in each component |
| Cambridge CEFR | B2 First: 176, with 169 in each component |
| Oxford ELLT | 7, minimum of 6 in each component |
| Duolingo | 120, minimum 105 in all other components |
| LanguageCert SELT | B2 with 33/50 in each component |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 with a minimum of 65 in each component |
| KITE | 459-494, with 426-458 in all other components |
| Skills for English | B2: Merit overall, with Pass with Merit in each component |
| PTE Academic | 61, minimum 55 in each component |
| TOEFL | 87, minimum of 21 in each component |
| Trinity ISE III | Merit in all requirements |
For more information see our postgraduate English language requirements.
You may be eligible for one of our pre-sessional English language courses. These courses will provide you with the level of English needed to meet the conditions of your offer.
The length of course you need to take depends on your current English language test scores and how much you need to improve to reach our English language requirements.
After you've accepted your offer to study at York, we'll confirm which pre-sessional course you should apply to via You@York.
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