Gender Studies

MA Gender Studies

Over the past thirty years, Gender Studies at UCD has become one of the most established programmes of its kind in Ireland with a strong international reputation for feminist, queer, sexualities and masculinities scholarship, teaching and engagement in public policy and activism. Our programmes include a well-recognised PhD programme, and a Masters and Graduate Diploma in Gender Studies from one of the top 1% universities in the world.

Stage 1 - Core

Gender Studies: Critical Themes GS40090

Gender: Global Concepts GS40120

Feminist & Egalitarian Research SSJ40010

Masters Research Project SSJ40060



Stage 1 - Option

Human Rights Law and Equality EQUL40070

Masculinities, Gender and Equality EQUL40310

Development and the Global South GEOG40760

Gender, Inequality and Public Policy GS40030

Culture and Sexualities GS40080

Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice GS40100

Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging GS40110

Gender, Peace, and Security POL41720

Gender & the Political System POL42040

Organised Violence and Society SOC40720

Gender Studies Studies programmes, based in School of Social Policy, Social Work and Social Justice at UCD are aimed at, but not exclusive to, applicants who have already completed an undergraduate degree in sociology, politics, history or other relevant fields and are interested in exploring further how gender plays a crucial role in the way we see the world and in how the world is organised.



Applicants are required to have a minimum of a 2.2 Honours or international equivalent in a honours level Bachelors degree (NFQ Level 8). Applicants whose first language is not English also require proof of English language proficiency. English language certificates and the level of proficiency that the school requires is detailed here.



Applicants should also submit the contact details for two referees, at least one of whom should know you in an academic capacity, as well as a personal statement (circa 4-500 words) explaining why you are interested in studying this course.



These are the minimum entry requirements – additional criteria may be requested for some programmes.

The following entry routes are available:

MA Gender Studies FT (W383)

Duration 1 Years

Attend Full Time

Deadline Rolling*



MA Gender Studies PT (W384)

Duration 2 Years

Attend Part Time

Deadline Rolling*

* Courses will remain open until such time as all places have been filled, therefore early application is advised

W383 - Full-Time: 1 Year

W384 - Part Time: 2 Years



Mode of delivery: Face-to-Face

Next Intake: 2024/2025 September.

Careers & Employability

Graduates have become central members of local communities, key members of NGOs, employees in public-sector agencies, education and media organisations in roles such as: social researchers, project development managers, lecturers, journalists, and policy and advocacy officers.



Graduates work in Amnesty International, Immigrant Council of Ireland, Crisis Pregnancy Programme, Médecins Sans Frontières, National Broadcasting Authority, RTE, and the National Women’s Council of Ireland.