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. Visit us HERE



Our faculty come from across the world and from a range of academic interdisciplinary backgrounds (such as anthropology, history, law, politics, sociology). They have deep experience, expertise and ongoing engagement in social activism, and in international and national policy making and advocacy.

Stage 1 Core Modules

GS40090 Gender Studies: Critical Themes Autumn 10

GS40120 Decoloniality and Intersectionality Thinking Spring 10

SSJ40010 Feminist & Egalitarian Research Spring 10

SSJ40060 Masters Research Project Summer 30



Stage 1 Options - A) Min 2 of:

Other modules listed under option rule B (below) can be selected

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GEOG40760 Development and the Global South Autumn 10

GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging Autumn 10

POL42040 Gender & the Political System Autumn 10

SOC40720 Organised Violence and Society Autumn 10

ENG41860 Queer Frictions: Gender and Sexuality in Contemporary Literature & Culture Spring 10

EQUL40070 Human Rights Law and Equality Spring 10

GS40030 Gender, Inequality and Public Policy Spring 10

GS40080 Culture and Sexualities Spring 10

LAW42290 Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice Spring 10

POL41720 Gender, Peace, and Security Spring 10



Stage 1 Options - B) Min 1 of:

Students MUST select one of these option modules, all are also available under rule A

EQUL40310 Masculinities, Gender and Equality Autumn 10

GS40110 Gender, Sexuality, and the Body; The Politics of Belonging Autumn 10

GS40030 Gender, Inequality and Public Policy Spring 10

GS40080 Culture and Sexualities Spring 10

LAW42290 Gender, Conflict-related Harm & Transitional Justice Spring 10

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.



You may be eligible for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL), as UCD recognises formal, informal, and/or experiential learning. RPL may be awarded to gain Admission and/or credit exemptions on a programme. Please visit the UCD Registry RPL web page for further information. Any exceptions are also listed on this webpage. https://tinyurl.com/2ae2ffax

W383 - Full-Time: 1 Year

W384 - Part Time: 2 Years

Commencing September 2025

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.