Womens Studies - Research

Admission is based on a proposal from the applicant following discussion with the potential supervisor. Candidates for the PhD are usually expected to hold a Master’s degree or first class undergraduate degree (or equivalent international qualification) in a cognate field. Applicants holding an Upper Second Class degree or equivalent qualifications and/or relevant experience may also be considered. Students accepted for the PhD in Women's Studies work as part of the Global Women’s Studies Programme and as members of the Gender Research Group of the School of Political Science and Sociology.

Course Code: MLITT-WOST

Applications are made online via the NUI Galway Postgraduate Applications System.

Course Code: MLITT-WOST



MLitt (Women's Studies), full-time

MLitt (Women's Studies), part-time

Research Areas


Feminist/political theory, transnational womens movements, human rights law and advocacy, advocacy, gender and fundamentalisms, womens human rights in conflict and transitional contexts.


Social and economic impacts of violence against women, gender identity, sexuality and violence, rights-based approaches to development, gender and health crises.


Processes and practices of social in/exclusion, gender, inequalities, and womens identities in rural development.


Globalization, culture, theory and practice of alternative development—especially environmental, southern and feminist perspectives and movements.


Religion, the Catholic Church, sexuality, LGBT issues, civil society, sexuality and gender issues in post-communist societies.


Normative international relations, human rights, global civil society, Buddhism and politics, prostitution policy, sex trafficking, and women and politics.