MA Gender Studies

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The MA in Gender Studies offers the opportunity to explore ideas of gender and gain knowledge of contemporary gender issues in a global context, at an advanced level.

Students will be encouraged to critically examine their own assumptions, and, most importantly, to question popular and common-sense notions of gender.

The programme places considerable emphasis on advanced research methods, enabling students to hone qualitative and quantitative research skills, and supporting them in becoming confident researchers in their own right. It draws on a range of subject specialisms within the School of Social and Political Sciences and connects students with tutors who are well-known in their respective fields of study.

The School of Social and Political Sciences is collegiate and friendly. All students are invited to attend the School’s research seminar series. Tutors are approachable and keen to support students on their personal research and career paths.

Overseas Study Trips

There may be opportunities to participate in optional field trips to key international organisations, and national and international political institutions, including New York, Washington D.C, Brussels, Ypres, and The Hague. Places are limited so students are encouraged to register their interest early in the academic year. Students who wish to take part are responsible for covering their own travel, accommodation, and general living costs.

Prioritising Face-to-Face Teaching

At the University of Lincoln, we strive to ensure our students’ experience is engaging, supportive, and academically challenging. Throughout the Coronavirus pandemic, we have adapted to Government guidance to keep our students, staff, and community safe. All remaining Covid-19 legal restrictions in England were lifted in February 2022 under the Government’s Plan for Living with Covid-19, and we have embraced a safe return to in-person teaching on campus. Where appropriate, face-to-face teaching is enhanced by the use of digital tools and technology and may be complemented by online opportunities where these support learning outcomes.

We are fully prepared to adapt our plans if changes in Government guidance make this necessary, and we will endeavour to keep current and prospective students informed.

"This information was correct at the time of publishing (July 2023)"

Critical Reading in the Social and Political Sciences (Core)

This social science module explores the ways in which knowledge is created, communicated, consumed and debated in the social and political sciences. It aims to expose students to key issues of methodological choice, issue framing, research ethics and author subject-position through interrogation of contemporary and classical texts of relevance to the social and political sciences and the disciplinary concerns of the MA programmes on which it appears. The module seeks to develop students skills in critical reading and in both oral and written academic debate.

Feminisms: Theories and Debates (Core)

This module explores feminist theories of gender, applying feminist perspectives to contemporary issues. As there is no single feminist perspective, the module will introduce students to different strands of feminist thought including liberal, radical, black, postcolonial and postmodern feminisms. Feminist debates around the nature of gender/sex, the causes of gender inequality, the intersection of gender with other important social and political identities (such as race, class and sexuality) and disagreements over strategies for how best to address continuing gender inequalities will all be addressed. In addition, we will examine the extent to which a postfeminist perspective which takes feminism for granted but at the same time dismisses its continuing relevance is currently dominant in society. We will also engage with questions around the relevance of feminism to men and masculinity. Finally, we will consider what light feminist theoretical perspectives can shed on a range of gendered issues. Sample topics might include: the family, pornography, popular culture, the workplace, the family, everyday sexism and objectification. Students will be encouraged to develop their own critical and informed answers to key questions such as how far gender is a performance (as opposed to biologically determined), which feminist perspectives offer the most promising tools for challenging the contemporary gender order and how we can apply feminist thought to re-imagining gender relations. In accordance with a feminist pedagogical ethos, students will also be required to demonstrate a reflexive approach to the theory, analysing the links and disjunctures between their own experiences and feminist theoretical debates. Overall, the module will aim to make the familiar strange and enable students to question their own assumptions, as well as popular and common sense notions of gender.

Global Issues in Gender and Sexuality (Core)

This module aims to provide the opportunity to develop an in-depth understanding of some central concepts and theoretical debates on gender and sexuality including feminist theory and masculinities. These can be examined in greater depth in the context of key issues relating to power and economy in contemporary global politics.

These theories can then be applied to a range of case studies/issues. These case studies may change to reflect contemporary issues and academic developments but sample topics include decision-making processes in national and international political systems, the construction of gender and sexual identities in a globalised world and militarised masculinities.

Independent Study in Gender Studies (Core)

The independent study module allows students to explore their own interests relevant to gender studies in accordance with the Universitys Student as Producer policy. It provides students with an opportunity to undertake and produce an independent piece of in-depth research. Students will develop their research ideas in collaboration with teaching staff and will be supported to design and implement a coherent, robust research project and to write up their findings/analysis in the form of a dissertation. The format of the study will vary from primarily library-based or theoretical research to the production of empirical research through qualitative or quantitative fieldwork. Students will need to: examine an issue related to gender studies; demonstrate the ability to critically review the relevant academic literature; address a clear research question or hypothesis; address ethical issues in conducting social research ; and give a clear explanation and defence of the methods they have chosen as most appropriate to their study.

Researching Social and Political Sciences (Core)

This module is designed to introduce students to researching in social and political sciences. The aim of the module is to provide a crucial foundation for all students (regardless of disciplinary background) to understand debates around research methods/methodologies in social science; to enable familiarity with a variety of research methods and to equip students to be able to critically evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of applying specific methodologies/methods to different research projects in social and political sciences. Overall, the module will aim to prepare students for independent studies later in their degree and equip them with transferable research skills.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

Research Areas, Projects and Topics

Research within the School of Social and Political Sciences is diverse. Examples include work on violence against women and girls in the UK and India by Dr Sundari Aritha. Dr Catherine Bochel holds a research fellowship at the House of Commons considering key elements of public engagement, and Professor Hugh Bochel a fellowship at the Scottish Parliament, looking at committee witnesses. These projects involved working with MPs, MSPs, and officials on ways to enhance the work of the two legislatures.

Students can engage in the Eleanor Glanville Centre, the University’s centre for equality. Research themes within the centre include inclusive environments, life course, embodiment, social construction, culture and creativity, and perceptions and prejudice.

How You Study

The learning and teaching strategy adopted within the MA Gender Studies reflects a commitment to selfdirected, studentcentred learning, with an emphasis on applied analytical skills.

This degree offers a distinctive range of modules, drawing upon the existing research and teaching expertise in the School of Social and Political Sciences to deliver an academically rigorous and contemporary programme.

This programme is not only designed to develop a student's specialist subject knowledge, but aims to equip students with a set of transferable skills relevant to further academic study and employment. The incorporation of a strong research methods element within the MA is designed to enhance employability and development of transferable skills.

Students will be taught using a range of methods including lectures, seminars/workshops and tutorials.

• Lectures are designed to introduce students to key themes and perspectives, generate enthusiasm for further enquiry, provide illustrative examples and to signpost substantive issues
• Seminars and workshops provide students with an environment for more interactive learning and reflection, aimed at deepening critical understanding of the subject matter. These sessions are organised in a variety of ways, including tutor or studentled discussions, presentations, and problemsolving exercises, normally centred on a particular theme
• Tutorials are available to students on an individual or smallgroup basis as a means of supporting the preparation of individual or group assignments, offering feedback on progress, dealing with any particular learning difficulties, and offering advice on specific choices within the module programme
• Elearning will be supported through use of the University of Lincoln's virtual learning environment.

Core modules taken by fulltime students:

• Feminisms: Theories and debates (30 credit points)
• Global Issues in Gender and Sexuality (15 credit points)
• Critical Reading in the Social and Political Sciences (15 credit points)
• Researching Social and Political Sciences (30 credit points)
• Independent Study in Gender Studies (60 credit points)
  Option modules taken by fulltime students:
• Option Modules in Gender Studies (30 credit points), composed of two 15 credit point modules or of one 30 credit point module from a list of validated modules.

Core modules taken by parttime students:

• Feminisms: Theories and debates (30 credit points) (Year 1)
• Global Issues in Gender and Sexuality (15 credit points) (Year 1)
• Critical Reading in the Social and Political Sciences (15 credit points) (Year 1)
• Researching Social and Political Sciences (30 credit points) (Year 2)
• Independent Study in Gender Studies (60 credit points) (Year 2)
  Option modules taken by parttime students:
• Option Modules in Gender Studies (30 credit points), composed of two 15 credit point modules or of one 30 credit point module from a list of validated modules. (Year 2)

How You Are Assessed

The programme is designed to expose students to a range of different forms of assessment and to develop a range of academic, professional, and work-relevant skills such as public speaking.

Students will have the chance to develop written communication skills through essays, report writing, and independent study, all of which are designed to expand students' skills in professional and academic writing.

Oral communication skills are also developed, enabling students to improve their public presentation and public speaking abilities

Students will be expected to develop their research skills, which will be assessed through core research methods modules and independent study. Further research skills are also embedded in assessments throughout other core and option modules.

Critical, analytical, and reflexive thinking are central to all assessments. IT skills are embedded in many modules and include word processing, digital data management and presentation, statistical data handling, the use of electronic search engines, and other resources.

Assessment Feedback

The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to students promptly - usually within 15 working days of the submission date.

The programme is designed to develop specialist subject knowledge relevant to careers in a wide range of areas, such as the voluntary and public sectors. Students have the opportunity to develop a set of transferable skills relevant to roles in social research and that are vital for further academic study at doctoral level.

The University Careers and Employability team can provide tailored, individual support and careers advice. The service can include one-to-one coaching, CV advice, and interview preparation. Alumni can continue to access support and advice for up 15 months after graduating. The service works closely with local, national, and international employers, acting as a gateway to the business world.