Masters Degrees (Women)

The Master of Arts program in Women’s Studies at the University of Alabama is an interdisciplinary program working cooperatively with other departments to provide knowledge of the cultural history and status of women, and to conduct research on the forces which shape women’s role in society. In 1972 a group of University of Alabama students initiated a project to introduce courses in women’s studies into the curriculum. They identified faculty who would be willing to develop courses on women and, by the spring of 1975, a women’s studies minor had been created in the College of Arts and Sciences. That same year, an independent program in women’s studies–the first in the Southeast–was launched. The Master of Arts degree program was established, with the first graduate students enrolled, in 1988. The Women’s Studies program, part of the Department of Gender and Race Studies, includes a core faculty, a graduate adjunct faulty, and participating faculty from almost every discipline.

Master of Arts Program Description

The University of Alabama Master of Arts in Women’s Studies is a thirty (30) credit hour degree program which focuses on feminist research. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary and cross-cultural methodology, as well as analytical and theoretical perspectives on women. Students can specialize in feminist theory, the culture of southern women, women in the civil rights movement, or other areas of feminist and interdisciplinary research.

Requirements

The requirements of the program of study are as follows:

Plan I (thesis plan) requires at least 30 hours of coursework (including 9 hours of core courses, 15 hours of elective courses, and 6 hours of thesis research), and a thesis.

Plan II (comprehensive exam) requires 30 hours of coursework (including 9 hours of core courses, 21 hours of elective courses), and a comprehensive exam.

Admission Standards

Applicants must meet the admission standards of the Graduate School For current Graduate School admission requirements, consult http://www.graduate.ua.edu. In addition, applicants should have had at least an introductory women’s studies course or its equivalent, or take it before enrolling in the graduate program. International students must have a TOEFL score of 550 (or 213 on the computerized TOEFL).

Financial Aid

The University of Alabama Women’s Studies program is one of the few programs in the U.S. with a permanent number of graduate assistantships, which we award to qualified students on a competitive basis. (Several universities have graduate programs in women’s studies, but few have full-time assistantships in women’s studies; our graduate assistants teach Introduction to Women’s Studies or they perform research with a faculty member.) If you plan to apply for an assistantship or financial aid, your application should be filed by February 15.* Assistantships include a tuition scholarship for fall and spring sessions, doubling the value of the award. *(Applications for the program are accepted throughout the year. Check with the department for the current amount paid per assistantship.)

Courses

Core Courses
WS 530: Feminist Theory: Women in Contemporary Society (3)
WS 532: Issues and Problems in Women’s Studies Research (3)
WS 570: Gender, Race, and Class: Cross-Cultural Approaches (3)
WS 599: Thesis Research (6)

Elective Courses
WS 500/501: Independent Study in Women’s Studies
WS 502/503: Seminar in Teaching Women’s Studies
WS 510: Special Topics (i.e., Women and Utopia, Feminisms on Film etc.)
WS 520: Women and Work
WS 521: Women’s Studies Practicum
WS 525: Feminist Theory: Major Texts
WS 540/541: Seminar in Women’s Studies
WS 550: Women in America
WS 560: Women and Public Policy
WS 590: Women and Law
WS 592: Women in the Labor Force
WS 594: Sex Discrimination
AMS 525: Women in the Civil Rights
EH 635: Seminar in Feminist Literary Criticism
HY 500: Women in the Americas
SOC 529: Language and Social Analysis

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Overview

Our course aims to explore the health of women and children from a global public health perspective. Students will explore individual health issues, both physical, psychological and social that commonly affect women and children, and also explore the wider political and societal issues that impact these.

Women and children, both in the UK and around the world, face inequality on a daily basis. These inequalities come from lack of access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities, technological advances, legal support, and social, cultural and political opposition (Marmot, 2010). The World Health Organisation has recognised this and explicitly targeted women and children in three of its Millennium Development Goals; to promote gender equality and empower women; to reduce child mortality; to improve maternal health, alongside wider goals to improve universal access to education and to eradicate poverty that also disproportionately affect women (WHO, 2015).

This course focuses on the health of women and children. During their ‘core’ modules, students will be encourage to explore individual health issues, as well as exploring the global legislation that impacts on women’s and children’s health, and understanding how they can implement and influence policy change. The option modules will allow the student to tailor their learning to their individual practice; whether caring for the critically unwell women, doing a physical assessment of a new-born infant (NIPE), understanding the global impact of responsive parenting or as an effective leader or manager of a service.

References

Marmot, M., 2010. Fair society, healthy lives. The Marmot Review. London: University College London.

World Health Organisation, 2015. Millennium Development Goals http://www.who.int/topics/millennium_development_goals/about/en/

Careers

This course will utilise a global public health perspective and is aimed at all practitioners who work with women and children, so will appeal to students both in the UK and internationally. It will offer an inter-professional learning opportunity to a range of professionals including Midwives, Children’s Nurses, Health Visitors, Hospital and Community nurses, Family Support Workers, but is also suitable for those who work with women and children in the voluntary sector or education. The course will be taught by a range of experienced lecturers from a variety of clinical backgrounds. Please be aware that this course is aimed at practitioners working in some capacity with women’s and children’s health and does not lead to a registerable qualification with the Nursing and Midwifery Council in the UK.

Modules & assessment

Core modules -

- Global Challenges to Women and Children's Health:
This module is designed for an inter-professional audience, and has a global public health focus, considering issues affecting women and children around the world. It is designed to provide insight and exploration of the major public health issues affecting the health of women and children. Each of the main areas explored will include an overview of the illness/problem as well as consideration of the social, cultural and political context and influence upon it and evaluation of how this leads to inequality and may reduce life chances.

- Research Proposal - Women's and Children's Health:
This module provides a critical overview of research philosophy and the major methodological and design approaches to research in order to equip you to appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of published research, whether in your specialist area or in the health, welfare and social care field.

- Political Power and Policy Drivers affecting Women and Children's Health:
As part of everyday inter-professional practice, practitioners working with women and children are affected by policy drivers in a number of ways, however, differences may be apparent in how these are translated to healthcare and how they are embedded into practice. Implementing new policy requires practitioners to use their, power, influence and interpersonal skills. The module will enable the student to critically evaluate their own knowledge and skills which underpin their current practice.

- Postgraduate Major Project:
The Major Project, which is central to the Masters award, enables students to demonstrate their ability to synthesise learning from previous modules and use this learning as the basis for planning, conducting and writing up a research or work-based project. This project provides the opportunity for students to demonstrate: the ability to raise significant and meaningful questions in relation to their specialism; depth of knowledge which may involve working at current limits of theoretical and/or research understanding; critical understanding of research methods and its relationship to knowledge; awareness of and ability to develop solutions to ethical dilemmas likely to arise in their research or professional practice; the ability to draw meaningful and justifiable conclusions from information which may be complex or contradictory; the capability to expand or redefine existing knowledge to develop new approaches to changing situations and contribute to the development to best practice; the ability to communicate these processes in a clear and sophisticated fashion; the capability to evaluate their work from the perspective of an autonomous reflective learner. In the course of your studies with us you may generate intellectual property which is defined as an idea, invention or creation which can be protected by law from being copied by someone else. By registering with us on your course you automatically assign any such intellectual property to us unless we agree with the organisation covering the cost of your course that this is retained by them. In consideration of you making this assignment you will be entitled to benefit from a share in any income generated in accordance with our Revenue Sharing Policy in operation at that time. Details of our Intellectual Property Policy and Guidelines can be found on My.Anglia under Research, Development and Commercial Services or by contacting this Office for a hard copy.

Optional modules -

- Applied Leadership & Management:
This module provides an innovative exploration of leadership and management in healthcare, and examines their impact on organisations including wider considerations in the external environment. This module will enable students to assess and analyse the roles that leaders and managers play in a range of organizational contexts; and to apply the principles and techniques of leadership and management in a range of contexts.

- Care of the Critically Unwell Woman:
This module will enable you to develop in-depth knowledge and skills when caring for the critically unwell woman, during the child bearing continuum. Work-based learning is incorporated into the module in order to recognise and value your professional expertise. While practicing midwifery in an area where women with high dependency needs will be cared for, you will also spend clinical time developing your skills in the high dependency or intensive care unit.

- Newborn Infant Physical Examination (NIPE):
This module will focus on the specialist knowledge and the clinical skills that are required to enable you to competently undertake a thorough Newborn and Infant Physical Examination (NIPE) in clinical practice. You will utilise in-depth knowledge and understanding that you have gained to enable you to recognise the deviations from the normal to initiate appropriate care and referral. Critical reflection and completion of the practice documents will allow you to further identify your learning needs and develop your scope of professional practice.

- Global Impact of Responsive Parenting:
This module is designed to examine the positive health impact responsive parenting has on the mother and infant dyad, the wider family, society and the Globe. Historical child rearing styles will be reviewed and debated to highlight their negative effects on child development and on society. The module will explore the current understanding of neurophysiology of infant brain development and how parenting interactions can affect this process. The module will conclude with positive practical steps for health professionals to encourage responsive parenting with the parents they work with every day.

Assessment -

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your learning in a variety of ways during this course. Assessment will vary between modules, but includes patchwork text, reflective essays, action plans, reports, objective structured clinical examinations (OSCEs), essays, ‘journal style’ articles (to prepare you to publish your work) and a major project on a subject of your choice.

Where you'll study

Your faculty -

The Faculty of Health, Social Care & Education is the largest provider of health, social care and education courses in the East of England, with over 6,000 students from more than 20 countries.

With 95% of our students finding full-time employment within six months of graduating, you can be sure that our courses have been designed with your career in mind. We’ve been educating nurses, midwives and social workers for over 25 years.

At the cutting edge of research, we offer a range of internationally recognised undergraduate and postgraduate degree courses taught by friendly and experienced staff.

Designed to enhance your learning experience, our facilities include state-of-the-art simulated skills laboratories that mirror real-life clinical situations and UK hospital wards. Our students also benefit from our Early Childhood Research and Resource Centre; a space in which they can experiment with equipment and play activities.

You’ll study in an exciting, modern faculty which has strong links with regional, national and international organisations, including healthcare trusts, schools and academic institutions.

Your enthusiasm. Our passion. Your best foot forward.

Visit your faculty - http://www.anglia.ac.uk/health-social-care-and-education

Where can I study?

Chelmsford - http://www.anglia.ac.uk/student-life/life-on-campus/chelmsford-campus

Distance learning - http://www.anglia.ac.uk/student-life/life-on-campus/distance-learning

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The UCL Institute for Women’s Health is an internationally recognised centre of excellence and leading provider of postgraduate taught programmes in women’s health. This new MRes gives students the opportunity to take a programme with greater emphasis on research skills and experience, and on development of transferable academic and professional skills.

Degree information

Students choose taught modules and select research areas from a variety of subjects across reproductive science and women's health, spanning the four themes of the institute: maternal and fetal health; neonatology; women’s cancer; and reproductive health. Students learn how to conduct an independent research project. They will also gain practical experience and theoretical understanding in research methodologies and critical analysis.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four optional modules (60 credits) and a research project (120 credits).

Core modules
All students undertake an independent research project in women's health.

Students may choose to focus on a laboratory or non-laboratory project (such as a social or ethical-based project), or an epidemiology project (analysing cohort or registry data).

Optional modules
Students choose four optional modules; a minimum of three from the reproductive science and women's health modules listed below. One option can also be chosen from the transferable skills modules marked * below.

-Basic Genetics and Technology
-Breast and Reproductive Cancer
-Female Reproductive Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
-Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
-Pregnancy and Childbirth
-Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and New Technology
-Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
-Reproductive Health
-Leadership and Professional Development*
-Research Methodology and Statistics*
-Understanding Research and Critical Appraisal*

Dissertation/research project
The independent research project in women's health culminates in a dissertation of 20,000 words. Students will be involved in the conceptualisation, design, data collection, analysis, interpretation and presentation of the project. This will allow the development of research skills in a specific field as well as a range of transferable skills, including literature searching, statistical analysis and written and verbal communication.

Teaching and learning
In addition to taught modules and the long research project, there is a full induction week at the start of the programme and six careers afternoons. A comprehensive range of assessment methods cover the key research, communication and practical skills required for future employment.

Careers

The first cohort of students on this proramme will graduate in 2018. We expect the programme will prepare science-orientated students to go on to further research. Medically-orientated students may wish to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women’s health or undertake further research.

Employability
The programme provides students with an excellent introduction to research both in the UK and overseas. It will equip them with the general and scientific skills required to embark on lifelong careers in research and related fields.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The UCL Institute for Women's Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.

The institute houses the UK's largest group of academics working in women's health. The UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies with world-class researchers and clincians. We offer excellent basic science facilities, opportunities to work in cutting-edge clinical and translational research, and expertise in study methodology.

A comprehensive careers programme is embedded in all our degrees. This ensures students are exposed to a range of different job opportunities. We have alumni who give talks on their disparate career journeys.

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This inter-disciplinary course of study will engage with health professionals working locally and nationally to address the challenges in identifying and delivering a high quality health care for women. The course enables students to engage with current issues in women’s health, contributes to their professional development, enhances knowledge, and study with health professionals from other institutions in a multicultural environment.

The course has been developed in response to a number of reports and industry organisations, such as: Women’s Health and Equality Consortium; High Quality Women’s Health Care: A proposal for change (Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, 2011); Royal College of General Practitioners Curriculum (2010), which identified the importance for health professionals to work together to ensure that the experiences and needs of women within a multicultural context are reflected in care provision.

Why study with us?

This course will enable students to choose from a range of modules to ensure a bespoke approach to their learning, enabling practitioners to critically consider their own practice in relation to a changing multi-cultural society in which the health needs of women have arguably become more diverse. In view of this societal shift, the course will be delivered within a multicultural context, by a range of research active academic staff supplemented by a variety of Clinicians working in the area of Women’s Health from the region and beyond.

You will receive training in the skills required in the reading and interpretation of the literature and translating that into evidence based practice. We will develop your research and writing skills so that you will be in a position to contribute to the scientific literature in an effective manner.

The programme culminates in the Research Dissertation, which will be assessed through your production of two publishable scientific articles. Our aim will be to develop these to publication with you if suitable.

If biomedical or clinical research is your interest, successful completion of the MSc will allow you to directly register onto PhD or and join our team of researchers at the Institute of Medicine.

The learning experience

Core Modules:
• Evidence Based Medicine
• Gender Based Violence
• Research Methods and Data Analysis Research
• The Public Health agenda for women: Challenges and Opportunities
• Research Dissertation

Option modules:
• The Provision of Sexual and Reproductive Health
• Work Based Learning/Individual Study
• The Older Woman
• Women’s Oncology
• Leadership for Women: Coaching and Mentoring- OR Leadership and Health Provision
• Rural Women’s Health

You will need to study a total of seven modules to complete the MSc (five core, and two optional).

You will be encouraged to address assignments through your chosen discipline. Most taught lectures will be delivered within the University Centre and supported with access to learning materials. Some modules will also incorporate online learning.

You will be assessed through a variety of assessment methods including via coursework assignments, which may focus on clinical reviews, posters, or data manipulation exercises.

The research dissertation is assessed by the production of a substantial review paper and an academic research article suitable for publication in an appropriate research journal.

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This MSc aims to provide medical and science-based students with a comprehensive knowledge and understanding of the field of reproductive science and women's health. There is a strong focus on development of key skills and careers advice in the programme.

Degree information

Students will develop knowledge and understanding of the theoretical (including clinical) and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health, specifically in the areas of basic genetics, gametogenesis and IVF, female reproductive anatomy, physiology and pathology, pregnancy and childbirth, breast and reproductive cancers, prenatal diagnosis and screening, reproductive health, and preimplantation genetic diagnosis and developing technology. They gain transferable skills including information technology, analysis of scientific papers, essay writing, seminar presentation, research techniques, peer review and laboratory skills.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of eight core modules (120 credits) and a research project (60 credits).

A Postgraduate Diploma comprising eight core modules (120 credits, full-time nine months or flexible study two to five years) is offered. There are no optional modules for this programme.

Mandatory modules
-Basic Genetics and Technology
-Gametogenesis, Preimplantation Development and IVF
-Female Reproductive Physiology and Anatomy, Physiology and Pathology
-Pregnancy and Childbirth
-Breast and Reproductive Cancers
-Prenatal Diagnosis and Screening
-Reproductive Health
-Preimplantation Genetic Diagnosis and Developing Technology

Dissertation/research project
All MSc Students undertake a clinical, laboratory, audit or library-based research project, which culminates in a dissertation of 10,000 words.

Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, practical demonstrations in laboratories, observation days in fetal medicine, reproductive medicine and IVF units, and student presentations. There are a number of peer-led learning activities. Assessment is through essays, patient case reports, critical reviews of papers, online problem booklet, examinations and the dissertation.

Careers

On completion of the programme, all students will have gained knowledge of both the clinical and laboratory aspects of reproductive science and women's health. This will enable the science-orientated students to go on to pursue research degrees, careers in embryology, or other careers in the field or in general science. Medically-orientated students will be able to develop their careers in the field of reproductive science and women's health.

Top career destinations for this degree:
-Research Fellow, NHS Harris Birthright Research Center for Fetal Medicine
-Trainee Embryologist, Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecological Centre
-University Teaching Assistant, King Saud University
-Medical Laboratory Assistant, Imperial College Healthcare NHS Trust
-Senior House Officer (Obstetrics and Gynaecology), NHS Health Education South London / St Thomas' Hospital (NHS

Employability
Throughout the MSc programme students learn key skills through peer-led activities, such as evaluating and presenting orally on patient cases and media coverage of scientific papers. Basic laboratory techniques are taught as are essay writing, critical evaluation of papers, debates and ethical discussions. We also offer a comprehensive careers programme involving our alumni, covering job applications, CV writing, general careers in science and specific advice on careers in embryology, clinical genetics, medicine and research degrees.

Why study this degree at UCL?

The Institute for Women's Health delivers excellence in research, clinical practice, education and training in order to make a real and sustainable difference to women's and babies' health worldwide.

The institute houses the UK's largest group of academics working in women's health and the UCL/UCL Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust collaboration at its core provides an academic environment in which students can pursue graduate studies taught by world-class researchers and clincians.

Our diversity of expertise in maternal and fetal medicine, neonatology, reproductive health and women's cancer ensures a vibrant environment in which students develop subject-specific and generic transferable skills, supporting a broad range of future employment opportunities.

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Our MSc is for health professionals working locally and nationally, and aims to develop your knowledge and understanding of health-related issues affecting women in contemporary society. This interdisciplinary course will deliver modules addressing the health needs of women across the life span. The range of modules reflects contemporary issues facing women within a multicultural context.

Why Study Women's Health with us?

This is responding to individuals working towards the enhancement of women’s health. It is anticipated the course will be represented by students from health, medicine and social care professions working in the public and private sectors, who will be engaging with continuing professional development (CPD) while seeking to enhance their knowledge of the complexities of participating in the delivery and the understanding of women’s health.

Although this is an advanced course, it will facilitate a bespoke approach to learning, allowing you to critically consider your own practice. This course will also be multi- and interdisciplinary, reflecting the services provided by a range of health and social care providers.

This course is available at either University Centre Shrewsbury, or Bache Hall, near Parkgate Road Campus, Chester.

What will I learn?

Our course will respond to doctors and allied health professionals engaging in CPD. The inclusivity of modules ensures that students from across a wide spectrum of practice can engage with this course.

The course will enable you to choose from a range of modules to ensure a bespoke approach to your learning, enabling you to critically consider your own practice in relation to a changing multicultural society. The course will be delivered within a multicultural context by research-active academic staff, supplemented by clinicians working in the area of women’s health.

How will I be taught?

This course will respond to colleagues seeking to develop their understanding, and find solutions to, the specific challenges of enhancing women’s health.

Most taught lectures will be supported with access to learning materials.
Modules will run as three-day blocks and include 400 hours of learning activity, with at least 20 hours’ contact time.

How will I be assessed?

You will be assessed by a variety of methods, including essays, posters, oral exams and a Research Dissertation, which is assessed by the production of a substantial review paper and an academic research article.

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The MA degree can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. In addition to the four compulsory modules (Difference, Diversity & Change; Interdisciplinary Methods in Women's Studies; Gender, Violence & Justice; Women, Citizenship & Conflict) and the 60 credit dissertation, students taking the MA Women Violence and Conflict will select a programme of research training modules to make up the remaining 40 credits, or opt to take Work, Politics & Culture and a further 20 credits of research training methods from the available selction. This programme should be agreed with the supervisor and submitted to Chair of Board of Studies. You will be allocated a supervisor for your dissertation which must be submitted towards the end of your final year.

Natalie, an MA Women, Violence and Conflict student writes:
'Welcome! I'd encourage students to take advantage of all the resources available to them - don't be shy! Everyone is the department is wonderful and more than willing to help. I'd encourage you to get to know your classmates - the beauty of this department is how amazingly interesting and diverse the students and professors are. I've learned more from my classmates than I ever anticipated. I'd say, frankly, READ. Read as much as you can on as many topics as you can - it's not often that you'll have the opportunity to engage these topics in depth in such a supportive environment with some of the greatest resources right in the department! Don't be afraid to not know, or to ask questions. Everyone is here to support you both academically and otherwise. Challenge yourself and appreciate the opportunity to feel uncomfortable sometimes! I'm sad my time here is almost over!!'

Programme aims

-To provide a solid grounding in interdisciplinary women's studies, emphasizing gendered aspects in relation to violence and conflict in inter/national contexts
-To expose students to an interdisciplinary range of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to and debates violence against women and in contexts of violent conflict
-To familiarize students with the epistemological and philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies, the politics and ethics of research, the principles of research design and to enable them to evaluate and apply a range of methodologies to research questions related to issues of violence against women
-To foster the development of a critical, self-reflexive and independent approach to research and scholarship, as well as the acquisition of transferable skills

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The MA in Gender and Women’s Studies and English combines teaching and scholarship in Gender and Women’s Studies and in English Literature. This is a unique MA for students interested in Gender and Women’s Studies who want to pursue literary studies or who have a particular interest in women’s literature or feminist literary theory.

Students take core courses in each of the disciplines and can choose from a range of optional courses in addition to these. This combination is administered from the Centre for Gender and Women’s Studies - one of the largest centres in the UK for feminist research, gender studies and women’s studies.

Modules
Compulsory modules:
• Debates in Gender Research
• Gender, Sex and Bodies
• Independent Research Dissertation

Optional modules:
• Choose four from Gender and Women’s Studies and English modules. At least one option should be from English

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The MA degree can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. In addition to the four compulsory modules (Difference, Diversity & Change; Work, Politics & Culture; Qualitative Methods; Interdisciplinary Methods in Women's Studies) and the 60 credit dissertation, students taking the MA in Women's Studies will select a a further two modules from a programme of research training modules and option modules to make up the remaining 40 credits. This programme should be agreed with the supervisor and submitted to Chair of Board of Studies. You will be allocated a supervisor for your dissertation which must be submitted towards the end of your final year.

Sara, a part-time MA student writes:
'I found CWS to be the most encouraging educational environment I have ever been in. The staff are very welcoming and interested in their students. My class developed a great sense of trust within the group, facilitated excellently, that meant people could speak freely and gain from other people sharing their life experiences. The curriculum is broad and so I felt we looked at women and their lives from many different angles. Some of the theory is challenging but taught well and with good reading lists to make life easier. I would actually recommend the course to anyone whether they thought it was their chosen discipline or not as the content was so interesting and relevant. I had had a ten year gap between my degree and masters and was nervous about " making the grade" but there was lots of 1:1 support, especially on the first module, which really helped.'

Programme aims

-To provide a solid grounding in interdisciplinary women's studies, emphasizing gendered aspects of social and cultural life, representation and textual enquiry
-To expose students to an interdisciplinary range of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to and debates within women's studies
-To familiarize students with the epistemological and philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies, the politics and ethics of research, the principles of research design and to enable them to evaluate and apply a range of methodologies to women's studies research questions
-To foster the development of a critical, self-reflexive and independent approach to research and scholarship, as well as the acquisition of transferable skills

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The MA degree can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. The taught component of this programme consists of two compulsory core modules, Difference, Diversity & Change and Work, Politics & Culture; three social science methodology modules; and one research training module; Interdisciplinary Methods for Women's Studies. In addition you will be allocated a supervisor for your 60 credit dissertation which must be submitted towards the end of your final year.

Rachel, an MA (and now PhD) student writes:
'The MA Women's Studies (Social Research) gives you the chance to get to grips with a whole variety of both qualitative and quantitative research methods. In that way it is very practical and useful, both for the MA dissertation and any possible further study/research work you may undertake. It is also a great chance to meet lots of people from all over the world and make some wonderful friends!'

Programme aims

-To equip candidates with the practical and intellectual tools necessary to undertake higher degree level social research on women and gender
-To provide a solid grounding in interdisciplinary women's studies, emphasizing gendered aspects of social and cultural life in relation -To other social divisions and inequalities
-To expose students to an interdisciplinary range of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to and debates within women's studies
-To familiarize students with the epistemological and philosophical underpinnings of research methodologies, the politics and ethics of research, the principles of research design and to enable them to evaluate and apply a range of quantitative and qualitative methodologies to women's studies research questions
-To foster the development of a critical, self-reflexive and independent approach to research and scholarship

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The MA in Women's Studies by Research is taken full-time over one calendar year. It provides an exciting opportunity for those who already have a particular research interest, and who wish to learn research skills in order to pursue an independent piece of work. The degree has been designed for students who wish to explore a Women's Studies topic in some depth and who already have substantial undergraduate knowledge and expertise in the field.

Stephanie, an MA by Research (and now PhD) student writes:
'My experience of studying an MA (by research) at the Centre for Women's Studies has been fantastic. I found all of the staff to be approachable and helpful in both personal and academic matters. My programme course was very well organised and ran smoothly from start to finish. The department is relaxed and friendly, and provided me with a really supportive environment to complete my research dissertation. I would love to return for a PhD in the near future! '

MA by research

The degree is examined solely via the submission of a 25,000 - 30,000 word dissertation. On the basis of the information included on their application form, each student will be allocated a supervisor who has knowledge relevant to their area of study. It is expected that students will have regular dissertation tutorials with their supervisor, during term time, and that they will regularly prepare written work.

In addition to regular meetings with their dissertation supervisor, students taking this degree will also be required to take the appropriate research training course in Women's Studies, alongside students on either the MA degree or the MA (Humanities) degree.

In certain circumstances, where appropriate and if it will enhance work being undertaken for the dissertation, a student may be required to take a module from the main course, Difference, Diversity & Change, or an option course from the taught MA degree.

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The Women and Gender Studies Institute (WGSI) offers a program leading to the Master of Arts and the Doctor of Philosophy degrees in Women and Gender Studies. The Master’s ​Progr​am in Women and Gender Studies (MWGS) focuses on feminist colonial, post-colonialism, diasporic, and transnational studies as rubrics for studying gender, sex, and feminism. This perspective explores the temporal and geographic processes through which women’s and men’s lives, sexed relations, gendered subjectivities, and sexualities are situated.

The PhD has four emphases: (1) gender, sexuality, and queer studies; (2) feminist cultural studies; (3) feminist studies of technology, science, environment, and biomedicine; and (4) transnational political economy and development studies. Our offerings bring feminist scholarship to the tasks of challenging and investigating colonial, postcolonial, and transnational contexts. Central themes of the program include global capitalism, nation and state formation, empire, citizenship, diaspora, and cultural​ flows, all of which are examined through the lenses of diverse feminist scholarship. The program welcomes applications from international students.

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Delivered at our Riverside Campus in Chester, this course will prepare participants to progress their careers in a range of contemporary professional specialist areas related to maternal and women’s healthcare delivery.

The subject areas that you will study all have a focus on operating in today’s world of economic challenges while continually striving to enhance the quality of these services for women and their families.

Our course is specifically designed for health professionals working in a broad range of environments delivering maternal and women’s healthcare. Examples include midwifery, neonatology, gynaecology, contraception and sexual health.

The course offers a degree of flexibility in regard to module choice, and students are supported on an individual basis by the Programme Leader. This means that you will have the opportunity to access personalised advice and guidance in regard to module choice for your intended career pathway.

The course content is designed for flexible, interprofessional learning and incorporates international and national drivers and local policies relating to maternal and women’s healthcare.

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The MSc Midwifery and Women’s Health is a post-registration midwifery course that reflects the contemporary education and practice requirements of the midwifery profession. It incorporates growing public awareness of the importance of health promotion and psychosocial well-being as well as changes to the pre-registration preparation of midwives.

This post-registration midwifery course is suitable for registered midwives who are looking into extending their educational qualifications from first level degree level to Master's degree. It is also suitable for registered midwifes who have not studied at all for some time.

The key benefit of MSc Midwifery and Women’s Health course is that you can still develop your skills and knowledge while continuing to work and earn.

You will learn from the best as our Midwifery team has won the prestigious Royal College of Midwives Annual Award for Excellence in Midwifery Education in January 2012.This success is due to the expertise of our staff and the content of our course which gives students the opportunity to combine theory with practice through the practice placements.

Why choose this course?

-The MSc Midwifery and Women’s Health course is for registered midwives who want to extend their educational qualifications from first degree level to Master's degree level
-It reflects the contemporary education and practice requirements of the midwifery profession
-It gives you the option to study stand alone courses or gain credits towards a Master's degree
-Our Midwifery team has won the prestigious Royal College of Midwives Annual Award for Excellence in Midwifery Education in January 2012

Careers

This post-registration course in Midwifery meets the on-going professional development needs of qualified midwives, incorporating a range of theoretical and practical knowledge and skills in line with the changing needs of contemporary midwifery practice.
They help midwives with giving them skills for enhanced or new roles such as the ability to do initial examinations in newborns, the ability to practice in family planning clinics and other.

Teaching methods

The MSc Midwifery and Women's Health programme is delivered via a blend of adult learning approaches, which ensure that you develop your critical analytical abilities to enable you to respond to the dynamic practice environment.

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The MA degree can be taken full-time over one year, or part-time over two years. The taught component of this programme consists of two compulsory core modules, Difference, Diversity & Change and Work, Politics & Culture; one compulsory research module, Interdisciplinary Methods in Women's Studies; the choice of three options from a range which is updated annually (including a further research module if so wished, Qualitative Methods) and the 60 credit dissertation. You will be allocated a supervisor for your dissertation which must be submitted towards the end of your final year.

Gilly, a part-time MA (Humanities) student writes:
'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.'

Programme aims

-To provide a solid grounding in interdisciplinary women's studies, emphasizing gendered aspects of cultural life, representation and textual enquiry
-To expose students to an interdisciplinary range of conceptual, theoretical and methodological approaches to and debates within women's studies
-To familiarize students with the epistemological and philosophical underpinnings of feminist methodologies in the humanities
-To foster the development of a critical, self-reflexive and independent approach to research and scholarship, as well as the acquisition of transferable skills
-To provide candidates with a range of skills and competences appropriate to higher degree research in the Humanities

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