Sexuality and Gender Studies - MA by Research

Postgraduate research in Sexuality and Gender Studies is a truly interdisciplinary collaboration, led by leading international academics from a range of disciplines, each bringing their specific expertise to the subject. 

Research can focus on topics including: feminist theory, masculinity studies, queer theory, postcolonial theory, psychoanalysis, ethnography, sexology, and criminology. 

We offer two options for postgraduate research, whether you are looking to complete your academic studies with a PhD or to pursue an MA by Research following an undergraduate degree a related field. To find out more about what to expect from a PhD and MA by Research, please read our detailed guidance.

You can study both programmes on campus or by distance learning. Our distance learning website contains useful information, including frequently asked questions, student experiences and details of the funded visit to Birmingham.

At Birmingham, you also have the opportunity to learn graduate academic languages free of charge, to support your research activity.

Why Study this Course?

• Cutting-edge work: Academic staff and postgraduate students at Birmingham engage in cutting-edge work in the areas of gender theory and feminism; LGBT and queer studies; and the critical history of medicine and sexual science (sexology, psychiatry). Since we are particularly interested in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary work, it is possible to arrange joint supervision involving staff from other departments, thereby giving you access to a broader knowledge base and maximising the quality and originality of your work.
• Outside the academy: We engage with policy-making, activism and social justice work outside the academy.
• Research opportunities: You will develop your research project within an active and friendly postgraduate community. Postgraduates are offered opportunities to present work-in-progress at Departmental Research Seminars and at the School Postgraduate Forum. Roles is a popular reading and research group that brings together postgraduate students from across the University with an interest in Sexuality and Gender Studies. For several years, Roles has hosted a successful annual conference, organised by postgraduate students.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated  careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV

What’s more, you will be able to access our full range of careers support for up to 2 years after graduation.

Postgraduate employability: Modern Languages

Our Modern Languages postgraduates develop excellent communication skills, cultural awareness and foreign language skills - all highly sought after by employers at home or abroad. Postgraduates in Modern Languages also have a range of transferable skills including the ability to gather and interpret information, organisational skills and the ability to work well with others.

The latest data shows that 85% of Modern Languages postgraduates were in work and/or further study 6 months after graduation (DLHE 2017). Many of our graduates enter roles for which their programme prepared them, such as language teaching oe translation. Others use their transferable skills in a wide range of occupations including publishing, executive research and project management. Employers that graduates have gone on to work for include Language Connect, RWS Group, TransPerfect Global Business Solutions, University of Birmingham, University of Cambridge and University of Oxford.

Visit the Sexuality and Gender Studies - MA by Research page on the University of Birmingham website for more details!