Study in UK: Choose the Best Universities for Women’s Studies

Students are particularly very interested to study in UK because of the quality education structure and the variety of courses. Women studies is one such evolving academic field gaining utmost importance in the present-day world. It focuses on gender biases, social inequalities, and the place of women in society. 

It emphasizes all the gender-related socio-cultural aspects existing in society for ages. If students plan to study in UK to pursue Women Studies, they will learn feminist theory, standpoint theory, multiculturalism, social justice, and more. It uses research methodologies to analyze societal norms of gender, race, class, sexuality, and other social inequalities. 

It falls under the broader concepts of gender studies, sexuality studies, feminist studies, cultural or ethnic studies. Students willing to study in the UK can find the best universities providing world-class programs in this field.

Study in UK- Women Studies: Relevance in Today’s World

Social activism has given women the voice to speak up for themselves. Hence, the need for a proper understanding of what feminism entails and women’s rights. That’s where the need for Women’s Studies as a course arises. 

The first accredited women studies course was started in 1969 at Cornell University, USA. Since then, the number of courses in Women’s studies and related fields has increased. Students can choose from among the various programs offered, varying from Masters to Doctorate degrees. Now, if you plan to study in UK, consider studying this course to uphold the cause for women around the world.

Study in UK – Women Studies: Universities

The study and research methodologies in courses like Women Studies are good in the UK. Hence, many students wanting to take up Women’s studies tend to study in UK. Let’s take a look at some of the best universities offering Women’s Studies courses.

University of Oxford

• Course offered: MSt in Women, Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Course type: Post-graduate
• Duration: 9 months, Full-time

The University of Oxford offers a 9-month interdisciplinary course in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is offered. For admission, a candidate must possess a first-class or its equivalent in any discipline in an undergraduate degree. So, if you want to study in UK on Women Studies, do consider this course.

English language tests accepted at the university include IELTS or TOEFL, with a minimum 7.5 overall score in the former and 110 in the latter. The annual fee for entry for international students is EUR 27460 (= INR 2408297). The average living cost per month is estimated to be EUR 1443.

University of York

• Course offered: MA in Women Studies, PG Certificate course in Women Studies, PG Diploma in Women studies
• Course type: Post-graduate
• Duration: 1 year full-time, two years part-time

Students with at least 60% aggregate in Bachelor’s degree are considered eligible for admission into any of the aforesaid courses in Women studies. Like Oxford University, the University of York accepts English language proficiency tests like IELTS, PTE Academic, TOEFL iBT, Cambridge tests – CPE or CAE, Trinity ISE, or Duolingo. 

These postgraduate courses are available as part-time and full time, and the tuition fees (for international students) vary accordingly. However, PG certificate courses are offered for full time (1 year) only.

There are more programs related to the field, for example, MA in Women, Violence & Conflict, MA in Women & Gender Studies (GEMMA), and more. If you want to pursue a degree in Women Studies, plan to study in UK.

Lancaster University

• Courses offered: Gender and Women Studies MA), Gender and Women’s Studies (MPhil/PhD)
• Course type: Post-graduate
• Duration: 1 year full-time, two years part-time

The MA in Gender and Women Studies is structured for 1 year in full-time format and also for 2 years in part-time. For admissions, a student must be a graduate with a minimum of 60% marks or its equivalent with preference to UG subjects like Sociology or such related fields. 

More weightage is given to IELTS for English proficiency tests. For students going for a full-time 1 year program, the tuition fee is EUR 19940, and the same for the part-time program is EUR 9970 yearly. These figures refer to the tuition fees for international students only.

SOAS University of London

• Courses offered: MA in Gender Studies
• Course type: Post-graduate
• Duration: Full time 1 year, Part-time 2 years, Part-time 3 years

At SOAS University, postgraduate courses in women’s studies are offered under the name MA in Gender Studies. It comprehensively covers almost all aspects of Gender and women’s studies. At least 60% of marks in graduation are required to study in UK for admission to Women’s studies. The tuition fees per academic year (for overseas students) is structured as follows:

University of Sussex

• Course offered: MA in Gender Studies
• Course type: Post-graduate
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time

The University of Sussex also offers a Master’s in Gender Studies like SOAS University. Students applying from India must ensure to have procured an overall score of 55-70% in their Bachelor’s degree. 

IELTS Academic test (minimum 6.0 overall score required) is given more preference for English language proficiency. The academic fees vary according to the duration of the course. Additional expenses are to be borne by the student as well.

Almost every university has scholarship schemes and other financing options for the students’ hassle-free study in UK.

Study in UK: Career Prospects of Women Studies

Career prospects are pretty good for graduates who want to pursue Women’s studies in the UK. This can bring a considerable change in the life of the graduates. We have given below an idea of the industries wherein Women Studies graduates are employed, the respective job roles, and their annual salaries. Hence, planning to study in UK to pursue such courses is a good choice.

Industries to work in:

1. Government organizations
2. NGOs or Non-profit making companies
3. Art and Media
4. Educational sector
5. Politics and Law
6. Social Activism
7. Psychological Counseling

Job Roles:

We are sure that the above information will be useful in case you want to study in UK to pursue a degree in Women’s studies. If you liked the blog, do stay tuned with us for more topics on Study in UK going forward.