Introduction to the Gender and Sexuality Studies MPhil/PhD

The Gender and Sexuality Studies MPhil/PhD is an inter-faculty doctoral course offered by the Centre for Multidisciplinary and Intercultural Inquiry (CMII) at University College London (UCL). This program draws on the unique breadth of disciplines for which UCL is renowned, allowing students to produce an extended piece of original research within the exciting and interdisciplinary field of Gender and Sexuality Studies.

Entry Requirements

Applicants need excellent qualifications in a relevant humanities or social science discipline, including:

• A first or very good upper second-class (minimum average 65%) Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.
• A distinction or indication of distinction-level work (e.g., a distinction mark for the dissertation) at Master's level or equivalent is preferred.
• Candidates should establish a dialogue with a potential supervisor before making a formal application.
• Admission is normally dependent on the submission of a detailed research project proposal.

English Language Requirements

The English language level for this course is Level 4. UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are available for international students aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. These courses develop academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Course Overview

This MPhil/PhD is for applicants with a strong interest in conducting multi-disciplinary research, who may have completed post-graduate training or study and want to develop an advanced critical analysis in a specific research area. The program is suitable for graduates with a background or interest in gender or sexuality studies, including disciplines such as anthropology, development studies, education, history, literary or film studies. It is ideal for both recent Masters graduates and early or mid-career professionals.

What the Course Will Give You

As a multi-faculty institution in the heart of cosmopolitan London, UCL offers an ideal environment for Gender and Sexuality Studies. Research students normally have a primary and secondary supervisor from different disciplines, allowing them to take full advantage of UCL's interdisciplinary strengths. Training includes regular skills-based research seminars for all CMII research students, and participation in PGR training activities coordinated by the Gender and Sexuality Studies PhD course.

Careers and Employability

SELCS-CMII research degree graduates may go on to academic careers in research and higher education. They have also used their skills to work in various industry fields such as consultancy, publishing, journalism, teaching, media, public health, policy, government, social care, and international relations. Employers include the University of Sussex, University of Exeter, the Home Office, and the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport.

Teaching and Learning

Research students undertake relevant induction sessions within CMII and attend a series of skills-based research seminars throughout their first year. Regular research seminars are also run by individual CMII PhD courses. Students can take advantage of the Doctoral Skills Development Programme to design a training program tailored to their needs. PhD students meet regularly with their supervisors and may participate in reading groups, conferences, and other academic activities.

Research Areas and Structure

Potential supervisors have a varied set of research interests with a focus on different parts of the world in both contemporary and historical perspectives. Their interests include:

• Nationalism and sexuality
• Gender and urban development in the Global South
• Contemporary gay and queer cinema
• Gender and sexuality in medieval and modern European and world literary or visual culture
• Feminism and social movements
• Historical, sociological, and legal perspectives on intimacy, sexuality, care, and the home
• Sexuality, migration, and health
• Cultural discourses of AIDS

Research Environment

Research students contribute significantly to the research environment of the CMII and other social and academic networks beyond their home department. They have access to special collections at UCL and other world-class libraries, as well as world-leading cultural institutions such as the Tate galleries.

Full-time and Part-time Study

The length of registration for the research degree courses is usually three years for full-time study and five years for part-time study. Students register initially for the MPhil degree with the expectation of transferring to a PhD degree after successful completion of an upgrade viva.

Fees and Funding

Tuition fees for UK students are Ł6,400 for full-time and Ł3,200 for part-time study. For international students, fees are Ł31,300 for full-time and Ł15,650 for part-time study. Additional costs may include expenses such as books, stationery, printing, or photocopying, and conference registration fees. Funding opportunities are available, including the ESRC-funded UCL, Bloomsbury, and East London (UBEL) Doctoral Training Partnership, the Commonwealth Scholarship Commission, and other UCL Graduate Research studentships.

Accessibility

The department endeavors to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities. Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

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