Gender Studies (research)

What is gender? How does it intersect with sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, dis/ability, religion, and other markers of difference? Which hierarchies and mechanisms of inclusion or exclusion ensue from these vectors? What role do such power relations play in a world shaped by environmental catastrophe, unequal distribution of resources, and authoritarianisms? And what are the critical tools and political strategies that feminist, queer, antiracist, and anticolonial scholars and social groups have created to imagine a different world?

Critical practice of cultural theories and epistemologies

This two-year Research Master's programme combines a thorough grounding in the history and contemporary state of Gender Studies as an (inter)discipline with intensive training in the critical practice of cultural theories and epistemologies from feminist, postcolonial, critical race, queer, and trans perspectives. It is part of the Graduate Gender Programme at Utrecht University: a space that is exceptional and unique in nature because of its humanities focus, its long-standing international reputation, and its status as one of the largest Gender Studies hubs in Europe.

Why this programme in Utrecht?

Transdisciplinary and intersectional approach

The strength of this research-based Master’s programme is its transdisciplinary and intersectional approach, which is represented in the wide range of research expertise of both the academic staff and students, as well as in the curriculum itself. As a student, you will study and problematize various structurally-embedded and power-laden conceptions of gender, sexuality, race, ethnicity, class, dis/ability, and religion (among other vectors),  gaining knowledge of feminist theory, questions of transition and change, dynamics of social inclusion, and the history and actuality of (post)colonial, (post)secular, and globalized societies. You will learn how to apply these theoretical insights to the analysis of literary texts, artistic practices, cultural objects, new media, political discourses, and contemporary technologies.

International reputation

Utrecht University’s research MA in Gender Studies is one of Europe’s most successful interdisciplinary teaching and research programmes in Gender Studies. You will benefit from engaging in a challenging and international setting that offers multiple avenues of investigation into complex social phenomena. The programme is closely affiliated with academics and institutions both within and outside Europe and offers an internationally recognised degree. Our lecturers are internationally recognised as experts in their fields. 

After graduation

After completing the research Master in Gender Studies you are qualified to apply for a postgraduate or doctoral research programme in the field of women’s, gender, and postcolonial studies. Furthermore, gender experts can also work at governmental organisations, NGO's, national and international women's organisations, and cultural institutions.