Career prospects

Gender researchers often work at universities or research institutes. Those who complete a research Master in Gender Studies are qualified to apply for doctoral research programmes in the field of women’s, gender, and postcolonial studies.

Gender experts can work at governmental organisations, NGOs, national and international women's organisations, and cultural institutions. There, your critical and analytical approach to sociocultural phenomena will help to set up policies that are attentive to processes of inclusion and exclusion. You can also use your analytical skills in the fields of (research) journalism and the arts as well as the media sector.

Academic careers

After successfully completing the research Master in Gender Studies, you will have the knowledge and skills to formulate a research proposal for a PhD project on a specialized topic within the field of women’s, gender and postcolonial studies. Graduates of this programme have started PhD programmes at universities such as:

Professional careers

Graduates of this programme regularly find jobs in various fields, including in:

  • cultural and educational organisations
  • women’s (research) associations
  • NGOs devoted to gender and LGBTIQ policy work
  • organisations working with refugees
  • governmental organisations (culture, emancipation and family-policies)
  • international archives and documentation centres
  • international journals in the field of gender
  • journalism, especially in the field of gender and diversity

Examples of organisations, institutes and companies include:
Mama Cash | Basis voor actuele kunst (BAK) | MOED: Museum of Equality and Difference | Stichting SexMatters (in Dutch) | AtGender: European Association for Gender Research, Education and Documentation | BIJ1 Political Party1 | Amsterdam Municipality | Rotterdam Municipality | Maastricht University | Utrecht University\s Gender and Diversity Hub | Radio Netherlands Worldwide | Youth Organisation ASRI

Career development

Supervision and mentorship

During your studies, you will have access to personal mentorship. Here you can discuss your academic development and future perspectives. The supervisor with whom you develop your thesis plan will also be able to help you consider your ambitions after graduation.

Research design seminars

Throughout the second year of study, the programme offers the Research Design Seminar in which students and teachers can exchange their knowledge and skills with regard to the thesis project and future career paths. Every student can leave the research MA programme with a well-developed research proposal, a professional and academic CV, and a first publication (e.g. a scholarly book review).

Career Services

Career Services offers events, tests, coaching and training in and outside your Master's programme, related to professional self-analysis, career orientation and job application skills. You can find more information about career services on Career Services for Dutch students or Career Services for international students.

Other career events

  • Your Perspective is a monthly career orientation meeting for students and alumni of the Faculty of Humanities at Utrecht University. 
  • The Faculty of Humanities organises a Career Night Humanities with interesting partners who will illustrate the diversity in career opportunities for humanities graduates. 
  • Once a year Utrecht University organises a Careers Day. This Careers Day offers the opportunity to sign up for workshops and trainings, and to meet recruiters at the careers fair.