MA Women's Studies

at University College Cork

The MA in Women's Studies is offered as a full-time interdisciplinary programme running for 12 months from the date of first registration for the programme or as a part-time programme taken over 24 months from the date of first registration for the programme. The teaching team is drawn from a range of departments/schools which may vary from year to year but has usually come from among the following: Applied Social Studies, English, Folklore, French, History, Law, Philosophy and Sociology.
 

Students take 90 credits as follows:
 

Part I

• WS6002 Feminist Theory (10 credits)

• WS6003 Gender and Society I: Contexts (5 credits)

• WS6005 Gender and Society II: Interdisciplinary Perspectives (15 credits)

• WS6007 Research Skills Part I: Feminist Methodologies (5 credits)

• WS6008 Research Skills Part II: The Literature Review (10 credits)
   

Part II

• WS6004 Dissertation in Women's Studies (45 credits)

To apply for this course, you will have a Second Class Honours Grade II in a primary honours degree (NFQ, Level 8) or the equivalent
 

If you have relevant experience in the areas of community work, industry, or professions, you can also apply.
 

You will be asked to submit an essay of at least 1,000 words on a book, experience, or personal contact which stimulated your interest in women's studies. Further examples of your work may be requested. It is likely that you will be required to attend an interview.
 

English Language Requirements

Applicants that are non-native speakers of the English language must meet the university-approved English language requirements. Please visit our PG English Language Requirements page for more information.
 

Minimum Requirements and Accepted English Language Tests & Examinations

The minimum English language entry requirements for admission onto a postgraduate programme at UCC are outlined below. These requirements are for postgraduate applicants whose first language is not English. If Gaeilge (Irish) is your first language these requirements do not apply to you.
 

There are a small number of programmes with a higher minimum English language entry requirement and we list these below under Programmes with a Higher Minimum English Language Requirement.

IELTS*    

• 6.5 Overall

• 6.0 Individual Skills (academic version)
   

TOEFL iBT    
 

• 90 Overall

• Listening 20

• Reading 19

• Speaking 21

• Writing 20

MA Women's Studies 
 

The EU fee for this course is €6,130; €3,130 (Year 1 Part-time); €3,130 (Year 2 Part-time)
.

The Non-EU fee for this course is €16,400.

You will develop skills that enhance your employability, including critical thinking; analytic skills; innovative approaches to social issues; gender expertise; understanding of power dynamics and diversity; awareness of social justice and legal issues.
 

Our graduates enter a wide range of occupations in the public and private sectors, including equal opportunities/equality advisory; research and education; non-governmental/civil society organisations; journalism and the information sector; and the social and health sectors.
 

There are also academic possibilities such as studying for a PhD, and some students enter further professional training, e.g. studying law, training as a social worker or counsellor, moving into the equality or community sectors.
 

Many graduates suggest that the course reinforces their self-confidence and encourages them to become involved in community or political activism.