Master's Programme in Gender Studies

The programme comprises two years of full-time studies, with courses constituting a total of 75 credits complemented with a 45-credit thesis.

Courses are usually 7.5 credits each and are delivered in one of the four periods that the academic year is divided into. Two of these periods are offered in the autumn semester and two in the spring. You will usually study two 7.5-credit courses per period. There are mandatory core courses but in addition to these, you have the opportunity to choose courses according to your interests.

You will be guided through research methods as well as academic writing and oral presentation. You will get the opportunity to meet and discuss methods and methodologies with researchers from the Centre for Gender Research. Through the course Thesis, which runs throughout three semesters, students from both years 1 and 2 work together. In this setting, students read each other's work and present their theses at different stages. The thesis course also includes a substantial amount of individual supervision.

Students who study a 60-credit Master's degree take the mandatory courses during semester 1 and write a 30-credit thesis during semester 2. Students who already have a 60-credit Master's degree can write an additional thesis and take additional courses to receive a 120-credit Master's degree.

Courses within the programme

The following is a recommended outline for the programme.

Semester 1

• Gender Theory, 7.5 credits
• Gender, Science and Nature, 7.5 credits
• Intersectionality and Power, 7.5 credits
• Feminist Methodologies and Methods, 7.5 credits

Semester 2

• Thesis (part 1), 7.5 credits

And, three of the following:

• Feminist Cultural Studies, 7.5 credits
• Humans, Animals and Environments, 7.5 credits
• Globalisation, Race and Privileges, 7.5 credits
• Family, Kinship and Reproduction, 7.5 credits

Semester 3

• Elective course (at another department or institution), 7.5 credits
• Elective course or Internship, 7.5 credits
• Elective course or Internship, 7.5 credits
• Thesis (part 2), 7.5 credits

Semester 4

• Thesis (part 3), 30 credits

The teaching in the programme is usually delivered through seminars in combination with individual and group supervision. Seminars are compulsory and a course will usually have one seminar per week. Before each seminar, you will be required to read a course book or other study material according to your teacher's instructions. At the seminar, you will then present your reflections and ideas and discuss the material with your classmates. The teacher usually only moderates the discussion. The aim is to develop critical thinking and collaborative skills. All students are expected to be active participants in all forms of discussions.

The mandatory courses are given in English. The thesis can be written in either English, Swedish or another Scandinavian language (to be agreed upon with the supervisor and the Director of Studies). Elective courses are given in English or Swedish.

In the second year of the programme (semester 3), you have the possibility of doing a practical placement or internship equivalent to a maximum of 15 credits. The student is responsible for finding a placement. Previous students have also done MFS (Minor Field Studies) in other countries and gathered the empirical material for their theses during this time.

​In addition to the courses and internships available through Uppsala University, students can take their elective courses at other departments in Sweden and abroad.

The Master's Programme in Gender Studies is interdisciplinary and allows you to design your education in line with your interests and career aspirations. As such, the programme opens up several different career paths. Surveys with alumni with a degree in gender studies show that the vast majority found these studies immensely valuable in their professional lives.

A Master's degree in gender studies is meritorious for work in many authorities and organisations in the public and private sector, as well as in, for example, journalism and cultural work. Previous graduates work with gender and diversity issues in many different parts of the job market. Some have also moved on to PhD programmes in gender studies or other disciplines.

Career support

During your time as a student, UU Careers offers support and guidance. You have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities and events that will prepare you for your future career.