An Introduction to Gender Studies



One is not born a woman, one becomes one- Simone de Beauvoir

If you are interested in learning about the pressing issues of gender identities, gender representations, gender inequality at work, LGBT health issues, women and international development and gender constructs, then you should consider knowing more about the course gender studies.

Gender studies is an emerging area of study that is gaining a lot of traction in the contemporary world. The concept of gender, gender identities, and representations are now widely studied and discussed across disciplines, and this has given rise to the new academic field called gender studies.

So, in today’s article, we explore the course Gender studies in detail and career opportunities and top Universities to study this particular course.


Here’s what we’ll look at today


  • What does a degree in gender studies offer?
  • Courses in gender studies
  • Skills required to master gender studies course
  • Top 10 universities to study gender studies
  • Graduate opportunities

What does a degree in gender studies offer?


In simple words, gender studies explore the physical and biological differences between genders and look at them from a critical angle for the students to understand these differences in the light of the socio-political contexts. Gender studies is a really vast interdisciplinary subject that is considered a sub-subject of sociology. Gender studies as an academic discourse have evolved out of women’s studies, and it is influenced mainly by postmodern, popular culture, and poststructuralist theories. This is an area of study that is constantly developing every day, and there are many research ideas and topics emerging in this field of study as it is relatively new when compared to many other areas of study. Learning gender studies will enable the student to push the boundaries of knowledge in traditional fields to address gender issues and contemporary issues that are very much relevant in today’s world.

One of the main aims of gender studies is to identify gender identity and representation of sexuality, class, and nationality across all ethnicities. Gender studies as an academic discipline is a multi-disciplinary field of education that combines literature, history, anthropology, queer studies, psychology, sociology, traditional disciplines, and cultural studies. It is the engagement of gender studies will the academic discourse that gave rise to the exploration of gender through the lenses of social and cultural construction. So by studying abroad, a course like gender studies, the student will be exposed to new gender norms, gender constructs and ideals and will be provided with a first-hand experience of how they operate in our society. This global perspective will help the student become a more critical, empathetic thinker and will prove a thorough understanding of gender stereotyping.


Courses in gender studies


Gender studies as an academic discipline is a vast subject that is offered in top-notch universities around the globe. Here are the few courses offered in gender studies around the world.

  • Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Women’s Studies
  • MA Gender Studies and Law
  • Bachelor of Arts in Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality
  • Bachelor of Arts in Gender studies
  • MSc/MLitt Gender Studies (Applied)
  • Bachelor of Science in Psychology – Women’s Studies
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology- Gender and Society
  • Bachelor of Arts in Health and Societies – Race, Gender and Health
  • Master’s programme in Gender Studies, Social Science Research
  • MSc in Social Studies of Gender
  • Bachelor of Arts in Sociology – Gender, Work and Family
  • Bachelor of Arts in Gender Race and Identity
  • MA in Gender Studies – Intersectionality and Change
  • Bachelor of Arts Women’s and Gender studies
  • Honours Bachelor of Arts in Sexual Diversity Studies

An undergraduate degree in gender studies is offered as a B. A and BA Hons and BSC courses in various universities for a duration of three years. After completing the undergraduate program in gender studies, you can aim for a two-year master’s program with a specialisation in a wide variety of subject areas like Gender law, health and society sexual diversity, intersectionality studies, race and health. There are also doctorate and M.Phil. courses in gender studies offered by prestigious universities around the world.


Skills required to master gender studies course


  • Critical thinking
  • Writing skills
  • Open-mindedness and patience
  • Professional communication, spoken and written
  • Ability to approach issues from multiple perspectives
  • Ability to challenge and evaluate common beliefs
  • Research skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Writing/editing skills

Top universities to study gender studies


  • Harvard University
  • University Of Virginia
  • University Of York
  • University Of Maryland
  • University Of Edinburgh
  • University Of Missouri
  • Suny Stony Brook University
  • Stanford University
  • University Of Nebraska
  • Loyola University Of Chicago
  • University Of Sussex
  • University Of California-Los Angeles
  • Lowa State University
  • Vanderbilt University
  • University Of Michigan-Ann Arbor
  • San Diego State University
  • Duke University
  • University Of California-Berkeley
  • University Of Pennsylvania

Research in gender studies has been really popular in the academic community for a few years. Firstly this is because it is a relatively new area of research, and there are multiple areas that have not been touched upon when it comes to research. Gender studies is also vital because love, sex, gender and care are basic dimensions of life, yet the meaning of gender is contested in multiple areas and parts of life. Critical academic engagement with gender offers a systemic analysis of the meaning of sex and gender in the past and the present society. This field also tries to bridge the gap between the past and present understanding of gender.

Here’s a look at some important contents that are part of a gender studies curriculum:

  • Violence Against Women
  • Sexuality Studies
  • Gender Mainstreaming
  • Understanding Youth
  • Gender and Society
  • International gender politics
  • Gender, Polity and Governance
  • Feminist Movement
  • Women’s Studies
  • Feminist Theories
  • Gender and Economy
  • Gender relations
  • Family roles and dynamics
  • Fighting prejudice and discrimination
  • Feminist Research Methodology
  • Positive Psychology for Youth Development
  • Gender and Health
  • Gender Environment and Livelihood
  • Gender and Poverty
  • Gender and Media

What do gender studies graduates do?

Gender studies graduates work in various sectors, including government, health, social services,arts, law, communications and media, education, marketing and non-profit organisations.

Here are some career options and jobs after graduating in gender studies

  • Artist
  • Advocate for victims of domestic violence and hate crimes
  • Filmmaker
  • Communications Officer
  • Counsellor
  • Coordinator of a women’s health clinic
  • Cultural programs coordinator
  • Diversity officer
  • Work with NGOs supporting gender equality
  • HR coordinator
  • International development
  • Journalist
  • Gender Consultant
  • Social Worker
  • Legal professional
  • Psychologist
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Midwife
  • Public Health Educator
  • Outreach worker
  • Public Speaker
  • Program or project manager
  • Public policy analyst
  • Violence Educator
  • Research consultant
  • Social Activist
  • Sexual health, inclusion, anti-racism, sexualised violence educator
  • Social media manager
  • Psychotherapist
  • Public Relations Director
  • Researcher

So, if you are ready to be part of the academic field that will provide you with the knowledge to understand gender, women, sexuality, queer, and men’s studies and analyse it from a critical perspective, then there is no better time to get into the most trending and emerging field of studies; Gender studies!


Date added
27.04.2022

Filed under:

Global Ed

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