MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics

Program Overview

This online MA program in Gender, Sexuality, and Global Politics offers a comprehensive understanding of how gender and sexuality shape global politics. It equips students with critical analysis skills, advanced research abilities, and knowledge of non-Eurocentric approaches to address key debates in the field. Graduates are prepared for careers in international organizations, research institutes, government agencies, and civil society organizations.

Program Outline

MA Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics (Online)

Degree Overview:

This MA program offers a deep understanding of how gender and sexuality are addressed in various aspects of global politics. Informed by feminist knowledge production, it examines issues related to international relations, international law, conflict resolution, peace-building, political participation, human rights, development, and society at the micro, meso, and macro levels of analysis.

Objectives:

The program aims to:

• Provide a thorough understanding of the deployment of gender and sexuality within the fields of international relations, international law, conflict resolution, peace-building, political participation, human rights, development, and society.
• Cultivate critical analysis skills for the application of feminist/queer approaches to global political and socio-economic processes.
• Develop advanced analytical and research skills to conduct independent research on gender-related issues.
• Equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills for careers in government agencies, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), UN bodies, and international organizations.
• Contribute to the development of non-Eurocentric approaches to addressing key debates in the field, leveraging SOAS expertise in the Global South.

Description:

This MA program is designed as a unique interdisciplinary offering. It emphasizes the critical grounding and understanding of gender and sexuality in various regions, including Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. The program focuses on the interlinkage between gender, sexuality, and social, political, and economic change and development.

Outline:

Content:

The program delves into a range of topics related to gender, sexuality, and global politics, with a focus on issues like gender and violence, the gender dimensions of conflict and war, women's roles in violence, sexuality in foreign policies, and crucial policy responses and interventions to address gender-based violence, among others.

Structure:

The program consists of a compulsory Dissertation (60 credits) completed at the end of the study. In addition, students can choose from a selection of optional modules to complete the remaining credit requirements for the degree.

Modules:

• Compulsory Modules:
• Gender, Sexuality in Global Politics:
This core module explores the application of feminist and queer approaches to global politics, highlighting the importance of intersectional thinking.
• Gender and Social Inequality: This module examines the significant contemporary issues in gender and social justice, exploring various feminist theories and approaches, and addressing methods to address gender inequality and promote sustainable
• Optional Modules (Selection of 30 Credits):
• Gender and Security in Africa
• Digital Diplomacy
• Global Citizenship and Advocacy
• Dissertation: The dissertation allows students to explore a research topic in depth, enhancing their research and writing skills.

Assessment:

Each module in the program (except the dissertation) is assessed through five online written assignments ('etivities') totaling 30% of the module grade. The remaining 70% is determined by a 5,000-word essay. The dissertation, worth 85% of the research modules' grade, is evaluated based on a written dissertation of a maximum of 15,000 words. The final 15% of the grade for research modules comes from a 1,500-word research proposal that is mandatory for students pursuing a PGDip or MA.

Teaching:

The program is offered entirely online through SOAS's Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). The VLE provides access to learning materials and course resources anytime, accommodating individual study schedules and needs. Each module includes a dedicated Associate Tutor, and a comprehensive Study Timetable is provided for both individual modules and the overall program, aiding with organization and planning. The program is delivered in two semesters per year, commencing in April and October. Teaching approaches encompass diverse methods, including:

• Lectures: These sessions introduce core concepts and theoretical frameworks in interactive settings.
• Seminars: These smaller group discussions encourage active participation, critical engagement with course materials, and the development of analytical and communication skills.

Careers:

Graduates from the MA in Gender, Sexuality and Global Politics can pursue various career paths in various sectors, including:

• International organizations:
• United Nations agencies (UNDP, UNICEF etc.)
• International NGOs (Amnesty International, ActionAid etc.)
• Intergovernmental organizations (African Union, European Union)
• Research institutes and think tanks
• Government agencies
• Civil society organizations
The program equips graduates with a range of transferable and subject-specific skills valuable to a diverse range of employers, including:
• Critical and analytical thinking
• Research and writing abilities
• Communication and presentation skills
• Policy analysis skills
• Intercultural understanding and sensitivity
The curriculum prepares individuals for success in roles requiring these skillsets, such as:
• Policy advisor
• Researcher
• Project manager
• Program officer
• Advocacy and campaign coordinator
• Lecturer/educator

Other:

• This MA program welcomes applications from recent graduates and professionals aspiring to gain the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in government, education, NGOs, media, or UN organizations.
• The program is taught by leading scholars, drawing on SOAS's expertise in the Global South and providing students with a non-Eurocentric approach to addressing key debates in the field.
• This online format provides flexibility for geographically diverse individuals to pursue their academic goals and engage in critical discussions on gender and sexuality in global contexts.