Overview
Introduction
This programme explores how gender, media, and culture contribute to wider social processes. It examines a range of gender-related questions, such as, "how do representations in the media reinforce or subvert social roles and ideologies? And how are gendered forms of address and identification theorised across different visual and print cultures?", and examines these through the lens of a variety of media forms.
In addition to the core units in gender theory, media and communication, you can choose from a range of options offered by the Department of Gender Studies and the Department of Media and Communications. Our experienced faculty will encourage you to explore a variety of theoretical and methodological approaches to the gendered analysis of contemporary media and culture.
After graduating from the MSc, you’ll be able to bring gender analysis skills to a wide variety of settings, including, for example: the media and publishing; government departments; international institutions; charities; and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).
Preliminary readings
- S de Beauvoir The Second Sex (Vintage, 1997)
- J Butler Gender Trouble (Routledge, 1999)
- M Evans and C H Williams Gender: the key concepts (Routledge, 2012)
- M Evans, C Hemmings, H Marsha, H Johnstone, S Madhok, A Plomien, and S Wearing The SAGE Handbook of Feminist Theory (Sage Publications, 2014)
- R Gill Gender and the Media (Polity Press, 2007)
- I Whelehan Overloaded: popular culture and the future of feminism (The Women's Press, 2000)
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in social science, or relevant humanities discipline.
Please select your country from the dropdown list below to find out the entry requirements that apply to you.
Overseas
English language requirements
The English language requirement for this programme is Higher. Read more about our English language requirements.
Competition for places at LSE is strong. So, even if you meet the minimum entry requirements, this does not guarantee you an offer of a place.
However, please don’t feel deterred from applying – we want to hear from all suitably qualified students. Think carefully about how you can put together the strongest possible application to help you stand out from other students.
Programme content
Year 1
You'll take courses to the value of three full units and a dissertation. This includes four half unit compulsory courses in gender theory, media and communications, gender and media representation, and methodology. You'll also have the opportunity to choose up to two courses to the value of one full unit from a range of options.
Why study with us
Discover more about our students and department.
Meet the department
The Department of Gender Studies is internationally renowned for research and teaching in the field. Ours is the largest department of its kind in Europe.
The department’s research, which is arranged into four main strands, explores the tenacity of gender power relations and gendered inequalities. Our 15-strong faculty team includes world-class academics and thought leaders.
As a department, we offer eight master's programmes and a stimulating PhD programme. Each year, our programmes attract 150 students, from many different academic backgrounds and countries. Teaching covers a wide range of themes, from established gender theories to emerging topics and current debates.
We have a vibrant research culture, with resident research fellows, visiting scholars, public lectures and conferences and regular research seminars.
The department provides a focus for gender research at LSE as well as promoting collaboration between policymakers, practitioners and academics. We work closely with other departments, centres and institutes at LSE and foster strong links with institutions around the globe.
Why LSE
University of the Year 2025 and 1st in the UK
Times and The Sunday Times - Good University Guide 20251st in London for the 13th year running
The Complete University Guide - University League Tables 20256th In the world
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024Carbon Neutral In 2021, LSE became the first Carbon Neutral verified university in the UK
Your application
Overview
We welcome applications from all suitably qualified prospective students. At LSE, we want to recruit students with the best academic merit, potential and motivation, irrespective of background.
We carefully consider each application and take into account all the information included on your application form, such as your:
- academic achievement (including predicted and achieved grades)
- statement of academic purpose
- two academic references
- CV.
See further information on supporting documents.
You may need to provide evidence of your English language proficiency. See our English language requirements.
When to apply
Applications for this programme are considered on a rolling basis. This means that applications will close once the programme is full.
There is no fixed deadline. However, if you’d like to be considered for any funding opportunities, you must submit your application (and all supporting documents) by the funding deadline. See the fees and funding section below for more details.
Fees and funding
The table of fees shows the latest tuition fees for all programmes.
You're charged a fee for your programme. At LSE, your tuition fee covers registration and examination fees payable to the School, lectures, classes and individual supervision, lectures given at other colleges under intercollegiate arrangements and, under current arrangements, membership of the Students' Union. It doesn't cover living costs or travel or fieldwork.
Home
Home student fee (2025/26)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Overseas
Overseas student fee (2025/26)
For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.
Learning and assessment
How you learn
How you're assessed
All taught courses are required to include formative coursework which is unassessed. It's designed to help prepare you for summative assessment which counts towards the course mark and to the degree award. LSE uses a range of formative assessment, such as essays, problem sets, case studies, reports, quizzes, mock exams and many others. Summative assessment may be conducted during the course or by final examination at the end of the course. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
The interdisciplinary nature of gender studies means that you'll be equipped with a broad range of knowledge and skills that can be applied in a variety of areas. Graduates are able to bring highly desirable gender analysis skills to a wide variety of settings, including: the media and publishing, government departments, international institutions (including the EU), charities, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), private consultancy firms and education.
Further information on graduate destinations for this programme
Top 5 sectors our students work in:
Career support
From CV workshops through to careers fairs, LSE offers lots of information and support to help you make that all-important step from education into work.
Many of the UK’s top employers give careers presentations at the School during the year and there are numerous workshops covering topics such as job hunting, managing interviews, writing a cover letter and using LinkedIn.
See LSE Careers for further details.