Overview
Introduction
This unique, multidisciplinary programme explores the ways in which gender is understood in and shapes regional, national and global peace and security issues and policies.
The MSc draws on critical gender theory and empirical research that are international and transnational in scope, as well as interdisciplinary texts and perspectives from theory, policy, and practice.
Located in the Department of Gender Studies, you’ll benefit from LSE’s diverse community of researchers, as well as our lively public events offering.
The programme is ideal for early-career students who would like to work in relevant fields. It's also suitable for those who have a professional background in conflict and post-conflict work, and want to further their expertise in gender, peace and security. It also provides a good foundation for pursuing a doctorate in related disciplines and subfields.
Preliminary readings
- D Buss, J Lebert, B Rutherford, D Sharkey, and O Aginam (Eds) Sexual Violence in Conflict and Post-Conflict Societies: international agendas and African contexts (Routledge, 2014)
- C Cohn (Ed) Women and Wars (Polity Press, 2013)
- M Evans, C Hemmings, H Marsha, H Johnstone, S Madhok, A Plomien and S Wearing The SAGE Handbook of Feminist Theory (Sage Publications, 2014)
- F Olonisakin, K Barnes, E Ikpe (Eds) Women, Peace and Security: translating policy into practice (Routledge, 2010)
- D Otto and G Heathcote (Eds) Rethinking Peacekeeping, Gender Equality and Collective Security: an introduction (Routledge, 2014)
- Global Study on Preventing Conflict, Transforming Justice, Securing Peace: a global study on the implementation of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325.
Entry requirements
Upper second class honours degree (2:1) or equivalent in relevant 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 three compulsory courses, options to the value of one and a half units and a dissertation.
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
The programme includes courses which offer a variety of training in methods and interdisciplinary conceptual frameworks. 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. Assessments will range from traditional essays and exams to essay-diaries and group projects. An indication of the formative coursework and summative assessment for each course can be found in the relevant course guide.
Graduate destinations
Overview
We expect the degree to assist our students with careers in conflict and post-conflict settings; in humanitarian assistance; UN field offices; peace governance roles; and into further study.
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.