MPhil/PhD in Gender

Programme Code: RPGE

Department: Gender Studies

For students starting this programme of study in 2023/24

Guidelines for interpreting programme regulations

In addition to progressing with their research, students are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. Students may take courses in addition to those listed, and should discuss this with their supervisor.

Prerequisite Requirements and Mutually Exclusive Options

# means there may be prerequisites for this course. Please view the course guide for more information.

Progression and upgrade requirements
In the first year students will go through their Upgrade Viva. This is held in the summer term and materials should be submitted by the given date in the handbook. Students submit a draft chapter and a research proposal for consideration by a panel of their supervisor and advisor (and one other person with appropriate expertise). The research proposal follows:

• a draft chapter of up to 10,000 words, normally a literature review which situates the research and intended contribution in the relevant literature;
• a research design document of 4-5 pages outlining the research rationale, research question and objectives, and the ethical, epistemological and methodological issues relevant to the research;
• a 2 page chapter outline of the thesis with an indication of chapter contents;
• a timeline for completion. 

The nature of the chapter should be agreed with the supervisor. Both parts of the assessment focus on the student's own research and draw on material and debates engaged in GI424 and GI402 where relevant. Students must the viva before progressing to their second year. If unsuccessful at first sit, students have the opportunity to retake once more at the end of September. Part-time student submissions are calculated pro-rata for Upgrading.

Expectations for successful Upgrading:

• GI402 participation; 
• MSc core course GI424 attendance; 
• GI500 training seminars participation;
• additional relevant course(s) attendance; 
• regular supervision meetings participation;
• Events: Research Seminars, Public Lectures, Third Year Presentations attendance. 

Having successfully Upgraded, all students will have an annual review with their supervisor and advisor to ensure satisfactory progress.

Format

Currently there is one general mode of PhD Examination encouraged and supported in the Department of Gender Studies. However, by agreement amongst student, supervisors, and the Doctoral Programme Director it may be possible to pursue a PhD through papers.

The current mode available is a monographic thesis addressing a single subject in an integrated way.

In line with school regulations an alternative is possible:

1. A set of publishable papers on a set of related topics within the context framed by an introductory and concluding chapter, and adhering to the following guidance:

• An introduction to explain the justification for the research question and articulate the links between the papers.
• A concluding chapter which includes a summary of the preceding chapters.
• A minimum of 3 papers. This is a standard number in the paper by thesis format, but it is up to the candidate to decide how many papers to include, considering the advice of their supervisor and the normal practice in their field of study.

Guidance

Because interdisciplinary approaches in Gender Studies vary, it is important to understand this and discuss how to best meet the expectations and requirements of the job market in your field with your supervisor and the Doctoral Programme Director.

Note for prospective students:
For changes to graduate course and programme information for the next academic session, please see the graduate summary page for prospective students. Changes to course and programme information for future academic sessions can be found on the graduate summary page for future students.