MSc Gender (Sexuality)

The MSc in Gender (Sexuality) is an interdisciplinary programme that explores sexuality theories and transnational issues of sexual activism and legal frames.

This is a flexible degree, and you’ll develop expertise in gender theories, as well as gaining an understanding of the significance of gender and sexuality in research design.

Throughout the programme, you’ll learn how to treat sexuality as an object of study, as an analytic approach, and as a way of thinking across disciplinary boundaries. Organised around broad themes, you will be introduced to new developments and critical frameworks such as queer theory, trans* politics and arguments about the "sexualisation of culture" and cultural production.

A key focus of the degree is the ethical and intellectual issues that arise from practicing gender and sexuality studies. In addition to the compulsory courses, you can choose from a range of options, from within and outside of the department, enabling you to develop your own gender studies pathway and focus on key research areas.

Previous graduates from the MSc have gone on to work in various careers, including research and consultancy for government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Others have careers in humanitarian and charity work, personnel work, civil and diplomatic services, representative politics, advocacy, and the legal profession.

• Jacqui Alexander (2006) Gay Tourism: Culture and Context (Binghamton, NY: Haworth Press).
• Clare Hemmings, ed. (2014) 'Sexuality Section', Mary Evans et al, eds, Handbook of Feminist Theory (London: Sage).
• Kamala Kempadoo (2004) Sexing the Caribbean: Gender, Race and Sexual Labour (New York: Routledge).
• Susanne YP Choi and Ming Luo (2016) 'Performative Family: Homosexuality, Marriage and Intergenerational Dynamics in China', British Journal of Sociology 67(2): 260-280.
• Jasbir Puar (2007) Terrorist Assemblages: Homonationalism in Queer Times (Durham: Duke UP).
• Mitra Rastegar (2013) ‘Emotional Attachments and Secular Imaginings: Western LGBTQ Activism on Iran’, GLQ 19(1): 1-29.
• Diane Richardson (2000) ‘Constructing Sexual Citizenship, Theorising Sexual Rights’, Critical Social Policy 20(1): 105-135.
• Laura Ann Stoler (1995) Race and the Education of Desire (Durham: Duke University Press).
• Susan Stryker and Talia M. Bettcher (eds.), (2016) “Trans/Feminisms” [Special Issue] Transgender Studies Quarterly 3(1-2).
• H. Sharif 'Herukhuti' Williams (2016) 'Introduction to Afrocentric Decolonizing Kweer Theory and Epistemology of the Erotic', Journal of Black Sexuality and Relationships 2(4): 1-31.

This is the most flexible degree the Institute offers. You'll take two compulsory courses and options to the value of one and a half units and a dissertation. In addition to the compulsory courses, you're able to choose options that will enable you to develop your own gender studies pathway or to focus on key research areas (for example, sexuality, culture, globalisation, development, postcoloniality or gendered politics).

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.

Department of Gender Studies

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.

Please note: The applications, intake and ratio values below include the MSc Gender, MSc Gender (Research) and the MSc Gender (Rights and Human Rights).

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.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

For this programme, the tuition fee is different for home and overseas students depending on their fee status.

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.

You can view indicative details of hours, teaching staff, and assessment in the Calendar within each course guide.

Our students go on to work in varied career paths: research and consultancy for government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs) in developed and less developed countries, international organisations, humanitarian and charity work, personnel work, civil and diplomatic services, representative politics, advocacy, the legal profession, academia, media and communication and in education.

Further information on graduate destinations for this programme

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.