PhD in Gender Studies

Gender Studies is a relatively young discipline with relevance across a broad range of subject areas. As a PhD candidate in this field, you may explore foundational theories of gender identity and relations, as well as examining cultural and social phenomena through the lens of gender.

What’s it like to study a PhD in Gender Studies?

Under the guidance of one or more specialist supervisors with an expertise in your chosen topic, you’ll conduct independent research eventually culminating in an extended dissertation, which should make a substantial contribution to the field of Gender Studies.

Gender studies is a highly interdisciplinary subject, which will likely involve cutting across multiple areas such as sociology, psychology, anthropology, and literary theory.

Possible research areas include:

• The development of gender identity
• Representations of gender in literature, art, and film
• Gender stereotypes and their perpetuation
• Intersectionality
• Gender equality in the workplace
• Gender Studies within another discipline, such as literary theory

Your research will likely adopt an interdisciplinary method, with the particular methodology dependent on your chosen topic. This could include conducting your own empirical studies or analysing pre-existing data to draw new conclusions.

Alongside your research, you’ll attend regular progress meetings with your supervisor(s) and complete any additional training required by your institution.

There are a handful number of predesigned PhDs in Gender Studies, but many students will propose their own research project. Choosing this option means you’ll identify a gap in the academic literature and determine the parameters of your own research.

Entry requirements

The most common entry requirement for PhD programmes in Gender Studies is an upper second-class Bachelors degree and a Masters degree at Merit level, both in a relevant discipline. Some programmes may set a 2:1 undergraduate degree alone as a minimum requirement, but bear in mind that applications are considered on a case-by-case basis and additional qualifications with often be an advantage.

PhD in Gender Studies funding options

The Research Council responsible for funding Gender Studies PhDs will vary depending on the nature of the topic. In the UK, the two primary funding bodies likely to support this field are the Arts and Humanities Research Council (AHRC) and the Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC). These bodies provide fully funded studentships that include coverage of your tuition fees, along with a stipend to cover living expenses.

Advertised Gender Studies PhDs may have studentships attached. Students proposing their own research project may be able to apply for a studentship after being accepted onto a programme.

Some Gender Studies PhDs may only accept self-funded students. Options for independently financing your PhD include the UK government’s doctoral loan, part-time employment alongside your studies and support from charities or trusts.

PhD in Gender Studies careers

Gender Studies is a young but fast-growing field, with a vast array of career opportunities for graduates. Awareness of gender’s influence across every sphere of society is increasing – and so to is a demand for expertise in the field.

A PhD in Gender Studies will equip you with numerous transferable skills such as academic writing and publishing, data analysis, critical thinking and abstract reasoning. Many graduates will go on to continue their careers in research, but the skillset you’ll earn will also be invaluable in numerous non-academic sectors. These include advocacy or consultancy work for a variety of professional settings.