Sexuality and Gender Studies (Distance Learning) (Online)PGCert

This course is ideal for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of sexuality and gender studies for continuing professional development, a career change or to begin further research in the field. Access our research expertise from your home and study alongside employment or other commitments. 

Course structure

The course runs over 12 months part-time via distance learning.

Our Sexuality and Gender Studies network brings together academics working across disciplines. We'll encourage you to think about representations of gender and sexuality in a range of subject areas and academic fields. You'll cover various critical theories, including feminist, sexuality, gender, intersectionality, and critical race perspectives.

• Our interdisciplinary network of scholars in Sexuality and Gender Studies brings together academics from across the University who each teach in their own area of expertise.
• Understand different critical theories of sexuality and gender - ideal if you're interested in a career related to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.
• Study from anywhere in the world at a time that suits you. All the resources for the course are available online so you can fit your studies around work and other commitments.

Study from anywhere in the world

We've designed this course to let you study at postgraduate level from home. It’s taught entirely online so you can study anywhere in the world and join a global community of students interested in sexuality and gender studies. Help from our academics is never far away - our friendly staff are available to chat via Zoom and Microsoft Teams, so you can stay connected virtually. 

• Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
• Resources are uploaded in advance so you can complete activities and take part in discussions whenever suits you. 
• Have access to short videos and guided reading for you to work through at your own pace.
• Consult academic staff in Birmingham via Microsoft Teams or Zoom.

The modules listed below are an indication only and may be subject to change. Occasionally, it may be necessary to make changes to modules, for example, to ensure they remain current and relevant.

As a research-intensive University, our teaching is informed by the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff. For more information on the circumstances in which the University may need to make changes to modules, please refer to the Terms and Conditions for applicants.

2025/26 session

The following must be taken:

We usually ask for a good bachelors degree in any subject (normally a 2.1 or above), or an equivalent qualification if you were educated outside the UK. A writing sample may be required for applicants who have a lower qualification.

English language requirements

If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.

For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:

• TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
• Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
• Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
• LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill

English Presessional Programmes

Improve your knowledge of spoken and written English in preparation for studying at Birmingham with our pre-sessional English courses. If you have a conditional offer, you can take one of these courses as an alternative to retaking IELTS or other similar qualifications.

Paying your tuition fees

Learn more about postgraduate tuition fees and funding.

Postgraduate Masters Loan

To help with the cost of studies, this loan is available to all UK students. You can use this loan towards fees, maintenance or other costs at your own discretion. It’s available for all full-time, part-time and distance learning Masters programmes, as long as you don’t already have a Masters qualification (or equivalent).If you’re a student from Wales, Scotland or Northern Ireland, you can apply for Masters loans from your country’s government.

Scholarships

To help you afford your studies, we’ve put more than £33 million into student support and scholarships. We also offer a range of advice on searching for funding and managing your finances.

The deadline for all students applying to our distance learning courses is 31 August 2025.

Late applicants are encouraged to contact the Admissions Tutor for advice.

Our Sexuality and Gender graduates enter many roles, including:

• Secondary school teacher
• Communications assistant
• Marketing executive

Employers our Sexuality and Gender graduates have worked for include:

• Secondary schools
• NHS trusts

Careers Network

Get ready for tomorrow, with advice, guidance and opportunities at every step of your studies. From developing new skills to preparing for a PhD, our Careers Network can help you gain an advantage in the job market or advance in your field.

Whatever you plan to do after your degree, the Careers Network offers a range of events and support services including networking opportunities, career coaching, one-to-one guidance, careers fairs and links with leading graduate recruiters. We also offer subject-specific careers consultants and a dedicated careers website for international students.