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Arts and Humanities (QS 2024)
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Course overview
Enhance your knowledge of Sexuality and Gender Studies and study anywhere in the world on our interdisciplinary distance learning course.
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.
September - December (11 weeks)
You’ll take your first module in the autumn term.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, we offer a genuinely interdisciplinary programme where you'll get to explore the fields of Sexuality Studies and Gender Studies together and deepen your knowledge in both areas.
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.
Increase your confidence writing essays, presenting your ideas and conducting academic research.
Explore a range of current and historical critical theories about sexuality and gender.
Distance learning - study anywhere in the world.
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.
Course delivery
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Sexuality and Gender Studies. You'll study online and access materials designed by academic staff in the Department.
- 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.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules.
The modules listed for this programme are regularly reviewed to ensure they are up-to-date and informed by the latest research and teaching methods.
Any optional module information listed for this programme is intended to be indicative, and the availability of optional modules may vary from year to year. Where a module is no longer available, we will let you know as soon as we can and help you to make other choices.
2025/26 Session
The following must be taken:
| Module Title | Credits |
|---|---|
| LM Research Methods in Sexuality and Gender DL | 20 |
| LM Sexuality, Gender, and Representation DL | 20 |
| LM Theories, Issues, and Methodologies of Sexuality and Gender DL | 20 |
Entry requirements
- 2:1 Honours degree
in any subject
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.
Fees and scholarships
- £3,633
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.
Application process
To apply for a postgraduate programme, you will need to submit your application and supporting documents online.
Select whether you are a UK student or an international student for relevant application deadlines.
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.
How to apply to our taught courses
Find out how to apply to our postgraduate taught programmes. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
Frequently Asked Questions
If you have a question about our admissions process, including how to apply, your offer and how to track your application, please visit our admissions portal.
Career opportunities
By studying a postgraduate degree in Sexuality and Gender Studies at Birmingham, you’ll develop transferable skills suited to a range of career paths. These skills include critical thinking abilities, presentation skills and the ability to independently manage your time.
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
The University is the top choice for the UK's major employers searching for graduate recruits.
The Graduate Market in 2024, High Fliers report.
Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique.
Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations.
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.