Ranking
Top 100
Arts and Humanities (QS 2024)
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Course overview
Be part of an interdisciplinary network of sexuality and gender studies researchers. Our MRes lets you take taught modules alongside pursuing your own research.
Develop the skills for both doctoral study and a future career. You'll broaden your knowledge through taught modules to become a confident independent researcher and you’ll complete a major individual research project supervised by a specialist in the field.
Course structure
The course runs over 12 months full-time on campus. You can also study this programme on a part-time basis.
September - December (11 weeks)
You begin planning your methodology for your research in the first term.
You’ll also take three taught modules during the first two terms of the MRes.
Course highlights
At Birmingham, we offer a genuinely interdisciplinary programme where you'll explore the fields of Sexuality 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 theories, gaining a solid grounding in current and historical views of gender and sexuality studies. These include feminist theory, masculinity studies, queer theory, postcolonial theory, transgender studies, ethnography, sexology, and criminology.
- Study taught modules covering key theories and methods to give you the tools to conduct your own research in the field of sexuality and gender studies.
- We're one of the Top 100 universities for Arts and Humanities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2024).
- We offer a range of research interests across disciplines - assemble a supervisory team of experts with specialist knowledge in your areas of research.
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research
Complete a 20,000-word thesis - this can be a stepping stone to PhD research.
Take part in the ROLES network run by postgraduate researchers in sexuality and gender studies.
Interdisciplinary approach to both sexuality and gender studies.
Explore your research interests
Studying an MRes in Sexuality and Gender Studies is a great way to explore your research interests and gain a deeper knowledge of both fields. The taught modules mean you'll build a critical awareness of different theories and perspectives. The 20,000-word thesis lets you pursue your research interests in the field and benefit from our interdisciplinary expertise.
We also offer a PhD in Sexuality and Gender Studies, so you can use the MRes to test out ideas and establish your supervisory team. Better still, the combination of taught modules and independent research means you'll develop a range of transferable skills suitable for doctoral research or a career outside academia.
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.
Module information
The programme comprises 60 credits of taught modules and a research thesis. Modules run for one term, and you’ll take three modules during the MRes alongside your research thesis.
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 Critical Cultural Studies | 20 |
| LM Sexuality, Gender and Representation | 20 |
| LM Theories, Issues + Methodologies of Sexuality and Gender | 20 |
Entry requirements
To gain a place at Birmingham you will need to meet our general entry requirements, as well as those specific to your course. Your application will be reviewed by the course’s Admissions Tutor, who will decide whether your application should receive an offer.
- 2:1 Honours degree
in a relevant subject
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
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
- £7,017
Full-time
- £3,509
Part-time
We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for 2025 entry are above.
The fees quoted are for one year only. For those studying courses that are longer than one year, tuition fees will also be payable in subsequent years of your programme.
Paying your tuition fees
Tuition fees can either be paid in full or by instalments. You can check whether you are eligible for UK or international fees with our admissions team.
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.
- 29 August 2025
Application deadline for UK and non visa requiring applicants. We will close applications as soon as the programme is full. Early applications are encouraged.
Before you make your application
Please refer to our six-step process on applying for PhD, MA by Research and MRes opportunities for Arts subject areas, which includes detailed advice on research proposals and how to write them.
We recommend you contact a potential supervisor before applying to this course to discuss your research proposal and which supervisor(s) might be suitable for your area of research.
We have put together some helpful information on the taught programme application process and supporting documents. Please read this information carefully before completing your application.
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.