MA Gender Studies and Law
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
SOAS University of London is internationally recognized for its unique focus on the cultures, societies, and legal systems of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Among its distinguished postgraduate offerings is the MA Gender Studies and Law, an interdisciplinary program that critically examines the intersections of gender, sexuality, law, and human rights. This program is designed for students and professionals who are passionate about gender justice, social transformation, and legal empowerment. It provides an academic space where feminist legal theory meets global socio-political realities, preparing graduates to engage with pressing gender-related challenges in both domestic and international legal contexts. SOAS’s commitment to social justice and its global perspective make it the ideal environment for exploring how gender and law interact across diverse cultures and legal systems.
Curriculum: The curriculum of the MA Gender Studies and Law at SOAS is intellectually rigorous and socially relevant. It draws on critical legal studies, feminist theory, queer studies, and postcolonial perspectives to provide students with a deep understanding of how legal systems shape—and are shaped by—gender dynamics. Core modules typically include topics such as Gender, Law and Society; Feminist Legal Theory; Human Rights and Gender Justice; and Legal Systems of Asia and Africa. In addition, students can choose from a wide range of elective modules, allowing them to tailor their academic experience to specific interests such as sexuality law, gender and migration, law and development, and legal pluralism. The program culminates in a dissertation, offering students the opportunity to conduct in-depth research on a topic of their choice related to gender and law.
Research Focus: SOAS is globally respected for its research excellence in the fields of gender studies, law, and human rights, particularly as they pertain to non-Western societies. The MA Gender Studies and Law program emphasizes a critical, comparative, and interdisciplinary approach to research. Students are encouraged to explore themes such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, legal recognition of LGBTQ+ communities, intersectionality, and access to justice in marginalized communities. The program also promotes the study of legal reform, customary law, and international human rights law from gendered perspectives. Supported by SOAS’s leading academic staff and extensive library resources, students are able to engage in research that is both academically robust and socially impactful.
Industry Engagement: The MA Gender Studies and Law program at SOAS places strong emphasis on bridging academic knowledge with real-world application. Students benefit from the university’s strong connections with NGOs, advocacy groups, international organizations, and legal institutions working on gender equality and human rights. Guest lectures, seminars, and workshops feature experts from the UN, Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch, and grassroots feminist organizations, offering students firsthand insights into contemporary legal and gender issues. Many students also have the opportunity to gain practical experience through internships and collaborative projects with these institutions. This industry engagement enhances employability and ensures that students can apply their academic training in impactful ways across various sectors.
Global Perspective: One of the most distinctive aspects of the MA Gender Studies and Law at SOAS is its global and decolonial outlook. The program challenges Eurocentric approaches to law and gender by centering the experiences and legal traditions of communities in Africa, Asia, and the Middle East. Students examine how gender and sexuality are regulated in different cultural and legal settings, and how international human rights frameworks interact with local legal practices. This global perspective prepares graduates to work in international and multicultural environments, where nuanced understanding of cultural diversity and intersectionality is essential. Whether addressing women’s rights in the Middle East, LGBTQ+ advocacy in Africa, or gender equality in development projects, SOAS graduates bring a globally informed and critically engaged approach to their work.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 26330
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.0 or 6.5 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 95.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 65.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
SOAS University of London offers a variety of scholarships to support international students pursuing postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to recognize academic excellence and provide financial assistance to students from diverse backgrounds.
SOAS International Scholarships: SOAS University of London offers a range of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These scholarships aim to support students from various regions and backgrounds who are looking to study at the institution. Scholarships vary by program and are awarded based on merit or financial need.
Postgraduate Scholarships: SOAS provides several postgraduate scholarships for international students, including the prestigious SOAS Postgraduate Scholarships. These are awarded based on academic merit and cover partial or full tuition fees. Some specific awards are dedicated to students from particular regions, such as Africa, Asia, or the Middle East, to encourage diverse participation in postgraduate programs.
Regional Scholarships: SOAS University of London provides scholarships for students from specific regions, including the Commonwealth, Africa, Asia, and Latin America. These scholarships are aimed at increasing access to higher education for students from regions with traditionally lower rates of study abroad participation. Some of the notable scholarships include the SOAS Africa Scholarship and the SOAS South Asia Scholarship.
Country-Specific Scholarships: Certain scholarships are tailored to international students from specific countries. For example, SOAS offers scholarships for students from countries like India, China, Nigeria, and others. These scholarships typically cover a portion of tuition fees and may also include additional benefits like travel allowances or accommodation assistance.
External Funding Opportunities: In addition to the internal scholarships offered by SOAS, international students are encouraged to explore external funding sources. The UK government, private organizations, and international agencies often provide scholarships and grants for students pursuing studies in the UK. SOAS offers guidance and resources to help students find external funding options and apply for them.
SOAS Excellence Awards: The SOAS Excellence Awards are designed to support exceptionally talented international students. These awards are often given to those students who have demonstrated outstanding academic potential in their field of study. The Excellence Awards provide significant financial assistance and are available to both undergraduate and postgraduate students.
Graduates of the MA Gender Studies and Law program from SOAS University of London are well-equipped to pursue diverse and impactful careers in the fields of law, human rights, international development, and gender advocacy. The combination of legal expertise and a deep understanding of gender theory allows graduates to work across sectors that aim to address inequality, promote social justice, and challenge gender-based discrimination.
Human Rights Lawyer: One of the most common career paths for graduates is to become a human rights lawyer, specializing in gender-related legal issues. Graduates can work for international organizations, NGOs, or governments, representing clients who face discrimination based on their gender, sexuality, or gender identity. This role may involve advocating for women’s rights, LGBTQ+ rights, or addressing gender-based violence. Human rights lawyers often work in high-profile legal cases, international tribunals, and national courts, ensuring that laws and policies promote gender equality and human dignity.
Gender Equality and Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as policy advisors or consultants for governmental bodies, international organizations, or NGOs focused on gender equality and women’s empowerment. In this role, they assess policies, provide recommendations, and help shape laws that advance gender justice and human rights. They may work on projects addressing issues such as gender-based violence, reproductive rights, workplace discrimination, or the legal recognition of LGBTQ+ communities. Policy advisors use their expertise in both law and gender theory to influence public policy and legislative reform at local, national, and international levels.
NGO and Advocacy Specialist: Many graduates pursue careers with NGOs and advocacy organizations that focus on gender justice, women’s empowerment, and human rights. As gender specialists, they work to raise awareness about gender-based discrimination, organize campaigns, and advocate for policy changes at the local, national, or international level. These specialists often collaborate with marginalized communities to address issues such as access to education, healthcare, and legal representation, with a particular focus on how gender inequality intersects with other forms of social and economic oppression.
International Development Specialist: Graduates may choose to work in international development, focusing on gender equality and sustainable development. In this field, they work with organizations such as the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), World Bank, and various international NGOs to design, implement, and evaluate gender-sensitive development programs. These specialists assess how development projects impact women and other marginalized genders, ensuring that gender considerations are integrated into strategies for poverty reduction, climate resilience, and economic development.
Gender and Legal Researcher: SOAS graduates with a passion for research can pursue careers in academia or research institutions. They may work as gender and legal researchers, conducting studies on a variety of topics such as the impact of law on gender-based violence, the intersection of legal systems and gender equality, or the role of international law in advancing women’s rights. These researchers often publish their findings in academic journals, contributing to the global discourse on gender, law, and justice. Researchers may also work for think tanks, legal research organizations, or government agencies that focus on gender-related legal issues.
Legal Advisor or Consultant in Gender and Development: Graduates can also pursue careers as legal advisors or consultants in organizations focusing on gender and development issues. These professionals offer expertise on gender-sensitive laws, legal frameworks for gender equality, and advocacy strategies to ensure that gender concerns are addressed in development programs, legal reforms, and international treaties. They work with both governments and NGOs, helping to create policies and legal frameworks that enhance gender equality and protect vulnerable populations.
Social Justice and Feminist Activist: For graduates with a strong commitment to activism, becoming a social justice advocate or feminist activist is a viable career path. These professionals work to challenge and dismantle systems of oppression, advocating for gender equality, the rights of women, and the protection of marginalized gender identities. Whether through grassroots organizing, political lobbying, or online campaigns, activists use their knowledge of law, gender studies, and human rights to drive social change. They may collaborate with other activists, community leaders, and policymakers to push for legal and societal reforms that benefit underrepresented and oppressed groups.
Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Manager: Corporations are increasingly adopting corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives that include a focus on gender equality and diversity. Graduates of the MA Gender Studies and Law program may work as CSR managers or diversity and inclusion specialists within corporate organizations. In this role, they ensure that the company’s policies and practices promote gender equality in the workplace, address gender pay gaps, and create inclusive environments for employees of all genders. This position combines legal and gender expertise with practical business management skills.
Public Policy and Gender Consultant: Graduates can also work as consultants specializing in gender and public policy. These consultants provide expertise to government agencies, international organizations, or research firms on gender-sensitive policymaking. They help design, implement, and evaluate gender equality strategies, focusing on issues like gender parity, economic participation, reproductive rights, and the legal recognition of diverse gender identities. Consultants analyze legal and policy documents, identify gaps in gender equality, and recommend practical solutions to ensure that gender considerations are integrated into all areas of governance.
Gender-Focused Media and Communications Specialist: Graduates may also work in media and communications, focusing on gender-related issues. This could include roles as communications officers, media consultants, or public relations specialists for organizations that focus on gender equality, women’s rights, or LGBTQ+ advocacy. These professionals use their skills to craft messages, run campaigns, and engage with the public on critical gender issues. They may also work with the media to raise awareness about legal and gender justice issues, helping shape public opinion and policy discussions.
