MA Transnational Queer Feminist Politics
London
INTAKE: September
Program Overview
This MA program is designed to challenge and expand traditional understandings of gender and sexuality by focusing on the specificities of non-Western contexts. It encourages students to engage with transnational feminist theories, queer studies, and decolonial approaches, fostering a nuanced comprehension of global power dynamics and their impact on marginalized communities.
Curriculum: The curriculum encompasses core modules such as 'Gender Theory and the Study of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East' and 'Queer Politics in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East.' Students have the opportunity to select from a range of electives covering topics like 'Gender, Protest, and Revolution in the Middle East,' 'Queering Migrations and Diasporas,' and 'Transnationalising Queer, Trans, and Disability Studies.' A dissertation component allows for original research, enabling students to delve deeply into areas of personal academic interest.
Research Focus: The Centre for Gender Studies at SOAS serves as the academic hub for this program, promoting research that intersects gender and sexuality with themes such as migration, race, class, political economy, empire, and transnationalism. The faculty includes scholars like Dr. Sophie Chamas, whose work explores the radical political imagination in the Middle East and its diaspora, and Dr. Alyosxa Tudor, whose research connects trans and queer feminist approaches with transnational feminism and postcolonial studies.
Industry Engagement: Graduates are well-prepared for careers in sectors such as international development, human rights advocacy, policy analysis, and cultural consultancy. The program's emphasis on critical thinking and cultural competency equips students to navigate and influence complex socio-political environments effectively. Engagement with organizations focused on gender and sexuality issues, particularly within the contexts of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, is a key component of the program.
Global Perspective: SOAS's commitment to decolonizing knowledge production is evident in this program's approach, which seeks to disrupt Eurocentric paradigms and center voices from the Global South. Initiatives like GenderX exemplify this commitment by examining how the category of 'gender' is constructed across different contexts and time periods, incorporating transnational feminist, queer, and decolonial perspectives.
Location
London
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 25320
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 Transnational Queer Feminist Politics at SOAS University of London are uniquely positioned to pursue diverse and impactful career paths across academia, advocacy, policy, and cultural sectors. The program's emphasis on decolonial, intersectional, and transnational perspectives equips students with critical skills highly sought after in today's global landscape.
Academic and Research Careers: The program provides a solid foundation for those aiming to engage in advanced postgraduate research in Gender Studies with a regional specialization. Graduates are well-prepared to pursue doctoral studies or academic positions that focus on gender and sexuality within Asian, African, and Middle Eastern contexts. The specialized research training offered by the program enhances their ability to contribute to scholarly discourse in these areas.
Advocacy and Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs): The specialized study of gender and sexuality in relation to the cultures of Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, combined with rigorous training in contemporary gender and queer theory, prepares graduates for roles in NGOs and advocacy groups. They can contribute to programs that address gender and sexual diversity, human rights, and social justice, particularly in transnational contexts.
Policy and Government Roles: The program's focus on the complex specificities of Asia, Africa, and the Near and Middle East equips graduates with the cultural competence and analytical skills necessary for policy development and advisory roles. They can work with governmental agencies or international bodies to inform policies related to gender, sexuality, and human rights.
Cultural and Media Industries: Graduates can apply their understanding of transnational queer feminist politics in cultural institutions, media organizations, and publishing. Their insights into gender and sexuality across different cultures enable them to curate inclusive content, develop educational programs, and engage in cultural analysis that resonates with diverse audiences.
International Development and Humanitarian Work: The program's emphasis on decolonial perspectives and the study of gender and sexuality in various legal and political contexts prepares graduates for roles in international development and humanitarian organizations. They can design and implement programs that address the needs of marginalized communities, ensuring that interventions are culturally sensitive and inclusive.
