MSc/PgDip Gender History

Program Overview

The MSc/PgDip in Gender History at the University of Glasgow is a one-year, full-time postgraduate program, with the option for part-time study. The program focuses on gender as a historical concept, exploring the diverse ways in which gender has been experienced, understood, and constructed over time. It looks at a range of historical periods, from the early modern period to the contemporary era, and examines how gender has influenced power structures, social movements, and individual experiences. Students engage with a variety of case studies, from feminist movements to the gendered dynamics of colonialism and empire. The program is designed to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, empowering students to challenge historical narratives and interpret gender histories in new ways. Upon completion, students are well-equipped for careers in academia, research, policymaking, education, and public history.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the MSc/PgDip in Gender History combines core modules, optional subjects, and a dissertation project, giving students the flexibility to tailor their learning to their interests. Core modules typically include Theories of Gender and Sexuality, which examines the theoretical frameworks for understanding gender and sexuality in historical contexts, and Gender History: Themes and Debates, a module that explores key themes and historiographical debates in the study of gender. In addition to these, students can choose from a wide array of specialized modules such as Gender, Empire, and Postcolonialism, Gender and War, and Gender and Social Movements. The curriculum is research-intensive, encouraging students to develop expertise in specific topics within gender history. As part of the program, students also undertake an independent research project, culminating in a dissertation, where they can apply their learning to an in-depth study of a particular gender-related historical issue or theme.

Research Focus: The MSc/PgDip in Gender History at the University of Glasgow places a strong emphasis on research, providing students with the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge scholarly work in gender history. The program encourages students to explore various aspects of gender history, including but not limited to the role of gender in colonial and postcolonial contexts, gendered experiences of migration, gender and labor history, and gender in relation to race, class, and sexuality. Research within the program is interdisciplinary, drawing on fields such as cultural history, social history, political history, and gender studies. Students are encouraged to critically engage with primary sources, archival materials, and recent scholarly debates. The program also offers the opportunity to work alongside renowned experts in the field, allowing students to gain exposure to contemporary research projects and methodologies.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a key feature of the MSc/PgDip in Gender History at the University of Glasgow. The program benefits from the university’s strong connections to the academic and cultural sectors, allowing students to gain real-world experience and insights into the field of gender history. Through collaborations with museums, archives, historical societies, and public history organizations, students have opportunities for internships, placements, and fieldwork, where they can apply their knowledge in a professional setting. Additionally, the university hosts regular seminars, conferences, and workshops featuring guest speakers from academia, government, and cultural institutions, offering students the chance to network with professionals in the field of gender history. These industry links also provide students with the chance to explore career pathways in education, research, media, publishing, and beyond.

Global Perspective: The MSc/PgDip in Gender History offers a global perspective on gender history, exploring how gender has been understood and experienced in different parts of the world. The program examines gender relations within local, national, and global contexts, and how historical gender norms have shaped experiences of power, resistance, and identity across cultures. Students explore topics such as global feminist movements, transnational gender studies, and the impact of globalization on gender roles. The program also emphasizes the importance of understanding the interconnectedness of historical gender issues across borders, offering students the tools to engage with global debates about gender equality, human rights, and social justice. Through its diverse curriculum and global focus, the program prepares students to work in an increasingly interconnected world, where gender history plays a central role in shaping contemporary societal issues.