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Gender and Politics MA

2 years part-time, starting in September 2025

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Develop your knowledge of the intersection between gender and politics. You’ll explore the challenges of gender and identity representation across the globe.

Gender and identity continue to grow in importance as political issues. Understanding how this has come to be, and how politics addresses gendered issues, is vital.

Throughout this course, which is one of only a few in the UK that focuses on a combination of gender and politics, you’ll critically analyse gender as a political topic.

By exploring identity in the context of national and international politics, you’ll put yourself in a strong position for a policymaking career.

Through examining how gender and identity intersect with politics, policymaking, international relations and political theory, you’ll enhance your understanding of some of the most pressing challenges faced in society across the globe.

Other topics you’ll cover include:

  • the politics of gender equality
  • the part gender can play in the peace and reconciliation of countries
  • gender in political representation
  • the steps needed to make electoral organisations more gender equal
  • gender in transitional justice

Watch our webinar about this course

Learn from experts in the field

You’ll learn from experts in politics and gender studies, as well as staff in the wider Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies community. This is home to our Gender and Sexuality Research Group and a number of research-active teaching staff with expertise in various aspects of politics and international studies.

Gain important career skills

Our master's is one of a few in the UK that focuses specifically on politics and gender. This gives you the chance to stand out with a qualification in this important area.

You’ll have the opportunity to gain:

  • a deep understanding of how gender dynamics influence policymaking and political theory at a local, regional, national and international level
  • a greater professional network by engaging with leading researchers through workshops, events and guest lectures
  • practical skills in preparation for a number of workplace roles through the critical analysis of real-world case studies, in-class role-play activities, and active discussions and debates about current challenges

Graduate prospects

Studying this course is excellent preparation for working in gender policy roles. You could take your expertise into international organisations, multinational corporations, public bodies or think tanks.

You could also take your studies further to doctoral level.

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 2 years. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2027. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Units

By studying this course part-time, you will need to complete at least one compulsory unit in your first year of study. The other compulsory units, plus the three optional units, can be completed in either year. You will then start your dissertation in Semester 2 (Year 2).

All units can only be studied during the semester that they are taught.

Students usually choose to study three units in each year, followed by the dissertation.

You should discuss and obtain approval for your selection of units at the beginning of each semester of study.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Gender theory

    10 credits

  • Research methods in political science and international relations

    10 credits

Optional units

  • European Union politics in a changing world

    10 credits

  • International terrorism

    10 credits

  • Statecraft and geopolitics in the Indo-Pacific region

    10 credits

  • The global politics of cyberspace

    10 credits

  • The resurgence of reactionary politics

    10 credits

  • Theoretical approaches of international politics and foreign policy

    10 credits

  • War, politics and society: from the mainstream to the critical margins

    10 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • The politics of gender inequality

    10 credits

Optional units

  • Contemporary comparative Russian politics

    10 credits

  • Democracy v technocracy: modernity and risk

    10 credits

  • Gender, security and transitional justice from Global South to Global North

    10 credits

  • Genocides, human rights' violations, and transitional justice

    10 credits

  • Memory cultures and memory politics

    10 credits

  • The politics of Asia and the world

    10 credits

  • The politics of organised crime

    10 credits

  • The politics of the environment

    10 credits

  • Theories of conflict and conflict resolution

    10 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • MA in Gender and Politics dissertation

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

You’ll be taught and assessed by a variety of methods and it will vary between units. These methods are designed to promote in-depth learning and understanding of the subject.

Learning

  • Research project
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Examinations
  • Oral presentation

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Learning and teaching

Students studying the full-time variant of this course are expected to spend approximately 35 hours per week studying, with around 8-10 hours of this being structured classes.

In each semester, part-time students typically study for approximately 50% of the full-time equivalent.

This will be made up of a combination of lectures, seminars, tutorials, and workshops. You will work as an individual and as part of small groups. Structured classes will take place in-person on our Bath campus.

Assessment breakdown

You will experience a balance of different forms of assessment designed to support your professional development. This will include coursework, essays, presentations, examinations, and a dissertation.

We can make reasonable adjustments to assessment procedures for students with disabilities. Read our Disability Service’s pages for information.

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘Without an understanding that people of all genders have equal rights, we can't progress beyond the society in which we live.’
— Cecily Larkman MA Gender and Politics (Graduating year, 2022)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a 2:1 or above.

To apply for this course you should have an undergraduate degree in a social sciences subject. We will also consider graduates with an undergraduate degree in other subjects where you have substantial relevant professional experience.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Gender and Politics MA part-time

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £500 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You will need to budget at least £100 for the cost of photocopying, printing and binding. You will also need to budget for the cost of textbooks.

Some courses involve visits away from campus and you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

If you’re on a placement, you’re responsible for your own travel, accommodation and living costs. You should also consider the financial implications if you go on an unpaid or overseas placement.

Application information

  • Course title
    Gender and Politics
  • Final award
    MA
  • Mode of study
    Part-time
  • Course code
    TDUPL-GP02
  • Department
    Department of Politics, Languages & International Studies
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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