MA Gender, Sexuality and Culture
Manchester, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
05 Jul 2026*
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 27,000 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* due to high demand for this course, we operate a staged admissions process with multiple selection deadlines throughout the year, to maintain a fair and transparent approach
** international student full-time fee
Study gender and sexuality from a social, cultural, political and historical perspective.
Course overview
- Deepen your understanding of gender and sexuality - two of the most powerful concepts shaping contemporary life
- Gain critical insight into the histories and politics of feminist, queer, and trans studies, including the UK’s first dedicated module on ‘Trans Theory’
- Join the vibrant research culture of the Centre for the Study of Sexuality and Culture - home to pioneering projects like the AHRC-funded research network “Beyond Radical: Queer Theory and the UK”
- Connect with leading thinkers and creatives at the Manchester Sexuality Summer School, an annual event exploring cutting-edge debates in the field
- Immerse yourself in Manchester’s dynamic feminist, queer, and trans cultural scene - unmatched anywhere else in the north of England
- The University of Manchester is a world-leading institution, ranked in the top 50 globally for Arts and Humanities by Times Higher Education 2025
This course opens doors to careers in:
- Policy and government
- Human rights and advocacy
- Publishing and media
- NGOs and non-profits
- Academic research and teaching
You’ll graduate with critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills that employers value - and a deep understanding of cultural change in action.
The University has its own dedicated Careers Service that you would have full access to as a student and for two years after you graduate. At Manchester you will have access to a number of opportunities to help boost your employability.
The MA in Gender, Sexuality and Culture isn’t just a degree, it’s an invitation to rethink the world we live in.
Whether you're passionate about LGBTQ+ rights, feminist theory, queer and trans theory, or the cultural politics of identity, this bold and interdisciplinary course gives you the tools to explore gender and sexuality in powerful, transformative ways. Taught by leading voices in the field, you’ll connect theory with real-world impact — from trans studies and queer cinema to race, pop culture, and political resistance.
What makes us unique?
- Interdisciplinary to the core – Study across English, American Studies, Art History, Politics, History, Modern Languages, Theology, Sociology, Anthropology, and more
- Research-rich environment – Home to the Centre for the Study of Sexuality and Culture (CSSC), a national and international centre of excellence for gender and sexuality studies
- Live culture meets academic thought – Manchester’s festivals, museums, and queer arts scenes add fuel to your studies
- Global perspectives – Tackle debates that matter across borders: intersectionality, trans rights, postcolonial identities, and the legacies of the AIDS crisis
This course is made for the curious and the critical.
Special features
Sexuality Summer School
An unforgettable week-long event bringing together international scholars, artists, and students to explore the cutting edge of feminist, queer and trans theory, culture, and activism.
Dynamic Research Culture
Join a buzzing intellectual community shaped by the CSSC, the Morgan Centre, CIDRAL, and many scholars working across the University on diverse topics from LGBTQ+ inclusion in healthcare to the cultural politics of chem sex.
Cultural Manchester
Manchester enjoys a dynamic cultural scene. Annual festivals celebrate everything from contemporary literature to gay rights.
Teaching and learning
You’ll learn through seminars, lectures, workshops, and independent research, led by staff including:
- Prof. Jackie Stacey - Media and Cultural Studies
- Dr Monica Pearl - 20th Century American Literature
- Dr Gareth Gavin - Creative Writing
- Dr Ben Nichols -Gender and Sexuality Studies
- Prof. Daniela Caselli - Modern Literature
Coursework and assessment
You will be assessed in a variety of ways depending on the units you take, including written assignments, participation in discussions, and presentations.
Course unit details
You will undertake units totalling 180 credits. Core and optional units combine to make 120 credits, with the remaining 60 credits allocated to the dissertation.