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Masters in Women's Studies

College of Arts, Celtic Studies and Social Sciences
PAC Course Code: CKE03
Qualification: MA
Duration: 1 year full time (September to October) The MA in Women’s Studies classes are held from 4.00pm- 6.00pm on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays with some further classes such as library training sessions, organised for 2.00pm at specific times in the college year.
EU Fees: The current Irish/EU tuition fee level for this Master programme for the 2011/2012 (1 year full-time) is €5,400
Non-EU Fees: €11,620 for 2011/2012. Fees for 2012/2013 will be set in March 2012.
Closing Date - EU Applicants: Fri, 01 June 12
Closing Date - Non-EU Applicants: Fri, 01 June 12

Overview of Women's Studies (MA)

The MA in Women's Studies course is a varied programme that has 'Women and Society' as its central theme. It provides students with a training in research skills and an introduction to feminist theories and research methodologies that they apply to an analysis of the changing roles of women.

In the period September-April, a range of themes will be explored in lectures, seminars and fieldtrips, some by guest speakers from outside UCC. These themes vary from year to year, but are likely to include the following:

·         Representations of women in History, Literature and Popular Culture (including music and film)
·         Third World Feminisms
·         Gender and Sexuality
·         Women, Work and Family
·         Women and Social Policy
·         Women and Politics
·         Violence Against Women

The teaching team is drawn from a range of departments which may also vary from year to year, but members usually come from among the following: Applied Social Studies, English, Folklore, French, History, Linguistics, Law, Philosophy and Sociology.

More Information: http://www.ucc.ie/en/DepartmentsCentresandUnits/WomensStudies/

What will I be Studying?

The programme combines lectures, seminars, directed readings and thesis research. Students' work will be assessed on the basis of the following:

Four essays, a literature review and a reflective journal to be written between October and April
A minor thesis, of 18,000-20,000 words, which must be completed and submitted by early October.
Each student will have arrived at a thesis topic which has been agreed with a supervisor at the beginning of Teaching Period 2
There will also be one student-led seminar, held during the second half of the academic year, in which each student will give a brief presentation, and lead a class discussion

Note: Candidates who achieve 30 credits or more in the year’s work but who fail, or fail to submit, the dissertation may be awarded a Postgraduate Certificate in Women’s Studies.

Entry Requirements

An applicant will normally have a primary degree at Second Class Honours level or the equivalent. Candidates with relevant experience in the areas of community work, industry, or the professions are also invited to apply. Candidates will be asked to submit an essay of at least 1000 words on a book, experience, or personal contact which stimulated their interest in Women's Studies. Further examples of applicants' work may be requested. Candidates are usually required to attend for an interview.

English Language Requirements:

IELTS 6.5 or TOEFL equivalent

Part-Time Taught Postgraduate Programmes

Please note that non-EU applicants are not eligible to study part-time programmes

Application Procedure

Application for this programme is on-line at www.pac.ie/ucc. For full details of the application procedure click How to apply.

Please note you will be required to answer specific additional/supplementary questions as part of the online applications process for this programme. A copy of these additional/supplementary questions are available to view here:- CKE03AdditionalQuestions (286kB)

In addition to answering the online additional supplementary questions, ALL APPLICANTS for the MA in Women's Studies MUST submit an ESSAY of at least 1,000 words on a book, experience or personal contact, which stimulated their interested in Women’s Studies. The essay provides an opportunity for applicants to demonstrate their referencing skills and it should have a bibliography attached. The completed essay MUST be POSTED directly to Dr. Sandra McAvoy, MA in Women’s Studies Programme Coordinator: Department of History, University College Cork as soon as possible after applying online (marked with the applicant's name and PAC appliation number)

All other required supporting documentation (e.g. evidence of non-UCC undergraduate/postgraduate qualifications) must be UPLOADED via the PAC "Application Status" link or sent in hard copy to The Postgraduate Applications Centre, 1, Courthouse Square, Galway (marked with the applicants PAC application number)

Career Opportunities

An MA in Women’s Studies and Graduate Opportunities

An MA is a higher degree and in their year of study students develop transferable skills that enhance their employment potential, including:

·         Critical thinking
·         Analytic skills
·         Innovative approaches
·         Gender expertise
·         Understanding of power dynamics
·         Understanding of diversity
·         Awareness of social justice issues
·         Self-confidence

Recent European studies [1] suggest that Women’s Studies graduates enter a wide range of occupations in the public and private sectors. Some seek work related to their areas of study while others carry their skills into new areas.

Potential Areas of Employment may include:

·         Equal opportunities/equality advisory
·         Research and education
·         Non-Governmental Organisations
·         Journalism and information sector
·         Social and Health sector

Higher Degrees/Further Studies:

For some, the experience of studying Women’s Studies opens up new possibilities within academia such as studying for a PhD. [UCC offers a PhD in Women’s Studies]
Some students recognise the potential for a change of direction and further professional training, e.g. studying law, training as a social worker or counsellor.

[1] For further information see: Gabrielle Griffin (ed.) Doing Women’s Studies. Employment Opportunities, Personal Impacts and Social Consequences, London: Zed Books, 2005.

Find out More

Number of Places: 15

http://www.ucc.ie/en/DepartmentsCentresandUnits/WomensStudies/

Those who would like to discuss course issues, including the time commitment can talk to
Dr Sandra McAvoy
Department of History, UCC
Telephone: 00 353 21 490 3654
Email: sandra.mcavoy@ucc.ie

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