Overview
Would you like to acquire an in-depth knowledge relating to today’s societal debates and perspectives around gender and sexuality? If you are keen to learn about, to understand and to analyse Sexual Orientation and Gender Identity (SOGI) matters in Irish, European and global contexts, then DCU’s MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies is for you.
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies is a cross-disciplinary postgraduate programme drawing on the latest research in the fields of literary and cultural studies, communications, politics, law, history, and philosophy. The programme interrogates both the complex interrelations between discrimination and oppression in the context of gender and sexuality and opportunities for ownership and empowerment.
Commitment to diversity and intersectionality lies at the heart of this programme; it is open to applicants from a range of academic disciplines and personal backgrounds. In keeping with this ethos, the programme provides a multi-disciplinary space for academic dialogue that centres on marginalised voices and non-hegemonic perspectives.
The programme is delivered collaboratively by a number of Schools across the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences. Postgraduate students undertaking the MA are encouraged and supported to actively participate in the sexuality-and-gender-studies-related seminars, events and conferences organised under the aegis of EROSS@DCU and the DCU Institute for Research on Genders and Sexualities (IRGS).
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies offers a diverse range of modules delivered by academic experts in DCU on topics from a variety of areas of gender and sexuality studies. These can include Women’s, Masculinity and Queer Studies as well as Crip Studies and Porn Studies. Students are supported in acquiring a deep understanding in these areas and also in finding their own voices as researchers.
Students have the opportunity to design their studies according to their own interests and goals by choosing two optional modules over the duration of their studies, in addition to four core modules that all students take. In the latter stages of their studies, students who wish to attain an MA degree produce a longer piece of original research in the form of a dissertation. Students who wish to attain a Graduate Diploma in Gender and Sexuality Studies complete all coursework apart from the dissertation.
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies prepares graduates for careers and roles in a broad range of areas and workplaces. These include cultural and artistic environments, academic research at doctoral level, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), public health and health education.
DCU People
My name is Olga Springer and I am the chairperson of the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies at DCU.
Read more about Olga Springer
Careers & Further Options
Careers
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies prepares graduates for careers and roles in a broad range of areas and workplaces. These include cultural and artistic environments, academic research at doctoral level, Equality, Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), public health and health education.
DCU graduates are highly sought after by employers. Our Graduates work in environments ranging from large multinationals to SMEs, family businesses and start-ups across every sector.
DCU Careers Service has a number of learning and development initiatives in place for our students, giving them the skills they need for a successful career path."
Entry Requirements
For admission to the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies, successful applicants will have:
• A degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent, in any undergraduate discipline.
• Applicants with appropriate combinations of professional qualifications and experience may also be considered. This includes discipline-specific knowledge and know-how; transferable skills; basic research competency; personal effectiveness.
• Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) applicants are required to submit a cover letter along with their application under the Transcripts section of the portal, affirming their intent to apply for RPL. For more information on RPL see here.
• International candidates, who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language. http://www.dcu.ie/registry/english.shtml
Programme Structure
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies degree programme is offered both as a full-time option over one year and as a part-time option over two years.
Assessment for this programme is based on continuous assessment.
Full-time students complete all requirements of the degree programme within a single year.
Semester 1 Core Modules
- Gender and Sexuality Theories and Criticism
- Representations of Genders and Sexualities in Literature and the Arts
Semester 2 Core Modules
- Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture
- Gender and Politics
Year-long Core Module
- Research Methods
Autumn Core Module
- Master’s Dissertation
In addition to the Core modules, students choose two optional modules over the course of their studies. Optional modules focus on a range of different relevant themes.
Examples currently include:
- Gender, Sexuality and Migration
- Gender and Society in Ireland
- Human Rights and Social Justice
All module information is indicative and subject to change.
Part-time students complete all requirements of the degree programme within two years.
Year 1:
Semester 1 Core Module
- Gender and Sexuality Theories and Criticism
Semester 2 Core Module
- Gender and Politics
Year 2:
Semester 1 Core Module
- Representations of Genders and Sexualities in Literature and the Arts
Semester 2 Core Module
- Gender and Sexuality in Digital Culture
Year-long Core Module
- Research Methods
Autumn Core Module
- Master’s Dissertation
In addition to the Core modules, part-time students choose one optional module each in Year 1 and Year 2. Optional modules focus on a range of different relevant themes.
Examples currently include:
- Gender, Sexuality and Migration
- Gender and Society in Ireland
- Human Rights and Social Justice
All module information is indicative and subject to change.
Fees and Funding
Fees
All programme fees are per annum and subject to an annual increase.
How To Apply
To apply for this programme:
All Applicants must apply through DCU's Student Application Portal which is available here.
Here's a quick step by step guide if you need help with your application:
Provide Academic Transcripts for each and every year of study with English translation, if applicable.
If applicable, provide evidence of competence in the English language as per DCU entry requirements. Please see link https://www.dcu.ie/registry/english-language-requirements-non-native-speakers-english-registry
Application Deadlines
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the programme is full or until the following dates:
- Closing date for non EU applicants is 01st July 2026
- Closing date for EU applicants is 31st July 2026
Note applicants who require a study visa for the purposes of studying at DCU, are advised to apply as early as possible.
All entry requirements should be met before the commencement of the programme.
Deferrals:
Please note deferrals of offer are not permitted on this programme.
Application Queries
For EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/eu-postgraduate-taught-admissions or email postgraduateadmissions@dcu.ie
For non EU applicant queries, please visit https://www.dcu.ie/registry/international-admissions-undergraduate-and-postgraduate or email internationaladmissions@dcu.ie
Commencement of Programme
The programme commences in September 2026
Life On Campus
At DCU, our students can expect a unique campus experience. We are known for our excellent teaching and learning facilities, our active clubs and societies, and our great social and sporting facilities. All this makes DCU an exciting place to be.
DCU has three academic campuses; Glasnevin, St. Patrick’s and All Hallows (both in Drumcondra), all close to Dublin City centre.
They can be reached by public transport, Dublin Bus and Bus Éireann, with our Drumcondra campuses a ten minute walk from Drumcondra Train Station. Glasnevin is a 20 minute walk from St Patrick’s and All Hallows. They are also linked by Dublin Bus.
Each campus has a library (O’Reilly, Cregan and Woodlock Hall), study spaces, restaurants, and on-campus residencies. There are sports facilities on Glasnevin and St. Patrick’s, and there is a dedicated sports campus, St Claire’s, located near Glasnevin on the Ballymun Road.
DCU’s 19,000 students have access to exceptional teaching and learning facilities across our three academic campuses.
These include modern learning theatres, research centres, a new media and TV studio, radio/podcast studios, computer suites and advanced labs in the areas of Languages, Engineering, Physics, Chemistry and Biotechnology, as well as a Sports Performance centre and a training hospital ward. In 2021, we opened our first virtual reality ‘Leadership Lab’, which is located in our Business School.
We continue to improve and update our facilities. For example, construction of a new world-class STEM facility is underway on the Glasnevin campus. With capacity for an extra 3,000 STEM students, this facility will advance DCU’s international reputation for excellence in science and health, computing and engineering disciplines.
Studying in DCU isn’t just about course work. The university is rich in student life and activities.
There are more than 140 clubs and societies for students in DCU, with ‘Clubs & Socs’ days taking place on both the Glasnevin and Drumcondra campuses at the start of the academic year. They span everything from rugby to rock climbing, anime to jazz.
For many students, sport is an important part of the DCU experience. DCU’s Sports Complex boasts a 25 metre swimming pool, fitness centre gym, all-weather pitches and squash courts, as well as soccer, GAA and rugby pitches. DCU Dóchas Éireann, the university’s GAA club, is the largest third level Gaelic Games club in the country. Meanwhile, DCU Athletics has been Ireland’s highest achieving university club for many years. And DCU has dozens of other clubs to get involved in, from Archery to Weightlifting.
The Glasnevin campus is home to our purpose built, state-of-the-art student centre, The U, which serves the needs of a rapidly growing student body. Here, you will find the Student Leadership and Lifeskills Centre, performing arts and cultural spaces for students and the wider community, and the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Hub. Also located on our Glasnevin campus is The Helix, our renowned performing arts centre.
On our St Patrick’s campus, we have the Java Student Hub, a vibrant, warm and welcoming space where students can meet for coffee, play music, use the projector to watch events, or just relax. The walls of the Java Hub were designed based on the cultural history of St Patrick’s Campus, including the special references to the notable sporting history and history of the arts.
We have a number of academic, professional and social supports for students.
Student Advice & Learning Skills Centre - Offers a wide range of supports and services to students and advice
The Writing Centre - drop-in writing workshops for students through the academic year
Maths Learning Centre - provides maths support for students of all ability levels with maths modules
Student Learning - facilitate the transition from passive to active learning for students at DCU, by teaching study skills, nurturing critical thinking and building student confidence.
Careers work with students to help them on their professional journey into graduate employment.
Our student support team offers a comprehensive support programme, helping students make that all important transition into university life and focusing on building confidence and skills which are key to success at third level.
DCU Glasnevin Campus
FAQs
What are the entry requirements for the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies?
For admission to the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies, successful applicants will have a degree at the level of an Irish or UK Honours undergraduate degree (H2.2 or above) or equivalent.
The university process for the Recognition of Prior Learning applies to this programme.
International candidates who are non-native speakers of English must satisfy the University of their competency in the English language.
When does the course begin?
The MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies programme commences in September 2026.
Can I pursue the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies as a European or International student?
Yes:
As a citizen of the EEA (European Economic Area), admission and course fees will be the same as for Irish students.
For further information for international applicants, please see DCU’s International Postgraduate Admissions page.
Can I pursue the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies on a part-time or distance basis?
The MA is being offered in part-time mode (two years) as well as full-time mode (one year). There is currently no hybrid or online option available.
I am a DCU student within the framework of the Age-Friendly University.
Can I take modules offered on the MA in Gender and Sexuality Studies?
Yes, select modules of this MA programme will be open to students of the DCU Age-Friendly University on an audit or credit basis.
Is DCU all one campus?
DCU is a multi campus university - the Glasnevin, St Patrick's and All Hallows campuses. The St Patrick's campus is where the Education courses are taught and some of the subjects from the BA Joint Honours degree. There is a 20-25 minute walk between the campuses but there are buses and bikes available to go between them also.
Click here to see maps of all of our campuses
If I'm studying on the St Patrick's campus, can I use the library and sports centre on the Glasnevin campus?
Yes, all facilities such as sports and accommodation are open for all DCU students to avail of.
Are there libraries in DCU and if they have wifi and work stations?
We have a brand new state of the art four floor library on our St. Patrick's Campus which complements the existing library on the Glasnevin campus. There is free wifi, work stations as well as desktop computers.
Does DCU provide accommodation?
DCU does have on-campus accommodation for undergraduate and postgraduate students, and you can find out more and apply via the Accommodation Office webpage.
