Gender and sexuality shape nearly every aspect of one’s social relationships and contribute significantly to one’s self-confidence. Dominant notions about gender and sexuality norms are ingrained in society and resistance to or restructuring of these norms contributes to social change.

Gender and sexuality studies is an interdisciplinary concentration that examines the construction of gender and sexuality in social, cultural, political, economic and scientific contexts from a globally informed perspective. It examines how gender and sexuality relate to social categories such as race, class, ethnicity, disability and age to produce complex social identities.

By integrating theoretical and empirical knowledge, gender and sexuality majors and minors learn to practice critical thinking on issues of gender and sexual identity and develop strong research, communication and writing skills.

Study levels:

Gender and Sexuality studies can be studied at the undergraduate, post-graduate and doctoral level. Across different universities, courses include:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Gender and Women’s Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Sexuality, Gender, and Queer Studies
• Bachelor of Science in Women’s Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Women’s and Gender Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Sexuality, Gender, and Queer Studies
• Bachelor of Arts in Gender and Diversity
• Bachelor of Arts in Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Studies
• Pre-Bachelor’s Degree in Sexual Health Studies
• Master of Science in Social Inequalities
• Master of Science in Equality Studies
• Master’s Degree in Gender, Society, and Culture
• Master of Arts in Gender Studies
• Master of Arts in Critical Gender Studies
• Master of Arts in Transnational Queer Feminist Politics
• Master of Arts in Gender and International Development
• Pre-Master’s Degree in Gender, Sexuality, and Culture
• Postgraduate Certificate in Gender, Women’s and Sexuality Studies
• Postgraduate Certificate in Gender, Race, and Economy
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Gender and Sexuality Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Gender and Women’s Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Comparative Gender Studies
• Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Women’s, Gender and Sexuality Studies

Specialisations:

Specialisations in Gender and Sexuality studies give students the chance to explore the wide-ranging facets of gender relations and social change which will deepen their knowledge and expertise. These specialisations include:

•  Equality Studies
• Social Research
• Women’s Studies
• Men’s Studies
• LGBTQ Studies
• Inequality: Race, Caste, and Gender
• Psychology of Gender
• Historical Perspectives on Gender Orientation
• Masculinity and Popular Culture
• Human Sexual and Gender Development Issues
• Gender and Law
• Sociology of Gender
• Anti-Gender Mobilizations and Attacks
• Political Violence, War and Gender
• Racial, Sexual, Gender and Class Identities and their Intersections
• Theories of Gender
• Gender Representation in the Media
• Sexual Dissidence
• Human Sexuality
• Gender and Conflict

Employability:

Employment opportunities for graduates with a good understanding in Gender and Sexuality studies are within advocacy groups, government agencies, human rights organisations, non-governmental organisations and social service agencies. Roles that one might take up include:

• Coordinator of Health Services
• Equal Employment Officer
• Gender Consultant
• Gender Development Project Coordinator
• Human Resource Manager
• Psychologist
• Social Worker
• Journalist
• Human Rights Advocate
• Lecturer
• Lobbyist
• Diversity Officer
• Outreach Worker
• Child and Youth Worker
• Sexuality and Sexual Violence Educator
• Policy Analyst
• Public Health Educator
• Public Relations Director
• Teacher
• NGOs