Who is this course for?  

The MA/PDip in Gender, Globalisation and Rights will benefit anyone seeking to expand professional opportunities open to them by deepening their understanding of international development, human rights and other global issues, from a gender perspective. It is suitable for graduates and mature students wishing to pursue a career in advocacy, in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion, policy research, communications, public service or advanced academic research, where knowledge of global issues and gender are important. Graduates are prepared to work at all levels of non-governmental organisations, research institutes, private companies, foundations, government bodies (e.g., UN, EU), and media organisations. 

What will I study?  

All MA Students are required to complete 90 credits (ECTs) worth of modules—70 ECTs will be taught core and optional modules. A further 20 ECTs will be awarded for the successful completion of a final research paper. 

Postgraduate Diploma Students are required to complete 60 credits (ECTs) worth of modules, combining core and option modules. 

Core Modules  

• Feminist and Gender Theorising I: Key concepts in context – (5 ECT) 
• Feminist and Gender Theorising II: Issues and Debates in Contemporary Feminism – (5 ECT)
• Research Paper – (20 ECT)
• Research Methods & Methodology – (10 ECT)
• Gender, Women and Human Rights – (5 ECT)
• Gender Perspectives on Globalisation – (10 ECT)
• Research Workshops I – (5 ECT) 
• Research Workshops II – (5 ECT)  

Optional Modules  

• Women, Conflict and Human Security – (5 ECT)
• Applied Gender Analyses – (5 ECT)
• Gender, Sexuality and Global Health – (10 ECT) 
• Development and Human Rights – (5 ECT)
• Field-Based Learning – (5 ECT)
• Professional Experience – (10 ECT)
• ENGLIGHT Summer School: Equity and Sustainability Transitions – (5 ECT) 
• Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy – (10 ECT)

Curriculum Information

• Collaborative Community: The MA in Gender Globalisation and Rights offers the opportunity to be part of a thriving post-graduate community within the wider School of Political Science and Sociology.
• Master core concepts: acquire the theoretical, conceptual and practical tools needed to apply a gender perspective and undertake gender analyses in relevant domains of practice and employment at local, national and international levels, as well as for advanced research at doctoral level and beyond.
• Enhance analytical skills: In-depth study of the gender dimensions of globalisation and global issues, through an interdisciplinary programme that combines the fields of: gender and women’s studies, feminist economics, international development, human rights, and peace and conflict studies.
• Develop professional expertise: Develop capacity to design and deliver human rights based and culturally sensitive programmes and policies.
• Improve communication skills: Enhance their skills in communication and innovative thinking. 

This programme will benefit anyone seeking to expand the professional opportunities open to them by deepening their understanding of international development, human rights and other global issues, from a gender perspective. It is suitable for graduates and mature students, wishing to pursue a career in advocacy, in the field of equality, diversity and inclusion, policy research, communications, public service or advanced academic research, where knowledge of global issues and gender are important. Graduates are prepared to work at all levels of non-governmental organisations, research institutes, private sector, government bodies (e.g., UN, EU), and media organisations.

International Field Trip 

This course provides students with opportunities for experiential learning through the undertaking of local or international fieldtrip visits that builds key leadership skills, provides opportunities for networking and enhances their understanding of their subject. It provides scope for participants to observe, describe and evaluate site-based learning, to explore how to apply new learning, to identify connections and to communicate findings and analysis. It enhances inter-personal skills, student capacity and confidence, insight and ideas regarding further studies and professional careers. Workshops are organised in advance of the visit and following the visit.   

The European Union is today by far the most advanced and integrated international organisation. Brussels is at the heart of EU public policy-making and is an important centre for lobbyists, civil society organisations and NGOs who care about having a voice in EU policy-making. The field-trip to Brussels aims to help students to understand the complexities of EU policy-making, to identify key stakeholders in EU policy-making and to understand the real-world, day-to-day challenges involved. It typically includes a visit to the European Parliament or European Commission, a tour of the EU district focused on understanding lobbying and meetings with groups concerned with EU policy, including groups concerned with children, youth and community development. 

Community learning and research collaborations involves a 6 week placement spent with a partner organization, working on a research project, or as an editorial assistant as an assessed component of the MA experience. The module aims to enhance the civic engagement, collaborative, and student-led dimensions of the programme. Students may be partnered with a well-established NGO or agency concerned with social issues, development, equality or human rights where they have opportunities to bring their knowledge, critical analysis and a gender lens to assist in meeting the needs of the organisation and the groups it serves. Community partners include organisations engaged in research, education, advocacy, policy processes and/or service provision in areas relevant to the MA in Gender Globalisation and Rights themes, at local, national and/or international levels.

Examples of participating partners include: Amnesty International, Galway Rape Crisis Centre, Galway City Partnership, ARD Family Resource Centre, AkiDwA, Irish Family Planning Association, National Women’s Council of Ireland, EQUAL Ireland, Trócaire and Safe Ireland among others.

Students may also work on research projects where they develop specific research and teamworking skills. These research placements provide students with the opportunity to develop skills in collaboration and team work, research activities including methods, planning and dissemination. Research-based placements may also involve interaction with community organisations who are stake-holders or funders in the research.

• Dr Stacey Scriver
• Dr Danielle Kennan
• Dr Sarah Jenkins
• Dr Brian McGrath
• Dr Su-ming Khoo
• Jacqueline Murphy
• Dr Judith O’Connell
• Dr Mary McGill 

How will I learn? 

Students will be assessed on a continuous basis. Assessment will vary from module to module, involving a combination of written assignments, such as, essays, project work, engagement with discussion boards. Central to students’ assessment is their final research project. 

The Centre for Global Women's Studies at University of Galway is committed to community learning and research through the provision of the MA In Gender Globalisation and Rights, applied and basic gender research, and community engagement that build cross-disciplinary knowledge and understanding of gender and global issues through a critical human rights lens. 

Course queries: 
Nata.duvvury@universityofgalway.ie   

Programme Director(s):  

Professor Nata Duvvury,  
Established Professor & Director Centre for Global Women’s Studies 
School of Political Science and Sociology  
College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies 

E: Nata.duvvury@universityofgalway.ie   
T: 091 495 399 

University of Galway recognises that knowledge and skills can be acquired from a range of learning experiences. This is in line with the National Framework of Qualifications (NFQ) goals which aim to recognise all learning achievements by supporting the development of alternative pathways to qualifications (or awards) and by facilitating the recognition of prior learning (RPL). 

Graduates of the MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights will be equipped with the knowledge, skills and practical experience needed to address the gender dimensions of globalisation and global issues from gender-based violence, global health crises and intersectional inequalities, to trafficking, conflict, climate change and extremism. Course participants gain an advanced understanding of global policies and norms in relation to development, human rights, and conflict, peace and security. Field-based learning and professional placements offer experiential learning that enhances employability.

Minimum Entry Requirements 

A Level 8 degree with upper Second Class Honours (2.1), or better, in a primary degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent international qualification. Publications and/or professional experience may be considered if the formal requirements are not completely satisfied. 

English Language Entry Requirements 

For applicants whose first language is not English, an English language proficiency of IELTS score of 6.5 is required (with no less than  6.0 in any other band) or equivalent.  

More information on English language test equivalency are available here.  

Supporting Documents

You will be required to provide supporting documentation as part of your application. You can check here what supporting documents are required for this course.   

Applicants must submit an academic writing sample such as class or seminar essay.

You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Please review the entry requirements set out in the section above.  

You will be required to upload supporting documentation to your application electronically. See the section above on entry requirements for further information on the supporting documentation required for this course.  

Closing Dates 

For this programme, there is no specific closing date for receipt of applications. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and course quotes will be reviewed continuously throughout the application cycle.  

Notes 

• You will need an active email account to use the website and you'll be guided through the system, step by step, until you complete the online form.
• Browse the FAQ's section for further guidance.  

Fees for Academic Year 2026/27

For 26/27 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 1.8% per annum for continuing years fees.

Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,500 towards your tuition (2026/27).  You will be liable for the remainder of the total fee.  A P1 grant is where SUSI will pay tuition up to a maximum of €6,270. SUSI will not cover the student levy of €140.

Note to non-EU students: learn about the 24-month Stayback Visa here. 

The Field Trip is an optional component of the programme and is not included in the tuition fee. Students who choose to participate are responsible for covering their own expenses except for accommodation, which is covered by the school. Total estimated cost is approximately €250 - €350 (flights, return bus to Dublin Airport, food, travel in Belgium). Costs may vary from year to year. 

Postgraduate Excellence Scholarships 

This scholarship is valued at €1,500 for EU students applying for full-time taught master's postgraduate courses. You will be eligible if: 

• You have been accepted to a full-time taught master's course at University of Galway,
• You have attained a first class honours (or equivalent) in a Level 8 primary degree.  

An application for the scholarship scheme is required (separate to the application for a place on the programme). The application portal for 2025 is now open and available here. Applications will close on the 30th September 2025. Full details available here.  

Global Scholarships
University of Galway offers a range of merit-based scholarships to students from a number of countries outside of the EU. Visit here for schemes currently available.  

Application Process 

Students applying for full time postgraduate programmes from outside of the European Union (EU), You can apply online to the University of Galway application portal here.  

Our application portal opens on the 1st October each year for each the following September.   

Further Information 

Please visit the postgraduate admissions webpage for further information on closing dates, documentation requirements, application fees and the application process.

School of Political Science and Sociology
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/soc/  

Centre for Global Women's Studies  
https://www.universityofgalway.ie/globalwomensstudies/