-
Courses
Courses
Choosing a course is one of the most important decisions you'll ever make! View our courses and see what our students and lecturers have to say about the courses you are interested in at the links below.
-
University Life
University Life
Each year more than 4,000 choose University of Galway as their University of choice. Find out what life at University of Galway is all about here.
-
About University of Galway
About University of Galway
Since 1845, University of Galway has been sharing the highest quality teaching and research with Ireland and the world. Find out what makes our University so special – from our distinguished history to the latest news and campus developments.
-
Colleges & Schools
Colleges & Schools
University of Galway has earned international recognition as a research-led university with a commitment to top quality teaching across a range of key areas of expertise.
-
Research & Innovation
Research & Innovation
University of Galway’s vibrant research community take on some of the most pressing challenges of our times.
-
Business & Industry
Guiding Breakthrough Research at University of Galway
We explore and facilitate commercial opportunities for the research community at University of Galway, as well as facilitating industry partnership.
-
Alumni & Friends
Alumni & Friends
There are 128,000 University of Galway alumni worldwide. Stay connected to your alumni community! Join our social networks and update your details online.
-
Community Engagement
Community Engagement
At University of Galway, we believe that the best learning takes place when you apply what you learn in a real world context. That's why many of our courses include work placements or community projects.
Gender, Globalisation and Rights (MA)
MA/Postgraduate Diploma (Gender, Globalisation and Rights) full-time or part-time
College of Arts, Social Sciences & Celtic Studies, School of Political Science and Sociology- Title of Award
- Masters / Postgraduate Diploma
- Average Intake
- 15
- Delivery
- On Campus
- NFQ
- Level 9
- Award Type
- Major
- Next Intake
- September 2025
- Duration
- 1 year, full-time | 2 years, part-time
- ECTS Weighting
- 90 | PDip 60
Why Choose This Course?
Course Information
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
Curriculum information relates to the current academic year (in most cases).Course and module offerings and details may be subject to change.
Glossary of Terms
- Credits
- You must earn a defined number of credits (aka ECTS) to complete each year of your course. You do this by taking all of its required modules as well as the correct number of optional modules to obtain that year's total number of credits.
- Module
- An examinable portion of a subject or course, for which you attend lectures and/or tutorials and carry out assignments. E.g. Algebra and Calculus could be modules within the subject Mathematics. Each module has a unique module code eg. MA140.
- Subject
- Some courses allow you to choose subjects, where related modules are grouped together. Subjects have their own required number of credits, so you must take all that subject's required modules and may also need to obtain the remainder of the subject's total credits by choosing from its available optional modules.
- Optional
- A module you may choose to study.
- Required
- A module that you must study if you choose this course (or subject).
- Required Core Subject
- A subject you must study because it's integral to that course.
- Semester
- Most courses have 2 semesters (aka terms) per year, so a three-year course will have six semesters in total. For clarity, this page will refer to the first semester of year 2 as 'Semester 3'.
Year 1 (90 Credits)
RequiredSP6146: Research Methods & Methodology - 10 Credits - Semester 1RequiredSP6145: Research Paper - 20 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredSP6135: Research Workshops I - 5 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredSP6131: Gender, Women and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredSP6132: Feminist and Gender Theorising I: Key concepts in context - 5 Credits - Semester 1
RequiredGG101: Gender Perspectives on Globalisation - 10 Credits - Semester 1
OptionalGG106: Women, Conflict and Human Security - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalGG113: Applied Gender Analyses - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalGG6109: Gender, Sexuality and Global Health - 10 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalGG6103: Development and Human Rights - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalSP6128: Field-Based Learning - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalSP6127: Professional Experience - 10 Credits - Semester 1
OptionalSP6151: ENGLIGHT Summer School: Equity and Sustainability Transitions - 5 Credits - Semester 2
OptionalSP6122: Social and Political Context of Activism and Advocacy - 10 Credits - Semester 2
RequiredSP6136: Research Workshops II - 5 Credits - Semester 2
RequiredSP6133: Feminist and Gender Theorising II: Issues and Debates in Contemporary Feminism - 5 Credits - Semester 2
- 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.
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.
Accreditations & Awards
Meet our Employers
Entry Requirements and Fees
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 6.5 in Writing and 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 2025/2026
Course Type | Year | EU Tuition | Student Contribution | Non-EU Tuition | Levy | Total Fee | Total EU Fee | Total Non-EU Fee |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Masters Full Time | 1 | €8,500 | €20,000 | €140 | €8,640 | €20,140 | ||
Masters Part Time | 1 | €4,250 | €105 | €4,355 |
For 25/26 entrants, where the course duration is greater than 1 year, there is an inflationary increase approved of 3.4% per annum for continuing years fees.
Postgraduate students in receipt of a SUSI grant – please note an F4 grant is where SUSI will pay €4,000 towards your tuition (2025/26). 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.
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/
Why University of Galway?
World renowned research led university nestled in the vibrant heart of Galway city on Ireland's scenic West Coast.
Downloads
Meet Our Alumni
Course Introduction
Unique Focus on Gender, Global Issues and Human Rights
The MA in Gender, Globalisation and Rights aims to equip students with the knowledge and analytical skills necessary to identify and address the gender dimensions of timely issues including, for example: extreme poverty and global inequalities, human trafficking, violence against women, disease pandemics, war and conflict and politicized religious movements.
