PhD Sexuality and Gender Studies (On-Campus or by Distance Learning)

Postgraduate research in Sexuality and Gender Studies is a truly interdisciplinary collaboration, led by leading international academics from a range of disciplines, each bringing their specific expertise to the subject.

Research can focus on topics including: feminist theory, masculinity studies, queer theory, postcolonial theory, psychoanalysis, ethnography, sexology, and criminology.

Why Study this Course?

Cutting-edge work: Academic staff and postgraduate students at Birmingham engage in cutting-edge work in the areas of gender theory and feminism; LGBT and queer studies; and the critical history of medicine and sexual science (sexology, psychiatry). Since we are particularly interested in interdisciplinary and cross-disciplinary work, it is possible to arrange joint supervision involving staff from other departments, thereby giving you access to a broader knowledge base and maximising the quality and originality of your work.
Outside the academy: We engage with policy-making, activism and social justice work outside the academy.
Research opportunities: You will develop your research project within an active and friendly postgraduate community. Postgraduates are offered opportunities to present work-in-progress at Departmental Research Seminars and at the School Postgraduate Forum. Roles is a popular reading and research group that brings together postgraduate students from across the University with an interest in Sexuality and Gender Studies. For several years, Roles has hosted a successful annual conference, organised by postgraduate students.

Employability

Your degree will provide excellent preparation for your future career, but this can also be enhanced by a range of employability support services offered by the University and the College of Arts and Law.

The University's Careers Network provides expert guidance and activities especially for postgraduates, which will help you achieve your career goals. The College of Arts and Law also has a dedicated careers and employability team who offer tailored advice and a programme of College-specific careers events.

You will be encouraged to make the most of your postgraduate experience and will have the opportunity to:

• Receive one-to-one careers advice, including guidance on your job applications, writing your CV and improving your interview technique, whether you are looking for a career inside or outside of academia
• Meet employers face-to-face at on-campus recruitment fairs and employer presentations
• Attend an annual programme of careers fairs, skills workshops and conferences, including bespoke events for postgraduates in the College of Arts and Law
• Take part in a range of activities to demonstrate your knowledge and skills to potential employers and enhance your CV