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Postgraduate Study

Course closed:

Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies is no longer accepting new applications.

Teaching

The PhD in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies programme is a research degree that includes a PhD seminar, a Multi-disciplinary gender research seminar, a series of speaker events and for those who have not read the MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies, two further courses:

  • Theory, Controversy and Methodology (MGS 1)
  • Gender and Methods (MGS 2)

Theory, Controversy and Methodology is organised as a set of lectures that will focus on examples of key thinkers. The lectures will be followed by seminars organised around group discussion of texts that either draw methodologically on the approaches portrayed in the lectures, or texts that critique them. In this way, and across the course, the aim is for students to see how ideas travel through texts, theoretical debates and disciplines enabling development of innovative approaches.

Gender and Methods provides students with practical training for their thesis research. This element of the programme is organised as a combination of both internal and centrally run methods sessions tailored to research interests.

 [NB: Students who have completed the MPhil in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies need not follow MGS 1 and MGS 2]. 

Each PhD student will work with a Principal Supervisor who will guide their research. Students are required to successfully complete their first year assessment in order to register fully for the PhD programme and are required to undergo two further annual reviews.

Throughout the programme, students are encouraged to debate ideas and concepts and will have the opportunity to interact with world-leading experts in gender theory including the Diane Middlebrook and Carl Djerassi Visiting Professorship.

In addition to the two core courses above, the Multi-disciplinary Gender Research Seminar series will convene at least four times a term Michaelmas (Autumn) and Lent (Spring) only. The purpose of this seminar series is to present front-line research in the multi-disciplinary study of Gender by senior scholars within and beyond Cambridge, as well as by junior academics, post-doctoral research fellows and advanced graduate students. These seminars will also be a compulsory component of the PhD. 

One to one supervision

The essence of the PhD is working closely with the Supervisor to develop the thesis project through discussion and review of draft materials presented by the candidate. Each admitted student will have a Primary Supervisor and will also have a secondary supervisor, known as an Adviser.

The University of Cambridge publishes an annual Code of Practice which sets out the University’s expectations regarding supervision.

Seminars & classes

Approximately 38 hours per year.

Lectures

Approximately 22 hours per year.

Small group teaching

Individual supervision.

Feedback

Students can expect to receive an online supervision feedback report each term.

Assessment

Thesis / Dissertation

The PhD in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies is structured as a three-year programme for full-time students with an expectation that PhD students will submit a full draft of their thesis at the end of the third year or soon after. Students should submit their thesis for examination by viva during their 4th year, if not before. Part-time students will be expected to submit their thesis for examination by viva no later than their 7th year. The thesis must not exceed 80,000 words, including footnotes.

Other

Students are required to pass their first-year review/registration exercise and subsequently will be assessed at their second and third-year reviews. The final assessment of the submitted thesis will be conducted by viva voce. The part-time course proceeds in a similar sequence, but over a longer duration, with a maximum allowable length of 7 years. Part-time students may undertake their first-year review/registration exercise in their second year and may arrange regular reviews with their supervisor and the Director of the PhD in Multi-disciplinary Gender Studies.

 

Key Information


3-4 years full-time

4-7 years part-time

Study Mode : Research

Doctor of Philosophy

Centre for Gender Studies This course is advertised in multiple departments. Please see the Overview tab for more details.

Course - related enquiries

Application - related enquiries

Course on Department Website

Dates and deadlines:

Applications open
Sept. 4, 2023
Application deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Course Starts
Oct. 1, 2024

Some courses can close early. See the Deadlines page for guidance on when to apply.

Course Funding Deadline
Dec. 5, 2023
Gates Cambridge US round only
Oct. 11, 2023

These deadlines apply to applications for courses starting in Michaelmas 2024, Lent 2025 and Easter 2025.


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