Institute of Development Studies

MA Gender and Development

This masters programme is one of the longest running and most popular programmes on gender and development. It situates the study of gender and development within an academic social science framework, as well as in the context of policymaking and implementation. The programme aims to equip students with the analytical and conceptual skills needed to understand gender issues in both contexts, enabling them to participate effectively in gender and development-related research, policymaking and implementation.

The MA programme is taught jointly by IDS and University of Sussex faculty members as well as external specialists, with extensive experience in teaching, research, consultancy, and operational work, across a range of social science disciplines. IDS and Sussex are home to some of the world’s leading thinkers on gender and development, and IDS co-ordinates a five year DFID-funded Research Partnership Consortium on Pathways to Women’s Empowerment which brings together researchers, activists, policy makers and NGOs from the UK, Egypt, Brazil, Ghana and Bangladesh.

A broad range of teaching methods are employed to create a varied learning experience. These include lectures and seminars, workshops, intensive project-work in small groups, and use of videos. Supervision is provided through group tutorials and individually.

Entry requirements

IDS students are often development practitioners from a range of international, governmental or non-governmental organisations in the North and South. Relevant work experience is taken into account in assessing applications, but a good honours first degree, preferably in a social science or development-related subject, is a basic requirement. The minimum acceptable level of English language competence is grade 7 overall, and no less than 6.5 in each section of the IELTS test (or equivalent).

How to Apply  

Further Information: Contact: Angela Dowman, Programme Officer. Phone: +44 (0)1273 915644E-mail: A.Dowman@ids.ac.uk

Related IDS Publications: Gender Analysis and Theoretical Perspectives

• Esplen, E., Ilkkaracan, P. and Jolly, S. (2007) 'Gender and Sexuality', BRIDGE Cutting Edge Pack , Brighton: IDS
• Cornwall, A. and Jolly, S. (2006) 'Sexuality Matters', IDS Bulletin 37.5, Brighton: IDS
• Esplen, E. (2006) 'Engaging Men in Gender Equality: Positive Strategies and Approaches: Overview and Annotated Bibliography', BRIDGE Bibliography 15, Brighton: IDS
• Subrahmanian, R. (2004) 'Making Sense of Gender in Shifting Institutional Contexts: Some Reflections on Gender Mainstreaming', IDS Bulletin 35.4:89-94, Brighton: IDS
• Cornwall, A. and White, S.C. (2000) 'Men, Masculinities and Development: Politics, Policies and Practice', IDS Bulletin 31.2, Brighton: IDS
• Kabeer, N. (1994) Reversed Realities: Gender Hierarchies in Development Thought, London: Verso

Related IDS Publications: Ideas in Development

• Haddad, L. and Knowles, C. (2007) 'Reinventing Development Research', IDS Bulletin 38.2, Brighton: IDS
• Gaventa, J. (2006) 'Finding the Spaces for Change: A Power Analysis in Power, Exploring Power for Change', IDS Bulletin 37.6, Brighton: IDS
• Pettit, J. and Wheeler, J. (2005) 'Developing Rights?', IDS Bulletin 36.1, Brighton: IDS
• Kabeer, N. (2005) Inclusive Citizenship: Meanings and Expressions, London: Zed Books
• Keeley, J, and Scoones, I (2003) Understanding Environmental Policy Processes: Cases from Africa, London: Earthscan