Gender Studies - Culture, Communication, Society, Master 2 subject

  • What is gender?
  • How is gender generated and what are the consequences thereof for the individual and society?
  • How does gender perception change in different cultural, social and historical concepts?
  • How does gender relate to other social categories such as age and provenance?
  • How does social inequality arise?
Debora Rahma

Gender Studies has changed the way I view society. Now, I pay much closer attention.

– Debora Rahma, Master's degree

Profile

Degree
Master of Arts
Start
Winter semester
Duration
4 semesters
Classroom language
German, English
Admission
Restricted
Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Information on enrollment/application for German applicants

Application information for international applicants

Application information for international applicants

What's it all about?
This degree programme is unique, because ...
it ensures an up-to-the-minute approach in the field of Gender Studies, researching all interdisciplinary and international (including Turkey, Japan, Scandinavia) facets of the gender issue.
It provides the opportunity to specialise in the following fields ...
  • Theories and Methods of Gender Studies
  • Social Inequality
  • Gender History
  • Media Studies
  • Cultural Science & Literary Studies
  • Gender Mainstreaming & Diversity
Who is suited?
Those who wish to enrol in this degree programme,

has:

  • substantial understanding of theories and methods deployed in the fields of social science, cultural studies and history; ideally some understanding of Gender Studies

enjoys:

  • challenging existing concepts and interdisciplinary research and study

struggles though:

  • complex theoretical and methodological texts as well as new and unfamiliar specialist fields
This degree programme is suited for graduates in the following subjects
  • Social Science, Cultural Science & History
Graduates from this degree programme frequently work
  • in the political field
  • in research institutes
  • as consultants and coaches
  • in HR planning and quality development
  • in the media and PR industry
And else?
An internship ...

is recommended. It is done during the degree course.
Duration: 6 weeks (240 hours)

Studying abroad ... can be covered voluntarily.
Where do I find help?
Academic advisory office

Maximiliane Brand
Building, Room: GD 1/337
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-26646
Email:
Website academic advisory office

Contact students

Fachschaft Gender Studies
Building, Room: GD 03/129
Phone: +49 (0)234 / 32-26646
Email:
Website Fachschaft

Internet

Degree programmes' website

Debora Rahma
Debora Rahma is a second-year student of Gender Studies. She is pursuing the Master of Arts degree, 2-subject programme. Debora's other discipline is History.

What made you choose this degree programme?

Because I am interested in gender studies.

In which respect have or haven’t your expectations been fulfilled?

I was very worried that, as an outsider in this discipline, I might not be able to join in and that I might lack the necessary background knowledge. However, Gender Studies offers a sufficient number of seminars to accommodate students from different backgrounds, allowing them to catch up on the necessary expertise. I have always felt to be in good hands and only rarely to be a disciplinary outsider. Rather, the ambivalent make-up of the student group resulted in fruitful exchange in the seminars. In some cases, I was able to contribute the knowledge acquired in my other subject, History.

Which aspect of your degree programme do you enjoy most?

The exchange in the seminars, which routinely results in interesting discussions. I also like that we are frequently able to observe and apply the acquired knowledge in practice. The way I view society has changed. Now, I pay much more attention.

What has been your biggest challenge to date?

Applying for the degree programme. Those people who had experience in Gender Studies were very friendly and supportive, but the bureaucratic effort to enrol in the subject was, in my experience, very high. Mainly because of the rigid deadlines that did not allow any exceptions.

What would you like to become after completing your degree?

A precise job title does not as yet exist, but I think that I'd like to work at a university or municipal institution dealing with the issue of reconciling work and family life. I would like to both manage projects and provide consultancy. That would be the first step. My long-term plan is to take over managerial duties at an equal-opportunities office.

Which advice would you like to give to students who consider enrolling in this degree programme?

In the first step, you should ask yourself whether you are willing to catch up on theories. At the beginning, the degree course requires a lot of reading. And you should have a pronounced interest in gender-specific issues. A good thing about Gender Studies is that you interact a lot with other faculties! In addition to social science students, you will also collaborate with people studying media studies, German studies and even sport science. And you will naturally meet many nice people among your fellow students. Gender Studies is a small degree programme, it almost has a family-like atmosphere.