Graduate Programme Structure

MSc in Gender and Development Studies

Programme Goals

1. To demonstrate the relevance of a gender perspective in Caribbean development
2. To support national gender policies by developing a cadre of well-trained gender and development studies specialists
3. To build capacity in gender-based analysis, to address issues of gender and development in a globalized world; and in development processes across various sectors.
4. To strengthen the pool of academic institutions, civil society advocates and practitioners that train, teach or work in the area of women’s/gender and development studies at different levels;
5. To facilitate gender-based research and publication in diverse subject areas

Admission Requirements

Applicants should have a first degree with at least a lower 2nd Class Honours (minimum GPA 2.5) or its equivalent. Preference will be given to students with some prior expose/experience in gender studies, such as The UWI Major or Minor in Gender and Development Studies.

Persons without the required entry degree, but who have governmental/NGO experience in the field of gender and development will be considered on a case-by-case basis in keeping with University of the West Indies regulations.

Applicants will also be required to include a personal statement of 800-1000 words explaining their interest in and knowledge of contemporary gender and development issues.

Cost:

USD $4500 (for the entire duration of the programme) in addition to UWIs miscellaneous fees, which are paid annually.

Programme Structure

The M.Sc. programme is constructed as an 18-month full-time programme or 2.5 years part-time programme during which time the candidate will have completed thirty-six credits (36).

Masters (MSc) - With Research Track

Students completing the MSc (Research Track) are required to complete 5 core courses

1. GEND 6001: Contemporary Feminist Theorizing
2. GEND 6601: Key Theories and Debates in Gender and Developmen
3. GEND 6101: Introduction to Research Methods for Gender and Development
4. GEND 6502: Gender Analysis for Development Policy and Planning
5. GEND 6102: Feminist Epistemology and Gender Research

Additionally, students must complete:

- Complete 2 electives

- Complete Research Paper (20,000 wordds)

- Participate in 1 research seminar (Non-Credit)

Masters (MSc.) - With Internship Track

Students completing the MSc (Internshio Track) are required to complete 5 core courses:

1. GEND 6001: Contemporary Feminist Theorizing
2. GEND 6601: Key Theories and Debates in Gender and Development
3. GEND 6101: Introduction to Research Methods for Gender and Development
4. GEND 6502: Gender Analysis for Development Policy and Planning
5. GEND 6402: Gender, Political Activism and Mobilisation

Additionally, students must complete:

- Complete 2 electives

- 2 to 3-month Internship and Report (12,000 words)

Rationale

Internships provide students with the opportunity for hands-on practical learning and application of the research and theories, to which they have been exposed in the classroom.

It is an experience that allows them to put theory into practice and to think critically about participating in gender related social activism. Additionally, it helps students to develop and hone valuable skills in a feminist or gender and development work setting.

The internship period should assist with developing a deeper understanding of the ways in which gender studies informs institutional structures and individual experiences. Internships which are most useful and in which the most learning takes place are those in which students have an opportunity to participate actively in the work of the organization by contributing to a specific programme or project.

While it is important for the intern to fit into the structure and remit of the host organisation, where possible, it is also important for the intern to infuse the skills and knowledge garnered in the taught portion of the MSc into projects being done at the organisation.

Regional and International placement has been facilitated through external partners, but it is expected that most internships will take place in organisations in Jamaica.

Upon successful completion of this course, students should:

1. be able to explain how feminist theory informs practice, and vice versa in the specific context;
2. be able to analyze work places and policies as they relate to issues of gender, race, class, and sexuality;
3. have developed skills and strategies for communicating with supervisors and colleagues;
4. have developed skills and strategies for reflecting on individual responsibilities and ethics in a workplace situation;
5. have gained work experience from which to draw when making future career and/or educational choices.

Course Details