To our female readers out there, have you ever wondered what it would be like if you were a man? Gender studies is a rising academic field exploring the implications and significance of gender to society such as domestic care and upbringing, reproduction, and career prospects.

Gender studies do not aim to put women on a higher pedestal than men. Rather, it sheds light on the injustice and maltreatment women receive as contributors to society in comparison to their male counterparts.

Many skeptics of the field say that gender studies are obtuse with grand theories. However, the same skeptics are male, who may or may not fully grasp the issues of gender inequality in society.

Taking a gender studies degree overseas is perhaps one of the best decisions you would ever make. Not only do you get to see new places and live through new adventures, but also nurture a multicultural perspective on the different struggles and opinions of women in today’s society from all over the world.

Let’s take a look at some of the best countries to study gender studies abroad. Let us know which country caught your attention!

Can you Get a PhD in Gender Studies?

Of course! You can pursue both a Master’s and Ph.D. degrees in gender studies. Depending on the university’s curriculum, you can study any of the disciplines associated with gender studies, like race and ethnicity studies, transgender studies, and disability studies. Gender Studies Ph.D. students are also eligible to receive Ph.D. funding and merit or need-based scholarships, depending on their university. Unfortunately, we do not have any Gender Studies courses to recommend, but you can check out our Open Courses Page for possible related courses.

Top Countries to Study Gender Studies 

1. United Kingdom

  • Reasons: extensive scholarship grants, broad research networks, inclusive community

The United Kingdom is at the center of the world’s most prolific centers for research and development. Just as how the UK excels in most fields, its universities are no stranger to gender studies.

Gender studies transcend all preconceived notions of gender. That is, it tackles other societal issues wherein women and members of the LGBT community, people of color, and the impoverished are often at a disadvantage.

The United Kingdom is among the best countries to study gender studies as the country strives to be more inclusive and supportive of every individual, regardless of gender and sexual orientation.

History is crucial in studying gender studies. Some other subjects also include classical and contemporary sociology and political science.

The United Kingdom has several acclaimed universities with comprehensive degree programs in gender studies. These include the University of Sussex and the University of Leeds.

Check out: Cheapest Universities in the United Kingdom for International Students

2. United States

  • Reasons: exclusive course offerings, home to gender studies experts, abundant research publications

The United States is home to Judith Butler, one of the most iconic figures in gender studies. Judith Butler is well-known for her book Gender Trouble and for discussing the performativity of gender.

Indeed, most experts on gender studies hail from the United States’ premier universities. Not only do they have access to a broad archive of publications and written works detailing gender inequality; the country itself experiences grave issues of gender disparity at home, in the workplace, and in public spaces.

Regardless, the U.S. presents to be a learning environment where gender studies like you can always pick up a lesson or two by just walking down a street or falling in line in a grocery store.

Gender studies research is extensively conducted in the top universities of the United States. Judith Butler and her colleagues can even be one of your professors. Learn more about gender stereotypes, gender, society, and gender politics at Stanford University, the University of Michigan, and the University of Washington.

3. Ireland

  • Reasons: Europe’s hub for gender studies research, highly esteemed degree programs, generous stay-back visa options

Ireland, considered one of the top places to study gender studies, ranks highly among the world’s most inclusive countries. With departments in universities dedicated solely to women’s studies, Ireland has been taking progressive efforts to clear the inequality produced by gender and gender stereotypes.

Ireland is also a highly favored study destination because of its esteemed universities and degree programs. Corporations and recruitment firms all over the world pay close attention to graduates hailing from Irish universities.

Gender studies students will also find comfort in the highly diverse community of locals. Coming from all walks of life, Irish locals can give you fresh and engaging insight into their lived experiences as a member of a multicultural, yet predominantly white, society.

Similar to Ireland dominating the field of engineering and technology, Irish universities also strive to deliver relevant gender studies courses.

Most gender studies degree programs are offered at the graduate and doctoral levels. Universities like Trinity College Dublin, and University College Dublin offer competent graduate programs for gender studies and research.

See Also: Cost of Living and Studying in Ireland 

4. Sweden

  • Reasons: proactive community and government, reasonable living and tuition costs, excellent internship, and career offers

Did you know that Sweden is ranked highly among countries with the best attitude toward progressiveness? The Swedish community observes equal rights for all genders and respects members of the LGBT community. There is no other place more fitting to study gender studies and intersectionality than Sweden.

Gender studies do not solely focus on women, unlike popular perceptions of the field. Rather, gender studies analyze the strongholds of patriarchy, and how patriarchy runs most sectors of society.

In studying gender studies and development, you also touch on concepts such as intersectionality and globalization. Expect specialist courses in anthropology and philosophy for a deeper look into the influence of patriarchy not only on women but also on men.

Swedish universities have dedicated gender research centers for an interdisciplinary analysis of social constructs such as gender, sexuality, and race. Check out the Master’s Programs from Uppsala University and Lund University.

5. Norway

  • Reasons: communicative instructors, advanced and secure environment, incredible nature

Just like most of the Nordic region, Norway is another socially progressive country. Women enjoy seats of authority in various sectors of society, including the world of business. This is why Norway is one of the best countries to study gender studies.

Norway presents a friendly and hospitable environment for international students to enjoy their learning journey in the field of gender studies. Universities have research centers dedicated to gender and queer studies, taking the lead to promote a more diverse and inclusive society.

Norwegian instructors also participate in campaigns for the resolution of gender disparity in the workplace. Students will find there is no communication barrier between them and the faculty, as the instructors are approachable.

Studying gender studies also necessitate discourse on politics, race and ethnic relations, and the different social classes in society.

Some of the best gender studies programs for graduate students are offered by the Norwegian University of Science and Technology, and the University of Bergen.

 

We hope that you found this article on the best countries to study gender studies informative and helpful. Make sure to also check out the Available Programs for International Students to learn more!

About the Author: Hyun Lee

Hyun is the founder at Global Scholarships. He has received a full-tuition scholarship at Birmingham-Southern College as well as $1,000 Burger King Scholarship for his undergraduate degree and has been offered a fully funded scholarship consisting of tuition, living stipend, and health insurance for computer science Ph.D. program at North Carolina State University. Read more about his scholarship journey here.

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