MASTER OF GENDER STUDIES



Programme Overview

The Gender Studies Programme (GSP) offers courses that critically examine inequalities and power relations—essential topics for building a just and equitable society.


Officially launched during the 1994/1995 academic session under the Dean’s Office of the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences, the GSP adopts an inter- and transdisciplinary approach.


The programme provides a wide range of courses, from theoretical foundations to research methodologies, covering topics such as family, economics, politics, peace and conflict, law, and religion. 


As a teaching discipline, Gender Studies is relatively new in Malaysia. It challenges both academics and students to deconstruct discriminatory values and practices.


The programme nurtures students to become more sensitive to gender issues, encouraging them to develop fresh insights into various dimensions of social, economic, and political life. With this exposure, students are empowered to apply gender perspectives in analyzing gender-related issues.


Ultimately, the GSP aims to produce gender-sensitive graduates equipped to enter the workforce with critically informed perspectives on gender roles and relations in society.


  • Full-Time Duration: 2 Semesters + 1 Special Semester (Coursework)
  • Part-Time Duration: 8 Semesters (Coursework)


Programme Structure

Core Courses (12 Credits)
  1. Methodology & Gender Studies
  2. Feminist & Gender Theories
  3. Gender & Sustainable Development
  4. Gender Studies Postgraduate Seminar


Elective Courses (18 Credits) - 6 Only

  1. Gender Issues in Contemporary Society
  2. Sexual Violence & Body Politics
  3. Gender, Sexuality & Freedom of Expression
  4. Gender, Migration & Diaspora
  5. Women's Movement in Southeast Asia
  6. Engendering Politics and Women’s Engagement
  7. Mainstreaming Gender in Development Programmes & Public Policy
  8. Gender & Intercultural Dialogue
  9. Gender, Traditional Local Knowledge & Community Engagement
  10. Gender, the Economy & Work    


Research Courses (12 Credits)

  1. Research Project                                                                                         

                                                                     

Career Prospects

Gender Studies Researcher, Gender Policy Advisor, Gender Equality Advocate, Community Engagement Specialist, Program Manager (Gender-focused Development), Feminist Scholar, Policy Analyst (Gender Issues), Women's Rights Activist, Sexual Violence Prevention Coordinator, Diversity and Inclusion Consultant, Gender and Development Consultant, Academic Lecturer in Gender Studies, Social Justice Educator, Gender-Based Violence Specialist, Intercultural Dialogue Facilitator.

          

Tuition Fee

Local

RM22,600 (Full-Time)

RM28,100 (Part-Time)

International

RM42,100 (Full-Time)

RM54,100 (Part-Time)

Intake

Semester 2 (March) Intake, Academic Session 2025/2026

Entry Requirement

General Entry Requirements
  • For applicants with a CGPA of not less than 3.00:
    • Possess a Bachelor’s Degree with a CGPA of not less than 3.00; or
  • For applicants with a CGPA of 2.50 – 2.99 (must fulfill at least one of the following): 
    • Graduate from Universiti Malaya; or
    • Accumulate at least one (1) year of work experience in related fields; or
    • Produce publications in related field; or
    • Receive a scholarship; or
    • Serve as a staff member of a government agency; or
    • Pass an interview conducted by the Faculty; or
    • Pass a special evaluation by the Faculty
Specific Entry Requirements
  • General University Requirements: Fulfill the General University Requirements
  • Bachelor’s Degree Qualification: Possess a Bachelor's Degree
  • Equivalent Qualification: 
    1. Possessed Professional qualification from a recognized professional body; or
    2. Possessed Professional qualification approved by Senate from time to time; or
    3. APEL (A) qualification; or
    4. APEL (Q) qualification
  • Related fields: Bachelor’s Degree in any fields.
  • Special Requirements: N/A
English Requirements
  • Malaysia University English Test (MUET): Band 4.0; or
  • International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic: Band 6.0; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Paper-Based Test (PBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Internet-Based Test (IBT) (Centre-Based): Score 60; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Computer-Based Test (CBT): Not applicable; or
  • Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) – Essential Online: Score 8.5; or
  • Pearson Test of English (PTE) Academic: Score 59; or
  • Cambridge English Qualifications and Tests – Linguaskill Online: Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English – B1 Preliminary, B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: Score 169; or
  • Cambridge English – B2 Business Vantage, C1 Business Higher: Not applicable; or
  • Occupational English Test (OET) (Conventional / Online): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: First (FCE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE): Not applicable; or
  • Cambridge English: Proficiency (CPE): Not applicable