MA in Sexuality Studies

Course details

The MA in Sexuality Studies is a unique, interdisciplinary, postgraduate programme offering specialist theoretical training in issues relating to all sexualities in the Irish, European and global contexts. It is jointly established by the School of Applied Language and Intercultural Studies, and the School of Nursing.

The programme will equip you with the relevant knowledge and skills to become a competent professional in your encounters with all issues related to sexuality. Our educational philosophy aims at advancing cross-, inter-, and multi-disciplinary teaching and research. It also seeks to nurture advocacy in sexuality studies to enhance sexual literacy, thereby generating well-being and social justice.

Aims and Objectives:

Our strategic aim for this programme is to provide the first Irish Sexuality Studies Taught Programme in the 21st century which will:

• Educate the next generation of leaders in Sexuality Studies research and dissemination of knowledge, • Advance quality research on sexuality,
• Elaborate on sexuality-related literary, artistic and cultural discourses and artefacts
• Advocate for social policy on sexuality, sexual health, and sexual education in relation to human rights that shape social justice and diversity.

For these reasons, the aims of this interdisciplinary programme are to enable students to

• Develop knowledge regarding the working and diversity of sexual cultures, sexual identities and gender role formation.
• Engage in socio-political and ethical debates regarding the interaction of artistic, cultural, economical, health, historical, and social, influences with human sexuality, at personal and societal levels.
• Provide a challenging environment where initiative and creativity will be fostered, where students will be encouraged to share experiences and learn cross-disciplinary approaches from each other.
• Familiarise participants with central parameters and trends in the contemporary Sexuality Studies environment.
• Equip students with the skills and sexual literacy to devise and implement work-related strategies.
• Develop in students the necessary competencies to measure and evaluate Sexuality Studies- related initiatives.
• Emphasise in its content and delivery the need for an integrated approach to Sexuality Studies.
• Develop negotiating skills to give participants the confidence to promote solutions in the Sexuality Studies environment.
• Develop in students lifelong learning skills.

Programme Structure:

This one-year, full-time or two-year, part-time programme begins in September, and comprises two core modules and one optional module per semester. The dissertation is submitted in the summer for the full-time programme. The dissertation for part-time students is submitted at the end of the Year 2.

In addition, seminar series, workshops and international conferences will be held, to build the student's world view.

Why DCU:

• This programme provides a national platform for contemporary Irish debates, but also formalises and develops links with the leading academic and research institutions in this field.
• By bringing together different constituencies (two Faculties and two Schools) this programme gathers a vast array of university-wide expertise to create a dynamic, comprehensive and inter-disciplinary new programme.
• Our teaching is informed by the best available research, an emphasis on engagement in learning partnerships with our stakeholders, and the development of a distinctive Sexuality Studies inquiry-led approach to learning. The DCU academic community and the on-campus support services all advocate sexual literacy and the advancement of knowledge in this growing field.

Career Prospects:

Career Prospects Expertise in human reproduction, sexuality, sexual and gender identity and diversity, sexual orientation and practice will meet the career needs of people aiming at or already working in:

Public health settings, especially those related to AIDS education, AIDS/HIV treatment and care centres.

Reproductive health education, research, training, and prevention facilities and organisations.

Cultural and artistic environments.

Sexuality /pastoral education at primary, secondary and tertiary levels.

Policy makers in research or public policy institutes. • Media and journalism.

Service provision and training for service providers in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and Rape Crisis Centres.

Human Resource departments of businesses and corporations responsible for the design and implementation of policy/practice pertaining to sexuality, sexual/gender orientation and sexual behaviour. • Research, policy, and education provision in gay and lesbian agencies and community centres.

Marriage & Relationship Counselling Services, Psychotherapy and other counselling services.

Preparation for doctoral research in Anthropology, Art Management, Business Studies, Communications Studies, Comparative Studies, Comparative Literature, Drama Studies, Film Studies, Health, History, Intercultural Studies, Law and Government, Media Studies, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work.

Therefore, graduates will be well equipped to take up positions in universities and colleges, secondary and primary schools, local and national government, non-governmental organisations, research and training, physical and mental health settings, human resources and private sector positions.

Entry Requirements:

Entry to the MA in Sexuality Studies is competitive and normally restricted to graduates who have achieved an upper second class honour degree, or higher from an established university.

GPA scores of at least 6.5, or equivalent, are expected from international applicants.

In exceptional cases, applicants without a primary degree (or an upper second class degree or higher) may be accepted directly into the programme if they can demonstrate that they possess the equivalent of a good first degree. In such cases, consideration will be given to applicants who have relevant academic qualifications, publications and positive academic references. The following criteria will also be taken into account:

(a) Work experience in areas related to the field of specialisation

(b) The quality of the statement of interest provided by each applicant.