Master of Art (Gender Studies) Res at Nelson Mandela University

Programme overview

The Master of Arts in Gender Studies (Research) is an NQF level 9, 180-credit research master's offered full-time or part-time on South Campus. It gives students an interdisciplinary understanding of gender and its intersections with class, race, age and sexuality, together with advanced analytical skills, in postcolonial and post-secular African contexts.

Faculty: Humanities | Duration: 1 year full-time (2 years part-time) | Study mode: part-time | Location: Gqeberha, Eastern Cape, South Africa

What you will study

The degree is completed through a single 180-credit Research Project and Dissertation (RPDG500), supported by seminars and presentations. Topics include the meaning of gender in Africa, African queer histories, feminist methodologies and theories, the impact of economic and political development on men and women, and research methods for gendered knowledge.

Career pathways

Research, teaching and lecturing, policy analysis, archiving, writing and journalism, activism, consultancy, project management and development work.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Admission is with an Exit Level 8 Bachelor Honours degree or equivalent in a discipline related to Gender Studies with an average of at least 70% in the preceding qualification, including at least 70% for the Honours research report. Applicants with 68-69% in a cognate field may be admitted after completing an additional assignment (a research-based essay) as part of selection. Selection tests in language and comprehension may also apply. Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) entry is possible, in which case additional modules may be prescribed.

Tuition is charged per module, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

Applications for the 2027 academic year opened on 13 April 2026. Applications for MBChB, Bachelor of Nursing, Bachelor of Nursing Extended, BPharm and Bachelor of Radiography (Diagnostic) close on 30 June 2026.

Early applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, Nursing, BPharm and BRad) close on 03 August 2026; late applications close on 30 September 2026.

International student applications for 2027 (excluding MBChB, BPharm and BRad) close on 30 September 2026. The application fee for international students is R500 per year; online applications by South African applicants carry no application fee.

Student accommodation applications for 2027 close on 30 September 2026.

2026 down-payments before registration: R10 600 full-time (R6 200 part-time) for degrees, postgraduate diplomas, advanced diplomas, Masters and Doctorates; R7 500 full-time (R5 200 part-time) for diplomas and certificates; enrolment fee R1 770. International students pay 100% upfront.

Apply through the official page: https://applyonline.mandela.ac.za

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