Accessibility statement

Learning at CWS

The Centre for Women's Studies is an interdisciplinary and multi-cultural environment. As you have decided to study with us, you are probably excited by this but are perhaps not quite sure what it means. You may be wondering:

  • What does 'interdisciplinary' mean for women's studies?
  • How are the classes taught? What should I do to prepare?
  • How much independent study will I be expected to do?
  • What classes will I take as a research student?
  • I want to do a sociological (or literary) degree, can I just read sociology (or literary) texts?
  • My research is on one country, how does the multi-cultural environment of CWS affect my work?
  • How can I improve my English language skills?

This page will begin to address some of these questions and more, and offer you an overview of taught and research degrees in CWS.

Q: How are the courses organised?

A: By means of taught modules and an Independent Study Module, which is your dissertation. For students on the MA Women’s Studies, Women’s Studies (Humanities) and the MA Women, Violence and Conflict, you will take taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2, and work on your dissertation in the Summer 'vacation’ ready to submit in September 2024 (full-time students) or September 2025 (part-time students). For MA GEMMA students you take taught modules in Semesters 1 and 2 of Year 1 at your ‘home’ university, taught modules in Semester 1 of Year 2 at your ‘mobility’ university, and work on your dissertation in Semester 2 of Year 2.

Q: How often will I be in class? How much independent study will I be expected to do?

A: In both Semesters 1 and 2 you will take classes two or three days a week (normally two days for part-time students and three days for full-time). You will need to undertake reading, note-taking and pre-class exercises during the remainder of the week (if full-time) or half-week (if part-time). There is likely to be much more independent study than you were used to as an undergraduate, so you need to plan your time well.

Q: How are classes taught?

A: Most classes are taught by seminars. By this we mean that students come together in class having read and made notes on recommended texts and having undertaken pre-class exercises (perhaps a short paper or group work). The group then discuss the session topics in a supportive and enquiring way, sometimes in small groups, sometimes as a whole group. The tutor (lecturer) will encourage and direct the discussion and add information and ideas when relevant; however the focus is on students developing their critical thinking, and not on the tutor telling students what to think.

This way of learning can be quite challenging at first, especially for students used to more didactic pedagogical methods. But do not worry; provided you are willing to study hard we will help you develop the necessary skills for effective learning.

Most modules are taught in seminars, but some by lectures, followed by tutorials. For your dissertation, you will have five one-to-one supervisions with your dissertation supervisor, who will read and comment on your work.

Q: Have you any advice for studying effectively at the start of the MA?

A:

  • You will undertake a great deal of independent study, so you need to plan your time well. Make sure you use a paper or online diary, and divide up your time between all your modules.
  • Check that you know what you need to do for each session. You will always have some reading and note-taking, and you may also have an individual or group exercise.
  • Make sure you access compulsory texts in good time, usually at least a week before the session. We aim to make all compulsory readings available digitally; although many texts are available online, you may have to seek out and borrow printed materials from the University of York library.
  • Talk to your classmates in person and online. Discuss your concerns, talk about what excites you, share your books and your ideas.
  • If you have studied hard and are still unsure, identify what it is you do not understand and talk to the module convenor about this, via email, attending their office hour or by making an appointment to see them in-person. You are also welcome to contact your personal supervisor to discuss any learning issues you may have.
  • You must read any compulsory texts, but you are also expected to read ‘around’ the topic. Get to know how to access online resources and browse the library shelves in person – you never know what you might find.
  • You will attend a session early in Semester 1 on using the University Library.

Q: Have you any extra advice for how I can make the most of seminars?

A:

  • Be prepared to be challenged and to have your beliefs upturned. Listen to others, and be open and sensitive to those espousing ideas you disagree with. This doesn’t mean you cannot argue, but you should do so in a scholarly and informed way – you may even change your mind.
  • Make good notes so you have something to say in class. Be brave and say it! If you find it hard to find space to join in, try interrupting gently with a comment such as: ‘‘I want to say something here’ – this will pause the discussion and give you time to gather your thoughts.
  • If you are used to this kind of discussion, make sure you allow silent times for people to think, and for quieter classmates to join in.
  • If you find you are dominating the discussion, hold back. You can continue discussions over lunch or coffee, and online.
  • Remember to keep to the topic, and to locate your ideas in your reading as much as possible. Experiences and personal anecdotes can be very valuable but must always be used to help develop ideas. You must be prepared for all your ideas to be challenged.

Q: Which modules will I take?

A: All MA programmes allow for some choice and you will be sent module choice information prior to starting your degree. 

  • Check the module information that is sent you to by the CWS office and follow the instructions given. 
  • During Induction Day (Monday 18 September 2023) you will have a chance to speak with most module convenors who will answer any queries you may have.
  • Your personal supervisor will arrange a one-to-one tutorial with you, usually in week one, to discuss your MA course choices.
  • You will not need to decide on your Dissertation topic until later in the year.

Q: How is the MA assessed, and what feedback will I receive?

A: All taught modules are assessed by essays, learning journals, portfolios, creative practice, research exercise or class presentation, as appropriate for each module. The dissertation (or Independent Study Module) is assessed by the dissertation itself. There are no examinations.

You will need to complete the assessment after the taught part of the module has finished: that is, for Semester 1 you submit your assignment after the Christmas vacation, for Semester 2 modules you submit your assignment after Semester 2 teaching ends. 

To help you learn how to write Masters level essays, all new MA students submit an essay in Semester 1 for which you receive detailed comments and, if requested, a personal tutorial. This essay is not given a mark, but is to help you improve. You may develop this essay for the relevant module. You will receive written feedback for all assignments.

In order to write a competent essay or other assignment you must participate fully in the whole module to be able to demonstrate that you have a good understanding of broader feminist issues, and you must read not only compulsory texts but also demonstrate wider reading. For distinction level essays we expect you to search out your own material alongside using key course texts.

Detailed guidelines for assessment are made available during individual modules and in the CWS Assessment Policy handbook available to current students on the CWS intranet. 

Q. Any final hints?

A. The MA programmes are demanding of your time, challenging to your intellect and likely to provoke much thought and perhaps emotion about your life-experiences. You will be confused at times as long-held beliefs are contested and ideas of women and gender in different cultures and societies are questioned. Yet, as a previous MA student said: ‘open your mind, work hard and be prepared to have the most stimulating time of your life’.

We warmly welcome you to CWS, and wish you well in your studies.