Sex, Gender, Violence

Sex, Gender, Violence, _MSc

Introduction

Investigate how gendered violence arises, is quelled, and our response to it, during and in the aftermath of violent conflict. This programme brings into focus the nuances of development, reconciliation and the psychological implications of sustained exposure to violence.

Study Information

Study Options

Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
Degree Qualification: MSc
Duration: 12 months or 24 months
Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
Start Month: September or January
Location of Study: Aberdeen

According to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) gender-based violence refers to “harmful acts directed at an individual based on their gender." It is rooted in gender inequality, the abuse of power and harmful norms. Gender-based violence can take various forms, including physical, sexual and psychological violence. Examples include domestic violence, harassment, rape, institutional and structural violence, trafficking, and violations of human rights during times of conflict and peace.

The MSc Sex, Gender, Violence engages critically with contemporary debates on this subject to provide you with an in-depth understanding of the ways people think about violence, understand it, and respond to it. This programme draws on the exceptional expertise of the Department of Sociology at the University of Aberdeen, particularly regarding religion, political violence, conflict and peace, social movements, identity processes, and global and political sociology.

You will explore the theories and practices of sex/gender and post-war recovery, consider how we decide what counts as violence or a violent act, and examine why responses to violence often seem inadequate - especially in the case of gendered and sexual violence.

You will also learn the latest advanced qualitative methods employed by social scientists, including participant observation, qualitative interviewing, focus groups, diaries, photography and film, and archived data sources.

This programme can be used as preparation for further research including PhD studies; to develop your career within sectors where violence is relevant, such as the voluntary, advocacy, charity, NGO, or policy sectors; or simply to further your interest in this fascinating area.

Qualification: MSc
Duration: 12 months or 24 months
Learning Mode: On Campus
Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
Start Month: September

Programme Fees

Fee information
Fee category	Cost
UK
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year	£11,100
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (University of Aberdeen Graduates *)	£7,000
University of Aberdeen graduates are eligible for the Alumni Postgraduate Scholarship, reducing tuition fees to £7,000 - matching the current SAAS tuition loan - See full terms and conditions
EU / International students
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year	£23,000
Tuition Fees for 2025/26 Academic Year (Self-funded Students *)	£15,000
The above fee includes the £8,000 Aberdeen Global Scholarship provided to self-funded international students. Full terms and conditions apply.

Stage 1

Information for part time students: This route will run over two years. Students can take up to 120 credit points in a year. PD5006 must be taken in year 1. SO5906 must be taken in year 2. The following courses are compulsory and can be taken in year 1 or 2: SL5011, SO5014, and SO5519. One of the following electives must also be taken in year 1 or 2: SO5512, SO5515, SL5512, or SO5529.

Compulsory Courses

Advanced Social Theory (SO5014)

30 Credit Points

Karl Popper argued, wisely, at least this time, that all languages are theory-laden. In other words, if we are doing social science, it is impossible not to do theory, but we have a choice to do it well or poorly, informed by the thinking of others who have gone before us, or in ignorance of it. In this course we learn to reflect explicitly about that which may otherwise simply remain implicit in empirical sociological examination. In this project, we are assisted by important thinkers who have developed distinctive and influential ways of considering the social. We begin with classical sociological theory before moving on to the work of more recent social thought, giving students an advanced working knowledge of the most important theoretical tools available to jobbing social scientists.