• Through rigorous training in related theories and methodology, students are led to see how a seemingly private and intimate dimension of human existence, namely, sex and gender, actually impacts on and, at the same time, is being constructed by wider social, cultural, economic and political forces in various spheres and levels of a person's life. Critical reviews of the perpetuation of gender inequality in public policies, propped up by existing values and perceptions in society are also encouraged.
• The Programme equips interested people with essential analytical tools for understanding sex, gender, gender issues and their impacts on human behaviour, social development and public policy.
• Students are able to make use of analytical tools and multiple perspectives to understand gender issues and to become aware of gender inequality around them. The rigorous training in critical thinking is helpful, not only in raising students' gender awareness, but also in understanding the myriad complexities of social life.

• The Programme is the only one taught master programme available in Hong Kong focusing on gender;
• The Programme is distinguished from other humanities and social science programmes by its interdisciplinary nature of course offering. The programme draws on the theories and methodologies of diverse disciplines, including psychology, sociology, cultural studies, anthropology, history, philosophy, linguistics, media studies and education;
• The Programme focuses on the gender dimension in the social, cultural and political arenas;
• Incorporating theories developed in other countries into localized contexts has also added to the uniqueness of the Programme. The Programme roots in contemporary Hong Kong and Chinese societies while conversant with theoretical advances worldwide; attitudes, and which foster their critical thinking and ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives.
• The small class size and interactive, rigorous and nurturing classroom environment provide students with adequate and inspiring discussions which stimulate their interest and mould their attitudes, and which foster their critical thinking and ability to examine issues from multiple perspectives;
• Diversified learning activities like field trips to non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and organic farms, invitation of guest speakers from frontline NGOs, social activist or minority groups (e.g. lesbian and sex workers' groups) to share with students, and usage of multi-media materials are arranged to enrich students' exposure, enlighten them on a variety of perspectives and enhance their awareness of the unique experience and background of different individuals.

• Students' horizons are broadened considerably and their gender awareness are deepened;
• Students are inspired and encouraged to develop useful skills in learning and thinking as well as critical perspectives, while seeking the betterment of the society as they became concerned with injustice and discrimination in the world;
• Students are led to reach beyond personal concerns to analyze the world passionately but objectively.

MA in Gender Studies is beneficial to those whose work requires knowledge in gender studies, especially persons who in their occupational capacity design, make decisions on, and evaluate policies, projects that have a gender dimension. With the increasing emphasis on gender issues in the society, the graduates of Gender Studies are working in many different industries, especially social and medical welfare, media and creative art industries.

It is beneficial to professionals whose work requires knowledge in gender studies, especially persons who in their occupational capacity design, make decisions on, and evaluate policies, projects that have a gender dimension. It is also suitable for individuals who are simply interested in gender studies as an intellectual and academic endeavour.

Full-time: normative period: 1 year; Maximum period: 3 years;

Part-time: normative period: 2 years; Maximum period: 4 years.

Full-time: For 2024-25 HK$156,900 per annum (1-year programme) 

Part-time: For 2024-25 HK$78,450 per annum (2-year programme) 

Medium of Instruction: English

Most classes are arranged at weekday nights from 6:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and on Saturday afternoons from 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

I. REQUIRED COURSE (6 CREDIT UNITS)

GDRS5011 Introduction to Gender Studies

GDRS5087 Feminist Methodology

II. ELECTIVE COURSES (18 CREDIT UNITS)

* The offering of elective courses is subjected to the decision of the programme. Not all courses are offered in every year.

*Grades and other course-related matters are handled by each course-offering department.

For the Study Scheme of MA in Gender Studies, please refer to here.

For a brief description of the courses, please refer to here.

Course Grades Release

Please refer to the admission requirements to master programme in the Graduate School's website.

Step 1

Explore study/research options for MA in Gender Studies

Learn about the admission requirements, application methods, required supporting documents and deadlines.

Step 2

Preparation for your application

Prepare the documents/additional information required for application.

Step 3

Create an account to Submit Online Application

Application for admission may be submitted from 1 September 2023.

Step 4

Ensure the required Supporting Documents are received by Gender Studies Programme by the application deadline

A soft copy of all your supporting documents should be uploaded to the online application system.

Admitted students are required to submit original copies of those official documents for verification by the conditions fulfillment deadline. The Gender Studies Programme will contact students separately in due course.

Note: Please be reminded that, for the proof of English Language proficiency, TOEFL and IELTS scores are considered valid for two years from the test date while GMAT scores are considered valid for five years from the test date.

Step 5

Check your Application Status

Check your email for correspondence from Gender Studies Programme and log in to the Online Application System to check your application status.

 Required supporting documents for application of MA in Gender Studies:  

1. All the documents listed in the Graduate School’s website

2. A CV 

3. A  statement of purpose (in word or pdf format)

• It can be written in English (500-words) or Chinese (1000 words)
• It should state why you would like to pursue a postgraduate degree in Gender Studies.

*Please upload an electronic copy of all your supporting documents to the online application system. For a CV or statement of purpose which do not have their own category in the upload system, please upload them under the "certificates" category.

15 March 2024

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Applications submitted after 15 March 2024 may be considered, subject to the availability of places.

Applications will be processed on a rolling basis until all places have been filled. Therefore, early applications are strongly encouraged.

Applications submitted after 15 March 2024 may be considered, subject to the availability of places.

Students of MPhil in Gender Studies are usually supervised by a professorial grade teacher of a subject discipline from a respective department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Subject disciplines include but are not limited to the followings: Anthropology, Chinese Language and Literature, Communication, Cultural Studies, Educational Administration and Policy, English, Fine Arts, Government and Public Administration, History, Japanese Studies, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Social Work and Translation. A list of our current students and graduates' supervisor can be found here for reference. For a list of departments at our university, please visit our University's website.

The name of the subject discipline will be shown on the graduation transcripts, in the form of "M.Phil. in Gender Studies (subject discipline)" (a sample can be downloaded here). While on the graduation certificates, only the name of "Gender Studies" will be shown.

Full-time: normative period: 2 years; maximum period: 4 years;

Part-time: normative period: 3 years; maximum period: 5 years

HK$42,100 per annum (tentative)

For local full-time students, please refer to the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate (RPg) for details.

I. Postgraduate Studentship (for students admitted within quota)

• For full-time research postgraduate students.
• Annual studentship of HK$216,300 (approx. US$27,730). Payable during normative period of study.
• The award of the studentship will be made known to students with the admission offers.

II. Research Postgraduate Student Grant for Overseas Academic Activities  (for students admitted within quota)

• Full-time Research Doctoral Student: Maximum HK$15,000 in total during the normative period of study.
• Full-time Research Master’s Student: Maximum HK$10,000 in total during the normative period of study.

III. Tuition Waiver Scheme (for local research postgraduate students)

• Starting from the 2018-19 academic year, the Government grants a tuition waiver to all current and newly admitted local1 full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students enrolled in UGC-funded RPg programmes for their entire normative period of study.
• Local1 full-time RPg students who are admitted to the University without postgraduate studentships are not eligible for this Scheme.
• For more details, please visit the website of University Grants Committee (UGC).

• Publicly-funded Programmes (TSFS) administrated by the Student Finance Office of the Hong Kong Government.

• For full-time local students taking up exclusively UGC-funded or publicly-funded programmes

V. Other scholarships or funding: 

• The University offers a number of scholarships, prizes and awards to recognize students' outstanding academic and non-academic performance. Other exchange scholarships, university bursaries and loans are also available. Please visit the website of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for details.  

Required Course of the Gender Studies Programme (9 credit units)

Gender Studies: Theory

Gender Studies: Methodology

Advanced Topics in Gender Studies I

Advanced Topics in Gender Studies II

Course Requirements of the Subject Disciplines

Course requirements vary among different subject departments. The requirements may be adjusted at the discretion of the assigned subject departments. Subject disciplines' course requirements can be found at the http://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/page/PostgraduateStudentHandbook. Students are required to publish their research findings and complete their theses in order to fulfill graduation requirement.

The study scheme of 2020-21 is available for your reference.

For a brief description of the courses, please see here.

Please refer to the admission requirements of MPhil in Graduate School's website.

Step 1

Explore study/research options for MPhil in Gender Studies

Learn about the admission requirements, application methods and deadlines.

Decide on your intended subject discipline.

Decide on a topic of research.

(Optional) Find a potential supervisor from Gender Studies Programme or the department of your intended subject discipline and contact them. 

Prepare the documents/additional information required for application.

Write your research proposal.

Create an Account to Submit Online Application

Input your intended subject discipline at the  "Field of Study" in the application form.

Application for admission may be submitted from 1 September 2020.

Ensure the required supporting documents  (including confidential recommendation from referee) are received by Gender Studies Programme by the application deadline

A soft copy of all your supporting documents should be uploaded to the online application system.

The original copy of the document proving your English language proficiency should be sent to the Gender Studies Programme by postal mail.

Check your Application Status

Check your email for correspondence from Gender Studies Programme and log in to the Online Application System to check your application status. 

Required supporting documents for application of MPhil in Gender Studies:  

1. All the documents listed in the Graduate School’s website

2. A CV (optional)

3. A Research Proposal (in word or pdf format)
The quality of the research proposal is crucial to the success of an application. The purpose of the proposal is to briefly describe to the Admission Panel the research project the applicants wish to pursue. A brief description of the intended research topic, objectives, and methods should be presented. The proposal should include the following items:

• What is the topic of the proposed study? What questions will be addressed?
• Why is this topic important and why does it interest the applicants? A full survey of the literature is not expected to be offered, but if possible, do indicate how the research will differ from research that has already been done.
• What methodology do the applicants propose to use in the research
• The proposal can be written in English or Chinese. Providing an English abstract will be appreciated if the proposal is in Chinese. The length of the proposal should be between 5 to 8 pages.

*Please upload an electronic copy of all your supporting documents to the online application system. For a CV or research proposal which do not have their own category in the upload system, please upload them under the "certificates" category.

*Please send by postal mail the original copy of  your  (1) supporting documents for your English proficiency requirement to the Gender Studies Programme by the application deadline.

Postal Address of Gender Studies Programme:

Room 250, Sino Building, Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong

1 Feb 2021

Information Session for Admission of Mphil and PhD in Gender Studies 2021 

Date: 6 Nov 2020 (Fri)

Time: 20:00 – 21:30

Venue: Online Zoom Platform (link to Zoom seminar provided after registration)

Theme: Tips on Writing a Gender Studies Research Proposal

Registartion Link: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=11039574 

Students of PhD in Gender Studies are usually supervised by a professorial grade teacher of a subject discipline from a respective department at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Subject disciplines include but are not limited to the followings: Anthropology, Chinese Language and Literature, Communication, Cultural Studies, Educational Administration and Policy, English, Fine Arts, Government and Public Administration, History, Japanese Studies, Psychology, Religious Studies, Sociology, Social Work and Translation.

A list of our current students and graduates' supervisor can be found here for reference. For a list of departments at our university, please visit our University's website. 

The name of the subject discipline will be shown on the graduation transcripts, in the form of "PhD in Gender Studies (subject discipline)" (a sample can be downloaded here). While on the graduation certificates, only the name of "Gender Studies" will be shown.

HK$42,100 per annum (tentative)

For local full-time RPg students, please refer to the Tuition Waiver Scheme for Local Research Postgraduate (RPg) for details.

 I. Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) 

• Established by the Hong Kong Research Grants Council (RGC) in 2009.
• Aims to attract the best and brightest students in the world to pursue their PhD programmes in Hong Kong's universities.
• Provides a monthly stipend of HK$26,600 (approx. US$3,410) and a conference travel allowance of HK$13,300 (approx. US$1,700) per year during the normative study period for up to three years.
• For more information, please visit https://www.gs.cuhk.edu.hk/admissions/scholarships-fees/hkpfs or download the pamphlet here.
• deadline: 1 Dec 2020 Hong Kong Time

II. CUHK Vice-Chancellor HKPFS Scholarship (for HKPFS Awardee)

• Offers HKPFS awardees a tuition fee waiver for their whole normative study period.
• Provides an award of HK$40,000 (approx. US$5,130) for lodging in the first year of study and HK$20,000 in the subsequent years within the normative study period
• The on-campus hostel fee will be waived in the first year of study.
• Guaranteed on-campus accommodation during the normative period of study to HKPFS awardees who submit timely applications.
• For HKPFS awardees with a normative study period of four years, CUHK provides stipend and conference travel allowance at the HKPFS level for the fourth year. 

• Eligibility and Application Procedure

  1. Applicants should have outstanding academic performance (i.e. obtained a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent) and obtained admission offers from a top-50 university as specified in the 2021 Times Higher Education/QS league table.
  2. Applicants are required to submit an application for the CUHK full-time PhD programme he/she intends to enrol in 2021-22 via the Online Application System and state clearly the intention to apply for the Scholarship. Applicants who have applied need not apply again.  In any event, they are requested to submit the document mentioned immediately below alongside a statement indicating their wish to be considered for the Scholarship, by email attachment to the Faculty / Graduate Division concerned.
  3. Applicants should provide a copy of an offer letter for admission to a PhD programme in 2021-22 from a top-50 overseas university.
  4. The closing date of the application exercise is 16 April 2021 Friday.

III. CUHK Vice-Chancellor's PhD Scholarship Scheme (for candidates nominated to HKPFS by CUHK, but not being selected for HKPFS)

• Starting from the 2020-21 intake, all PhD candidates who are nominated to the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) by CUHK but not being selected for HKPFS will be offered the Scholarship with the following:
• An annual postgraduate studentship of HK$216,300 (approx. US$27,730) during the normative period of study.
• An award of HK$80,000 (approx. US$10,260) in three instalments (i.e. HK$40,000 in the first year and HK$20,000 in each of the second and third year of study, subject to satisfactory study progress). 

• Eligibility and Application Procedure

  1. Applicants should have outstanding academic performance (i.e. obtained a minimum CGPA of 3.5/4.0 or equivalent) and obtained admission offers from a top-50 university as specified in the 2021 Times Higher Education/QS league table.
  2. Applicants are required to submit an application for the CUHK full-time PhD programme he/she intends to enrol in 2021-22 via the Online Application System and state clearly the intention to apply for the Scholarship. Applicants who have applied need not apply again.  In any event, they are requested to submit the document mentioned immediately below alongside a statement indicating their wish to be considered for the Scholarship, by email attachment to the Faculty / Graduate Division concerned.
  3. Applicants should provide a copy of an offer letter for admission to a PhD programme in 2021-22 from a top-50 overseas university.
  4. The closing date of the application exercise is 16 April 2021 Friday.

IV. Postgraduate Studentship (for students admitted within quota)

• For full-time research postgraduate students.
• Annual studentship of HK$216,300 (approx. US$27,730). Payable during normative period of study.
• The award of the studentship will be made known to students with the admission offers.

V. Research Postgraduate Student Grant for Overseas Academic Activities  (for students admitted within quota)

• Full-time Research Doctoral Student: Maximum HK$15,000 in total during the normative period of study.
• Full-time Research Master’s Student: Maximum HK$10,000 in total during the normative period of study.

VI. Tuition Waiver Scheme (for local research postgraduate students)

• Starting from the 2018-19 academic year, the Government grants a tuition waiver to all current and newly admitted local full-time research postgraduate (RPg) students enrolled in UGC-funded RPg programmes for their entire normative period of study.
• local full-time RPg students who are admitted to the University without postgraduate studentships are not eligible for this Scheme.
• For more details, please visit the website of the University Grants Committee (UGC).

• Publicly-funded Programmes (TSFS) administrated by the Student Finance Office of the Hong Kong Government.

• For full-time local students taking up exclusively UGC-funded or publicly-funded programmes

VIII. Other scholarships or funding: 

• The University offers a number of scholarships, prizes and awards to recognize students' outstanding academic and non-academic performance. Other exchange scholarships, university bursaries and loans are also available. Please visit the website of the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid for details.  

Required Course of the Gender Studies Programme (16.5 units)

Elective Course of Gender Studies Programme (6 units)

Any two 3-unit courses to be chosen from GDRS5061 to GDRS5069 Directed Studies, or other relevant courses offered by other Divisions.

The study scheme of 2020-21 is available for your reference.

For a brief description of the courses, please see here. 

Please refer to the admission requirements of PhD in Graduate School's website.

Applications are invited from 1 September 2020 (Hong Kong Time).

Submit an initial application to the RGC through their on-line application system and obtain an HKPFS reference number.

RGC Application deadline:
1 December 2020 at 12noon (Hong Kong Time).

Follow the process below to apply for a PhD in Gender Studies AND quote the HKPFS reference number when completing the application form at the online application system.

Application deadline of PhD in Gender Studies for HKPFS applicants:
1 Dec 2020 at 5 pm (Hong Kong time)

Check Your Application Status

Check your email for correspondence from Gender Studies Programme and log in to the Online Application System to check your application status.

For applicants who wish to apply only for PhD in Gender Studies:

Applications are invited from 1 September 2020 (Hong Kong Time).

Step 1

Explore study/research options for PhD in Gender Studies

Learn about the admission requirements, application methods and deadlines.

Decide on your intended subject discipline.

Decide on a topic of research.

(Optional) Find a potential supervisor from Gender Studies Programme or the department of your intended subject discipline and contact them. 

Step 2
Preparation for your application

Prepare the documents/additional information required for application.

Write your research proposal.

Step 3
Create an Account to Submit Online Application

Input your intended subject discipline at the  "Field of Study" in the application form.

Application for admission may be submitted from 1 September 2020.

Step 4

Ensure the required supporting documents (including a confidential recommendation from referees) are received by Gender Studies Programme by the application deadline

A soft copy of all your supporting documents should be uploaded to the online application system.

The original copy of the document proving your English language proficiency should be sent to the Gender Studies Programme by postal mail.

Step 5

Check Your Application Status

Check your email for correspondence from Gender Studies Programme and log in to the Online Application System to check your application status.

Required supporting documents for application of PhD in Gender Studies:  

1. All the documents listed on the Graduate School’s website

2. A CV (optional)

3. A Research Proposal (in word or pdf format)
The quality of the research proposal is crucial to the success of an application. The purpose of the proposal is to briefly describe to the Admission Panel the research project the applicants wish to pursue. A brief description of the intended research topic, objectives, and methods should be presented. The proposal should include the following items:

• What is the topic of the proposed study? What questions will be addressed?
• Why is this topic important and why does it interest the applicants? A full survey of the literature is not expected to be offered, but if possible, do indicate how the research will differ from research that has already been done.
• What methodology do the applicants propose to use in the research
• The proposal can be written in English or Chinese. Providing an English abstract will be appreciated if the proposal is in Chinese. The length of the proposal should be between 5 to 8 pages.

*Please upload an electronic copy of all your supporting documents to the online application system. For a CV or research proposal which does not have their own category in the upload system, please upload them under the "certificates" category.

*Please send by postal mail the original copy of your  (1) supporting documents for your English proficiency requirement to the Gender Studies Programme by the application deadline.

Postal Address of Gender Studies Programme:

Room 250, Sino Building, Chung Chi College, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong

For the Hong Kong PhD Fellowship Scheme (HKPFS) applicants:

1 Dec 2020

RGC application deadline: 1 December 2020 at 12:00 noon (Hong Kong time)
CUHK application deadline: 1 December 2020 by 5:00 PM (Hong Kong time)

Please refer to the HKPFS page for more details.

For all other applicants: 

1 Feb 2021

Information Session of Mphil/PhD in Gender Studies 2021 

Date: 6 Nov 2020 (Fri)

Time: 20:00 – 21:30

Venue: Online Zoom Platform (link to Zoom seminar provided after registration)

Theme: Tips on Writing a Gender Studies Research Proposal

Registration Link: https://cloud.itsc.cuhk.edu.hk/webform/view.php?id=11039574