PhD in Women studies course is a 2-year full-time doctorate course in Women Studies. This course is about the study of social norms of caste, gender, sexuality, race, and some other important social inequalities that are imposed on a woman. This course Women studies highlight issues and problems which are faced worldwide by women. PhD in Women Studies is an academic field that studies and examines the social and cultural construction of gender and draws on various issues related to women highlighting their position in society. This course teaches students about concepts that are related to feminist theory, standpoint theory, multiculturalism, transnational feminism, social justice, and materialism. Potential areas of study within this field include feminist theory, queer theory, transgender studies, reproductive rights, gender and sexuality in media and popular culture, the politics of sexuality and sexual identity, feminist and queer activism, and the intersectionality of gender, race, and class. Graduates of a PhD program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies may pursue careers in academia, research, advocacy, public policy, non-profit organizations, and social justice work. They may also become leaders in feminist and LGBTQ+ movements, contributing to the ongoing fight for gender and sexual equality.
Course Level | Doctorate Degree |
Full-Form | PhD in Women Studies |
Duration | 2 years |
Examination Type | Semesters |
Eligibility | Must complete Master’s or M.phil degree in Women Studies or any equivalent course securing a minimum of 55% of marks and should qualify in the entrance examinations. |
Admission Process | Based on Merit and Entrance test/Personal Interview |
Top Recruiting Companies | Community Health Promoter, Community Health Promoter, School, Human Resources, etc. |
Job Positions | Settlement & Youth Worker, Executive Director of a Non-Profit Organization, Community Service Agency Director, Child and Youth Worker, Family Support Worker, Event Planner, Librarian Corporate Communications Coordinator, Market Research Analyst, etc. |
Many universities and colleges do not require an entrance exam for admission to a PhD in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program. However, some universities may require students to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other standardized tests as part of their application.
Entrance Exam |
UGC NET (June Session) |
CSIR UGC NET |
ICAR AICE JRF/SRF |
The student must complete a Master’s degree or M.Phil degree in women studies or any of its equivalent subjects. |
Students must get a minimum of 55% of the aggregate of marks from any recognized university. |
Clearing cut-off marks in the entrance examination are the prime requirement for getting admission to this course. |
The students also have to do well in the Personal Interview round. |
A PhD in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies typically takes 4-6 years to complete. However, the exact duration may vary depending on the program and the student's research goals.
Admission to a PhD program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies is highly competitive, and selection criteria may vary depending on the institution. Generally, admission committees consider academic qualifications, research experience, and potential for academic and professional success.
Other factors that may be considered include the applicant's personal statement, letters of recommendation, and research interests. Admissions committees may also consider factors such as diversity and social justice advocacy when making admission decisions.
The application form and process for a PhD in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program will vary depending on the institution. Generally, the application process involves submitting an online application form, transcripts from previous academic programs, letters of recommendation, a personal statement, and a writing sample. Some programs may also require applicants to take the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or other standardized tests.
The application fee for a PhD program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies varies depending on the institution. Fees may range from notify soon or more, depending on the institution.
Year I Development of gender perspectives Local and Global Feminism Gender Concerns: Legal Terrains Social History gendering Gender Perspectives: Inequalities and exclusion Theory of gender in India Literature in comparative context Nation, gender, and community Feminist research methodology History and memory: Caste and Gender |
Year II Feminist theory and Feminist thought. Theoretical Perspectives on gender, development, and culture. Gender Perspective: Culture Conceptualizing Violence Dalit and gender studies An Introduction to gender perspectives: South Asia Gender Concerns: Globalization Culture and Gender studies in India Production, reproduction, and gender in South Asia Gender perspective: Civil society, state, and Law |
Job Profiles | Job Descriptions |
Human Resource | Responsible for recruiting the manpower of the organization |
Corporate Communication coordinator | Responsible for building communication in the corporate |
Lawyer | Responsible for helping individuals regarding legal matters related to women’s injustice. |
Market Research Analyst | Responsible for analyzing the stock market progress of the organization. |
Professor | Responsible for teaching students in-depth knowledge of gender teachings. |
Some of the career opportunities available to graduates of a PhD program in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies include:
Some of the top colleges offering a PhD in Women, Gender, and Sexuality Studies program include:
Q.1 - What is the procedure for PhD Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - The Ph.D. and M.Phil. programs of prestigious Universities are conducted and guided strictly as per the provisions and regulations dictated by the UGC (Minimum Standards and Procedure for Award of Ph.D./M.Phil. Degrees) (1st Amendment) Regulations, 2018 and subsequent amendments. The entire procedure for admission to the research programs encompasses a Research Entrance Exam (RET) and then an Interview/Viva Voce. The performance of a candidate in the RET is given 70% weightage, and the remaining 30% weightage is given to his/her performance at the Interview.
Q.2 - What are the modes of pursuing M.Phil. & Ph.D. programs at the University?
ANSWER: -Both the full-time and part-time modes are available at University for pursuing its Ph.D. programs and only the full-time mode is available for M.Phil. program in the desired subjects/fields. These highly-qualitative and prolific research programs are available in a rather broad range of fields/subjects. At University, the minimum time duration of the M.Phil. and Ph.D. programs is 1.5 Years and 3 Years, respectively, in general.
Q.3 - Are the Ph.D. and M.Phil. Degrees granted by any University valid abroad?
ANSWER: -Yes, of course. If the University is properly recognized under section 2(f) of the UGC Act of 1956 and is a prestigious member of the AIU (the Association of Indian Universities). It is an M.Phil. and Ph.D. degrees granted in various fields/subjects are duly valid across India and the world.
Q.4 - What are the main eligibility criteria for participating in the University Research Entrance Exam (RET)?
ANSWER: -The following are the main eligibility conditions for participating in the RET: - A rigorous Master’s Degree in the proposed subject/field obtained from any recognized university/institution located in India or abroad, with a minimum 55% marks in aggregate or an equivalent grade. Candidates belonging to SC/ST/OBC/Differently-abled categories are given a 5% relaxation in respect of this eligibility criterion. Candidates with an M.Phil. degree in the proposed field/subject, or have qualified for the UGC (JRF) Examinations/ NET/ SET/ SELT, etc., will be allowed to appear directly for the interview, without appearing in the RET. Impressive academic records, and any prior experience in research work, will be given additional advantages.
Q.5 - What relaxations are granted to the reserved categories for Ph.D.? Admission to the University?
ANSWER: - Candidates belonging to the categories of SC/ST/OBC (Non-Creamy layer)/Differently-Abled, and so on, are given all relaxations prescribed by the Govt. of India and the UGC. These relaxations are provided in form of 5% reduced marks for them at post-graduation, and also in the minimum qualifying marks at RET. Thus, candidates belonging to these categories only need to score a minimum of 45% marks at RET, to qualify for the final interview.
Q.6 - How will be the pattern of RET?
ANSWER: - The syllabus or pattern of RET consists of subject-specific matters, research methodology, and aptitude (covering logical reasoning, numerical ability, analytical reasoning, statistics, etc.).Thus, RET will contain a total of 70 multiple-choice questions (MCQs).
Q.7 - Are M.Phil. Holders/UGC- NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE exempted from appearing at RET?
ANSWER: - Yes. The holders of M.Phil. degrees in their respective fields/subjects are made exempt from appearing in RET. The same is the situation in cases of aspiring candidates who have qualified exams like UGC-NET (including JRF)/ UGC-CSIR NET (including JRF)/ SLET/ GATE, etc.
Q.8 - How is the application fee paid?
ANSWER: - The Application Fee (i.e. the fee for getting participated in RET) can be paid online or offline, like the Application Form. Payment Modes: DD (in Favor of the University) / NEFT/ Cash Deposit.
Q.9 - Do working candidates require to obtain NOC from employers for pursuing research at any University?
ANSWER: - Yes, necessarily. Working Professionals who are interested in research at any University are required to obtain the NOC (No Objection Certificate) from their respective employers, in order to avert any intrusion ever during the entire doctoral course.
Q.10 - Does an M.Phil. holder require to undergo Ph.D. coursework?
ANSWER: - Yes. M.Phil. holders are again required to undergo the coursework in Ph.D. at some Universities. However, their prior knowledge in the field/subject will be very supportive to them for learning and performing efficiently during the Ph.D. program.
Q.11 - Can I pay the yearly program/course fee in installments?
ANSWER: - Yes, you can pay the yearly course fee as many as in two installments, but well within the yearly session.
Q.12 - Does Any University provide any scholarship or stipend to pursuing scholars?
ANSWER: - Yes, of course. Many Universities offer scholarships as well as stipends to meritorious and talented candidates who undertake research studies at the University. Scholarships are granted to those candidates who come under the top 21 by scoring higher marks in RET and interviews. And, stipends are provided to those scholars who also give lectures to UG or PG students at the University, in addition to doing their Ph.D. coursework. The amount of the monthly stipend will be commensurate with the candidate’s qualifications and capabilities and may go up to Rs. 20,000.
Q.13 - What other many facilities are provided to research scholars at the University Campus?
ANSWER: - All necessary and constructive resources, amenities, and facilities are offered by well-established and prestigious universities to research scholars in various streams/subjects. These facilities include the following - spacious and peaceful study rooms, erudite and well-experienced academicians and research experts, Wi-Fi and diverse IT devices, state-of-the-art laboratories, well-stocked libraries, lavish R&D amenities, separate amenities for lodging and foods for male and female candidates, peaceful and constructive environment within the university campus, and many other comforting and convenient facilities and services.