MA Women Studies is a 2 year postgraduate program that focuses on the critical study of gender, feminism, and women’s roles in society across historical, cultural, and political contexts. It explores issues such as gender inequality, women’s rights, sexuality, health, education, work, and representation.
Those who have a bachelor’s degree with a minimum aggregate of 50% marks are eligible to apply for the course. The admissions are usually based on entrance examination like CUET-PG. The average course fees ranges from INR 11K - 1.21 Lakhs.
The women studies graduates are eligible to work in various setting like NGOs, healthcare organizations, international organizations, educational institutions, media & communications, etc. Some of the job roles available for them include Public Relation Manager, Human Rights Advocate, Writer/ Editor, Health Clinic Coordinator, Women Rights Advocate, etc. The average salary one can expect as a fresher is around INR 2 - 10 LPA.
Table of Contents
- MA Women Studies Highlights Table
- What is MA Women Studies?
- Why Study MA Women Studies?
- Who Should Pursue MA Women Studies?
- MA Women Studies Eligibility
- MA Women Studies Entrance Exam
- MA Women Studies Colleges in India
- MA Women Studies Admission Process
- MA Women Studies Syllabus
- MA Women Studies Job Opportunities
- MA Women Studies FAQs
MA Women Studies Highlights Table
The table below includes the key details of the Master of Arts in Women Studies course:
What is MA Women Studies?
Master of Arts in Women Studies is an interdisciplinary field that explores politics, society, and history. The curriculum comprises of areas such as women’s movements, laws and legal provisions, development programmes, research related to women’s issues, women’s political development, and similar topics. The program focuses on developing the capabilities and knowledge of students in areas like Women’s Studies, Issues of Gender, Sexuality and other Intersections, Women and Development, Women and Environment, Research Methodology, etc.
Apart from introductory lectures, the course will encourage the students to participate in discussions and make seminar presentations. They will engage with films, documentaries, and video clips to develop a critical and gender sensitive perspective towards the programme.
Why Study MA Women Studies?
Studying an MA in Women Studies allows students to critically explore issues related to gender, sexuality, identity, and power across cultures and historical periods. This interdisciplinary program equips learners with analytical tools to understand and challenge social inequalities, promote gender justice, and engage in transformative advocacy. It is ideal for those passionate about human rights, feminism, social change, and inclusive development. The degree opens up diverse career paths in academia, research, policy-making, NGOs, media, and international organizations, where gender sensitivity and social awareness are increasingly valued.
Who Should Pursue MA Women Studies?
An MA in Women’s Studies is ideal for individuals who are passionate about gender equality, social justice, and understanding the intersections of gender with race, class, caste, sexuality, and culture. It suits graduates from disciplines like humanities, social sciences, law, education, or media, as well as professionals in NGOs, education, journalism, or social work who want to deepen their knowledge of feminist theory and practice. Anyone interested in challenging societal norms, advocating for marginalized voices, and contributing to inclusive policy and development work would benefit from this program.
MA Women Studies Eligibility
The institutes have their own requirements for MA in Women Studies. Here is the list of eligibility criteria for MA in Women Studies:
- The candidates should have a Bachelor’s degree in any discipline from a recognized institution.
- Should have secured a minimum aggregate of 50% marks in graduation.
MA Women Studies Entrance Exam
The institutes usually accept admissions into MA courses based on the entrance examination. The entrance examinations that are considered for admission to the MA Women Studies are mentioned below:
MA Women Studies Colleges in India
Various institutes in India offer a Master of Arts in Women Studies. Here is the list of some of the top-ranked institutes that offer the MA Women Studies program:
MA Women Studies Admission Process
The admission into the MA in Women Studies course is usually based on a national or university-level entrance exam. Here we have the admission process for the MA in Women Studies offered by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences:
- Entrance Exam - The candidates will have to register for CUET-PG and appear for the exam at the assigned centre. It is important for the candidates to check the TISS Mumbai CUET website and check the subjects they have appeared for in the CUET-PG exam for admission in the MA in Women Studies.
- Registration - The application process for TISS Mumbai will start after the CUET-PG results have been declared. The candidates will have to fill out the TISS Mumbai application form with all the information, upload the documents, and pay the application fees of INR 900 for 1 program.
- Merit List - TISS Mumbai will release the open merit list (OML) based on the marks obtained in CUET-PG. After that, the candidates will release the category-wise merit list (CML) based on the seats reserved for each category as per the Government of India. The waitlist will also be released.
- Pre-Admission Online Counseling - The online counseling session will be conducted for the candidates whose names are on the merit list and on the waitlist. The candidates will have to confirm their admission in any one of the chosen courses, and the seats that are not accepted will be offered to the waitlist candidates.
- Admission/ Document Verification - All candidates selected for admission should physically report to the institute for document verification and complete the admission formalities. The candidates will have to produce their original mark sheets/grade sheets/ certificates of the qualifying examinations at the time of reporting for the admission.
MA Women Studies Syllabus
MA in Women Studies is a 2-year program divided into 4 semesters. The curriculum includes core subjects, electives, and a research dissertation in the last semester. Here is the syllabus of the MA in Women Studies offered by the Tata Institute of Social Sciences:
MA Women Studies Job Opportunities
After completion of MA Women Studies, the graduates can work in NGOs, healthcare organizations, international organizations, educational institutions, media & communications, etc. Some of the job roles that the MA in Women Studies graduates can apply for along with the average package are mentioned in the table below:
MA Women Studies FAQs
Is MA Women’s Studies only for women?
No, the program is open to all genders. It encourages diverse perspectives and aims to educate and empower individuals to address gender-based inequalities and contribute to inclusive social change.
What career options are available after MA Women’s Studies?
Graduates can work in NGOs, international organizations, media, academia, public policy, social work, advocacy, and gender research. Common roles include policy analyst, gender specialist, human rights advocate, researcher, or educator.
Can I pursue a PhD after completing MA Women’s Studies?
Yes, after completing an MA in Women’s Studies, you can pursue a PhD in Women’s/Gender Studies or related fields like sociology, political science, or cultural studies. A doctoral degree can lead to careers in academia, advanced research, or policy advising.
Does MA Women’s Studies include practical or fieldwork components?
Yes, many MA Women’s Studies programs include fieldwork, internships, or research projects as part of the curriculum. These components help students apply feminist theories in real-world contexts such as NGOs, advocacy groups, policy institutions, or community outreach programs.
