Gender Studies
Our program explores the significance of gender and sexuality on a range of discourses embedded within culture, identity and global history.
Gender Studies at Melbourne
Our research reflects on ideas about sexual difference, sexual politics and sexuality through close engagement with a broad variety of theorists, case studies and media.
A major focus of our program is considering how gender intersects with crucial issues such as ageing, class, disability, ethnicity and globalisation.
Gender Studies is a transdisciplinary program which draws on the diverse interests of our academic staff, who are leading researchers across the Humanities and Social Sciences.
The academics working in the Gender Studies program at the University of Melbourne apply thought-provoking theories on key issues such as gender equity, queer and trans politics, and gender and sexuality at the intersection of race, dis/ability, culture and class. Ultimately, the knowledge we share aims to equip our students with the ability to think critically and creatively about gender, difference, and how to address social inequality in their diverse social and professional worlds.
Dr Joshua Pocius, Head of Gender Studies
Featured research
Our research centres on many areas within gender studies, including feminist, queer, postcolonial, and affect theories, feminist ethnography, the biocapitalisation of sex, gender and sexuality and others.
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Politics of Queer Affect: Intentionality, Mediation, Intervention
This project investigates how the legacy of past violence continues to shape individual and social lives, forms of care, and the concept of what it means to be human in the aftermath of violence.
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The Borders of Gender: Law, Securitization, and Trans and Non-Binary Subjectivities
This project analyses how binary gender norms impact mobility.
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Inherited trauma and anti-racism: reconciling biological and social approaches
This project explores the embodied impacts of racism and the role of science in anti-racism practices.
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New Regional Labour Circuits in the South Pacific: Migration, Gender, Affect
This project explores how gendered affect shapes labour mobility within the Pacific region.
Study Gender Studies
Students in Gender Studies consider ideas about femininity, masculinity and sexuality through close engagement with an extensive variety of theorists, case studies and media.
Undergraduate
Graduate coursework
- Graduate Certificate in Arts – Gender Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Arts – Gender Studies
- Graduate Certificate in Arts (Advanced) – Gender Studies
- Graduate Diploma in Arts (Advanced) – Gender Studies
- Masters of Development Studies (specialisation in Gender and Development)
Graduate research
Our graduates pursue careers in the fields of equal opportunities and human rights, international development, law and policing, media and advertising, politics and public service, teaching and academia, banking and the corporate world, and the creative arts.
Meet our Gender Studies staff
Our staff are experts across a diverse range of fields including gender studies, cultural studies, feminist philosophy, anthropology, Internet studies, film studies, critical femininities, and others.