Master of Arts in Gender Studies at UNBC - University Of Northern British Columbia - Program overview

Program overview

Admission Requirements

Intakes

Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

The Master of Arts in Gender Studies at the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) provides a unique opportunity for students to engage with a diverse range of scholars focused on women and gender as critical analytical categories. This program emphasizes interdisciplinary approaches, allowing students to explore various themes such as gender, literature, cultural studies, history, and globalization. Students can tailor their studies to incorporate gender- or feminism-based methodologies, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of both transnational and regional perspectives. Graduates will emerge with a robust analytical framework and a specialized focus in their area of concentration.

Program structure

The Gender Studies MA program offers two distinct pathways: the MA with Thesis and the MA without Thesis. Each pathway is designed to provide a comprehensive educational experience.

MA with Thesis: This option typically takes up to two years to complete, requiring a total of 24 credit hours. Students must complete five courses and a thesis, which is a substantial original research project.
MA without Thesis: This pathway can be completed in one year and also requires 24 credit hours. Students will take seven courses and complete a major research paper.

Both options allow students to take a maximum of four courses per semester and encourage interdisciplinary studies by permitting courses from other graduate programs with approval. The program also emphasizes the inclusion of GNDR 611-3 (Contemporary Feminist Theories) in the curriculum.

Featured Experiences

Interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to connect their studies with other fields such as International Studies, Environmental Studies, and First Nations Studies.
Opportunity to engage in original research through the thesis or major research paper.
Access to a diverse faculty with expertise in various disciplines related to gender studies.
Focus on both transnational and regional perspectives, enriching the learning experience.

Career Options

Gender Studies Researcher: Conducts research on gender issues, contributing to academic knowledge and policy development.
Advocacy Coordinator: Works with organizations to promote gender equality and advocate for women's rights.
Policy Analyst: Analyzes and develops policies related to gender issues, often working for government agencies or NGOs.
Educator: Teaches gender studies at various educational levels, fostering awareness and understanding of gender issues.
Community Outreach Specialist: Engages with communities to raise awareness about gender-related topics and promote social change.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors.

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Last updated on 2025-08-20

Program overview

Academic Requirements

For the Master of Arts in Gender Studies program, the following academic requirements apply:

Minimum average grade of 5 or higher in English 12, three academic subjects, and an elective for Vietnamese students.
Transfer applicants must have a minimum of 15 credit hours of acceptable university-level coursework from a recognized post-secondary institution.
Official documents must be provided prior to the start of the semester.
Transcripts may be required to be evaluated by WES in some cases.

We recommend that you also provide your grades from your final two years of upper secondary school for prerequisite purposes.

If you have any questions or need clarification regarding these requirements, please feel free to contact LOA Portal's advisors for support.

Language Requirements

English is the primary language of instruction and communication at UNBC. Consequently, it is expected that an applicant be able to demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency in the use of English in order to receive and participate in classroom instruction and discussion as well as to complete written assignments. Applicants whose first language is not English must submit evidence of English language proficiency prior to admission.

Acceptable evidence of English language proficiency may be any one of the following tests (or its online equivalence, as determined by the Office of the Registrar):

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) score of 90 or higher in the internet-based test, with not less than 20 in each of the Reading, Listening, Writing or Speaking components; score of at least 230 in the computer-based test or at least 570 in the paper-based test.
IELTS (International English Language Testing System) Academic score of at least 6.5 overall, with not less than 6.0 in any of the four modules.
Duolingo English Test score of 105 or higher.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in the UNBC English Language Studies 50 and English Language Studies 170.
A final grade of 2.00 (C) or better in an articulated BCCAT EAP (BC Council on Admissions and Transfer English for Academic Purposes) 4 program.
A final grade of 50% or better in English Studies 12 from the British Columbia high school system.
A final grade of 75% (B) or better in a University-transferable English course.
A final grade of 75% or better in CBSE (Central Board of Secondary Education) / CISCE (Council for The Indian School Certificate Examinations) Class XII English Core.
Completion of two full years of full time degree level studies or equivalent at a recognized institution where English is the language of instruction.
A final grade of 2 or better in AP (Advanced Placement) English Literature and Composition or AP Literature and Composition.
A final grade of 3 or better in IB (International Baccalaureate) English A1 or A2 (higher or subsidiary level).
MELAB (Michigan English Language Assessment Battery) score of at least 80, with a minimum of 3 on the Speaking Rating Scale.
CAEL (Canadian Academic English Language) or the CAEL CE (Computer Edition) Assessment score of at least 70, with no subtest below 60.
A grade of B or better on Cambridge English Qualification C1 Advanced.
PTE (Pearson Test of English - Academic): overall score of 65, with not less than 60 in each of reading, writing, listening, and speaking.

Please check with our team for more details.

DISCLAIMER: The information above is subject to change. For the latest updates, please contact LOA Portal's advisors. The listed minimum requirements are a guideline and do not guarantee admission. Do not worry, we will notify you of any changes during the application process.

Not meeting the minimum language requirements?

You may still be able to apply!