Overview

The Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies programme at Simon Fraser University provides a comprehensive interdisciplinary framework for exploring complex social dynamics. Students engage with advanced academic concepts through a blend of core theoretical modules and specialised research pathways. The curriculum is designed to foster critical analytical skills while allowing for individualised study under expert faculty supervision.

Candidates can choose between two distinct pathways to suit their academic and professional goals. The thesis-based stream focuses on original research and independent scholarship, ideal for those looking to pursue further doctoral studies.

Why Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies at Simon Fraser University?

The department is home to the prestigious Ruth Wynn Woodward Chair, which brings significant expertise and community engagement to the academic environment. Students benefit from a vibrant research culture supported by the GSWS Research Hub and various community initiatives, including the 2SLGBTQIA+ series and the Shadbolt Fellows programme. These resources provide a unique platform for scholars to connect their theoretical work with real-world social justice efforts.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: CAD 2150 per semester
National fee: CAD 2150 per semester

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

The curriculum ensures a balance between foundational knowledge and specialised inquiry. Modules may include:

Feminist Theory
Toolkit for GSWS Research
Queer/Trans Studies
Professional Development Colloquium
MA Field Exam
MA Thesis

Careers with Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies

Graduates from this programme are equipped with the intellectual tools necessary for diverse professional environments. The department hosts dedicated career development events, such as the GSWS Career Talk, to help students transition into the workforce. Alumni often find success in sectors focused on social justice, policy analysis, community advocacy, and academic research, utilising their expertise in gender and sexuality to drive organisational change.

Programme Structure

Courses include:

Toolkit for GSWS Research

Graduate Seminar in Feminist Theory

Graduate Seminar on Queer/Trans Studies

Professional Development Colloquium

Feminist Cultural Criticism

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 36 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-09-04 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-01-30 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

30 alternative credits

Delivered

On Campus

Campus Location

Burnaby, Canada

Disciplines

Gender & Sexuality Studies View 36 other Masters in Gender & Sexuality Studies in Canada

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

GPA

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

130

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

a bachelor’s degree from SFU or its equivalent from a recognized institution.

a cumulative grade point average of at least 3.0 on a 4.33 scale, or 3.33 on a 4.33 scale (B+) based on the last 60 credits of undergraduate courses. All graduate work is also considered.

submitted evidence, usually references from qualified referees, of the applicant’s ability to undertake advanced studies in the area of interest.

proof of English Language proficiency.

In exceptional circumstances, a student may be admitted with lower formal qualifications when there is significant experience relevant to the proposed area of scholarship.

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Make sure to cover your health, travel, and stay while studying abroad. Even global coverages can miss important items like Additional medical costs, Repatriation, Liability etc. Make sure your student insurance covers your needs.

Studyportals partnered with Aon to provide you with the best affordable student insurance, for a carefree experience away from home.

Get your student insurance now

Starting from €0.53/day, free cancellation any time.

Remember, countries and universities may have specific insurance requirements. To learn more about how student insurance work at Simon Fraser University and/or in Canada, please visit Student Insurance Portal.

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

4300 CAD / year

≈ 4300 CAD / year
Domestic Applies to you

Applies to you

Citizens or residents

4300 CAD / year

≈ 4300 CAD / year

Living costs

Burnaby

Canada

1600 - 2700 CAD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Win a €10000 Scholarship! Deadline: 30 June 2020

Embark on your journey with the Studyportals Scholarship! We're giving away a total of 20,000 euros to help you achieve your dream of studying abroad.

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Master's scholarship opportunities for Gender, Sexuality, and Women's Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

On this page

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Student Insurance via Studyportals Partner

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic Applies to you

Living costs

Burnaby

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners