University of Nairobi

What you'll study

The programme combines core theoretical modules with applied courses and a substantial research dissertation. Teaching explores gender as a social, political and economic category and situates gendered experiences within local, national and global development processes.

• Feminist and Gender Theories — key theoretical approaches to gender, power, intersectionality and social change.
• Gender and Development Policy — analysis of national and international development policies, gender mainstreaming, and instruments for policy implementation.
• Research Methods for Gender Studies — qualitative and quantitative methods, gender-sensitive data collection, ethics and participatory approaches.
• Gender, Governance and Human Rights — study of law, institutions and rights-based approaches to gender equality.
• Gender, Sexualities and Social Change — sexuality, identity, and movements for social transformation.
• Gender, Environment and Sustainable Development — links between gender relations and environmental/resource management.
• Project Design, Monitoring and Evaluation — skills for designing and assessing gender-responsive programmes.
• Elective/seminar options — may include migration, health, labour markets, masculinity studies, or conflict and post-conflict reconstruction.
• Dissertation — an independent research project on a gender and development topic, supervised by faculty; typically substantial empirical or policy-oriented work.

Delivery combines lectures, seminars, fieldwork or placements and supervised research. The balance of coursework and research prepares students for both professional and academic careers.

Entry requirements

• A good honours degree (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline such as gender studies, sociology, development studies, anthropology, political science, economics, law, or related social sciences. Equivalent professional qualifications and experience may be considered.
• Applicants whose first degree classification is below the typical threshold may be required to demonstrate relevant work experience in gender or development organisations or complete qualifying courses.
• Supporting documents usually include academic transcripts, a curriculum vitae, a personal statement outlining research interests and career goals, and academic or professional references.
• Where applicable, candidates may be invited for an interview. International applicants should check language requirements and provide evidence of English proficiency if needed.

Career prospects

Graduates develop versatile skills in gender analysis, research, policy advocacy and programme design that are in demand across sectors. Typical career pathways include:

• Policy officer or analyst in government ministries, especially those working on gender, social protection, health, education or labour.
• Programme manager, gender adviser or M&E specialist in national and international NGOs and community-based organisations.
• Researcher or consultant for think-tanks, research institutes and development agencies, including work on evaluations and impact assessments.
• Roles within multilateral organisations and donor agencies focused on gender equality, human rights and sustainable development.
• Further academic study such as PhD research and teaching in higher education.

Why study at University of Nairobi

The University of Nairobi is one of Kenya's largest and most established public universities, offering access to a broad network of multidisciplinary expertise and research resources. The university hosts specialised centres and academic staff with experience in gender, development and policy research, providing students with strong supervisory support and opportunities for fieldwork across urban and rural contexts in East Africa.

Students benefit from engagement with local civil society, governmental institutions and regional development organisations based in Nairobi, allowing practical exposure and professional networking while studying contemporary gender and development challenges in a dynamic African setting.