Institute for Gender and Development Studies

This follows the School for Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR) established guidelines and regulations.

1. MSc to Diploma

In consultation with their Supervisor and the IGDS Graduate Studies Coordinator, students can request to transition to the Postgraduate Diploma while in the MSc Programme – if they cannot complete the research project, internship, or if the research project or internship is unsuccessful. To transition, the candidate would have to complete all the Diploma core and elective requirements.

2. Diploma to MSc

Students who have completed the Postgraduate Diploma and want to pursue an MSc would have to apply for entry into the MSc Programme (through the SGSR). If accepted, they would be exempted only from 18 credits and would therefore have to complete two additional courses and one elective, research seminar and the research project or internship.

3. MPhil/PhD to MSc

In consultation with Supervisor and IGDS Graduate Studies Coordinator, students can request to transition to the MSc while in the MPhil or PhD programme – if they are unable to complete the thesis or if the thesis was unsuccessful. To transition from the MPhil/Ph.D. to the MSc., the candidate must complete all the core courses required for the MSc., along with one 4 credit elective and the research project or internship.

4. MSc to MPhil/PhD

Applicants who have completed the IGDS MSc in Gender and Development Studies, have an excellent record of scholarship can apply to the MPhil or PhD programme. If accepted (through the SGSR upon recommendation of the IGDS), they would be required to complete an additional course along with the required research seminar(s), research field(s) and the research thesis or thesis by practice for the MPhil or PhD programme. Supervisors may recommend that students take additional courses across faculties as needed for their research areas. Students may be exempted from course work on a case-by-case basis.

5. Upgrade from MPhil to PhD

MPhil students can apply to upgrade to the PhD in their second year after successful completion of an upgrade seminar based on the quality of a substantial paper presented at a seminar of staff and students and assessed by three approved assessors. Applications are approved by the SGSR on the recommendation of the IGDS. Students may be exempted from coursework on a case-by-case basis. Recommendations for transfer to the PhD will be initiated by the candidate’s Supervisor based on an assessment of the scope, depth and originality of the research in progress. Such recommendation will not normally be made before the beginning of the second year of registration. The Upgrade must be completed by the end of the second year. A review committee of the Institute, which will take this assessment into account, will assess recommendations for transfer of registration. If the recommendation to transfer is approved by the SGSR, the candidate’s registration for the MPhil will terminate and the PhD registration will be dated from the date of the initial registration of the MPhil.

6. Direct Entry to PhD

Applicants who have completed graduate degrees with a substantial research component and who have an excellent record of training and scholarship in the field of Women’s or Gender Studies (or in related fields within the Social Sciences and Humanities) may apply for direct entry to the PhD programme. This must be approved by the School for Graduate Studies and Research on the recommendation of the IGDS. Supervisors may recommend that students take additional courses within IGDS and across faculties as needed for their research areas. Students may be exempted from coursework on a case-by-case basis.

Course exemptions are completed on a case by case basis. For candidates who completed an IGDS programme and successfully applied to another degree within IGDS, courses are accepted and exempted only up to 5 years from the first registration date. Any matter over 5 years would be considered on a case by case basis. This must be approved by the School for Graduate Studies and Research on the recommendation of the IGDS.

Students within an existing Graduate Programme at the UWI (not IGDS) - Students would apply to the IGDS programme as any other applicant through the School for Graduate Studies and Research (SGSR). If accepted they would have to complete all core courses and other requirements, with course and/or credit exemptions considered on a case by case basis.