We are pleased to be running the MA dissertation prize for 2025-2026. We are offering a prize of £250 for an outstanding Masters dissertation exploring any aspect of women’s or gender history, with a primary focus on women. Dissertations should be written during the 2025-2026 academic year. We welcome research on all historical periods and geographical regions, and strongly encourage students from under-represented groups.

Criteria for eligibility

• The nominated work must be written in English and have been submitted to a UK University during the academic year 2025/26.
• The dissertation must be an original piece of research undertaken by the applicant on women’s or gender history.
• The dissertation must be submitted as a PDF. It must be a double-spaced, word-processed document which uses a consistent and recognisable system of academic referencing. It should include a bibliography.
• The dissertation must be submitted anonymously, with all references to the candidate’s name and awarding institution removed.
• All applications must be accompanied by an entry form which can be downloaded below.
• All applicants must be members of the WHN.
• The MA dissertation should be between 10,000 and 25,000 words.
• Members of the WHN National Steering Committee are not eligible to apply.

All entries must be received by Friday 15 January 2027.

Please send a copy of your anonymised dissertation and your WHN-MA-prize-entry-form 25-26 to: prizesandawards@womenshistorynetwork.org.

We will acknowledge receipt of your entry. If you have not heard from us within seven working days of submitting your application, please send it again. Any questions or queries can be addressed to the above address.