About this course
Demography is the study of human populations, their size, density and distribution. Discover how to gather and analyse demographic data and population change on our MSc Demography degree. You’ll explore historical and current population trends in developing and developed countries and the social and economic impact of demographic change.
Graduate with the quantitative analysis skills to support social policy-making across a range of sectors.
Understanding demographic change helps strategic decision-making across a range of sectors. From health and social care to local and national government and international organisations. It’s also an important way to inform market research.
On this UK master’s course in demography, you’ll look at issues such as population and reproductive health. You’ll cover demographic methods and approaches, and both qualitative and quantitative social science research methods.
You’ll learn:
- demography theory and methodologies
- the skills to plan, carry out and share demography research, especially where statistical analysis methods are important
- research methodologies, focusing on demographic methods, survey design and analysis
- critical thinking in the context of population sciences.
- how to prepare to become a demographer in areas like government, local authorities, and international health and policy
You’ll benefit from the cutting-edge research conducted in our research centres led by professors from our department:
- Economic and Social Research Council Centre for Population Change
- Centre for Global Health, Population, Poverty and Policy
- Economic and Social Research Council National Centre for Research Method
Flexible study
If you prefer, you can apply to study this course as:
- a part-time master's - study the same course content over 2 or more years
You can also take a single module as part of continuing professional development (CPD). Explore modules that are available as CPD
Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.
Course lead
Your course leader is Dr Olga Maslovskaya, Lecturer in Social Statistics and Demography within Economic, Social and Political Sciences. Her research interests include survey research, survey methodology, social statistics, quantitative research methods and demography. Read Dr Maslovskaya's staff profile to find out more about her work.
“Studying at Southampton has been an awesome experience. The environment is very green with top-notch learning resource facilities.”
Course location
This course is based at Highfield.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the programme specification
The programme specification sets out the learning outcomes of this course and details how the course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
You'll need a 2:1 degree in geography, social science, maths or statistics.
Find the equivalent international qualifications for your country.
English language requirements
If English isn't your first language, you'll need to complete an International English Language Testing System (IELTS) to demonstrate your competence in English. You'll need an overall score of 6.5 and the following scores for reading, writing, listening and speaking:
IELTS score requirements
- reading
- 5.5
- writing
- 5.5
- speaking
- 5.5
- listening
- 5.5
We accept other English language tests. Find out which English language tests we accept.
Recognition of professional experience
If you don't have the exact entry requirements, but you have significant work experience in this sector we’ll assess your relevant professional experience, your subject knowledge and your aptitude for learning.
Your application will be considered on individual merit and you may be asked to attend an interview.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
On the full-time version of this master’s in demography your studies take place over 12 months.
The course is made up of 9 months of taught learning between October and June. This includes modules that all students on the degree study, as well as a number of modules in methodological and demographic topics that you can choose.
The last 3 months of the course focuses on the research and preparation of your master’s dissertation.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
For entry in Academic Year 2021-22
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules:
You must also choose from the following modules:
Learning and assessment
Learning
You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:
- lectures
- seminars
- workshops
- group and project work
Assessment
We’ll assess you using:
- exams
- essays and/or critical reviews
- short presentations which address specific questions
- dissertation
Some modules are assessed by exams, which are held at the end of each semester.
Dissertation
This is your opportunity to carry out a piece of independent research. It will result in a 15,000 to 20,000 word dissertation usually carried out over a 3 month period between June and September.
Academic Support
We'll assign you a personal academic tutor, and you'll have access to a senior tutor.
Careers
As a demography master’s graduate, you’ll be ideally placed to take on a role as a highly trained population scientist anywhere in the world.
You can choose roles in the public, private or third sectors including:
- social policymaking in health and social care
- market research
- local and national government
- international organisations
Careers services at Southampton
We're a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2020). Our Careers and Employability Service will support you throughout your time as a student and for up to 5 years after graduation. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV/resume and interview skills workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a thriving entrepreneurship culture. You'll be able to take advantage of:
- our dedicated start-up incubator, Futureworlds
- a wide variety of enterprise events run throughout the year
- our partnership in the world’s number 1 business incubator, SETsquared
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,250.
- EU and international students pay £19,850.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams.
Find out how to pay your tuition fees.
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. Explore:
10% alumni discount
If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton you get a 10% discount on your postgraduate tuition fees.
Postgraduate Master’s Loans (UK nationals only)
This can help with course fees and living costs while you study a postgraduate master's course. Find out if you're eligible.
The Population Investigation Committee (PIC) scholarship
If you are considering applying for either MSc Demography or MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics you may be eligible for a PIC scholarship.
Should you be successful in securing a scholarship, and you complete the master's degree, you'll be expected to provide an assessment of your course and you future career plans.
Find out more on the Population Investigation Committee's web pages or contact course lead Dr Olga Maslovskaya directly.
Other postgraduate funding options
A variety of additional scholarships, grants and bursaries may be available to help you fund your master’s study, both from the University and from other organisations.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
- Use the 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our online application form.
- Search for the course you want to apply for.
- Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
- Submit your application.
Application deadlines
UK students
Applications must be received no later than 4 weeks before the start of the course. You must supply all supporting documentation at least 2 weeks before starting your course.
International students
We recommend you apply at least 6 weeks before the start of the course to ensure you're able to meet our requirements and apply for a visa in time.
We cannot guarantee students who do not meet these deadlines will be able to begin their course.
Application assessment fee
We’ll ask you to pay a £50 application assessment fee if you’re applying for any postgraduate taught course that starts in or after September 2021.
This is an extra one-off charge which is separate to your tuition fees. It covers the work and time it takes us to assess your application. You’ll be prompted to pay when you submit your application which won’t progress until you've paid.
If you're a current or former University of Southampton student, or if you're applying for a Master of Research (MRes) degree, you will not need to pay the fee. Find out if you’re exempt on our terms and conditions page.
Supporting information
When you apply you’ll need to submit a personal statement explaining why you want to take the course.
You’ll need to include information about:
- your knowledge of the subject area
- why you want to study a postgraduate qualification in this course
- how you intend to use your qualification
You'll also need to send 2 academic references.
Please include the required paperwork showing your first degree and your IELTS English language test score (if you are a non-native English speaker) with your application. Without these, your application may be delayed.
Learn more about how to apply with our postgraduate application guide.
What happens after you apply
You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.
We'll assess your application on the strength of your:
- academic achievements
- relevant professional experience
- personal statement
- academic references
We'll get back to you within 6 weeks with a decision about your application.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact us if you're not sure you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
