Fertility is falling, populations are ageing, and migration is reshaping societies. Understanding these seismic shifts requires data-driven insight. Our MSc in Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography will give you the essential tools to analyse global demographic changes and uncover what it means for our future.
In the study of large populations, statistics are in an inherent part of demography. Throughout your studies, you’ll develop the essential skills and knowledge required for excellence in population research, as well as transferable skills suitable for a range of other fields.
You will delve into critical demographic themes, including fertility, mortality, migration, and ageing trends and acquire practical experience through the application of quantitative research techniques.
You will receive comprehensive training in the practical application of quantitative methods. Throughout your studies, you will gain confidence in the use of statistical software such as R, SPSS and Stata to ask and answer crucial questions, like:
Social statistics and quantitative data analysis are key tools for understanding society and how government policies affect different groups of people.
This course is eligible for the 1+3 studentship offered by the Economic and Social Sciences Research Council (ESRC) North West Social Sciences Doctoral Training Partnership (NWSSDTP), offering a unique, fully-funded route into postgraduate research. If your application is successful, you’ll be able to seamlessly transition from master's-level study to a PhD. Find out more on our 1+3 ESRC NWSSDTP webpage .
Which pathway is right for me?
Shape your studies around your interests and career goals by choosing from three different pathways. All three courses share a strong foundation in quantitative methods and statistics, with specialist routes offering a deeper focus in their respective areas. We offer the following courses:
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography: Explore how populations are changing and develop specialist skills to analyse the demographic trends shaping society and public policy.
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics: Build the research and statistical skills employers value across academia, government, charities and industry. No prior statistics experience required. Find out more about MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics .
MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science: Combine social science with data science to investigate complex social issues. Find out more about MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science .
An interdisciplinary research environment
This course is linked with our Cathie Marsh Institute for Social Research , a centre of excellence for applying quantitative research to contemporary social science questions.
A prestigious department
Pioneer your own research at a department ranked first in the UK for the percentage of our research outputs being ‘world-leading’, as recognised by the latest Research Excellence Framework (2021).
You will explore the application of quantitative methods to a range of subject areas, such as sociology, public health, geographic difference and statistics.
We require a UK bachelor's degree with a First or Upper Second classification or the overseas equivalent, in any discipline.
When assessing your academic record we consider your degree subject, grades you have achieved and the standing of the institution where you studied your qualification.