Program Overview

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Social Research Methods with Demography (MSc)

About this course

Demography is the study of human populations, their size, density, and distribution. Discover how to use social research methods to gather and analyse data to inform strategic decision-making and market research across a range of sectors. From health and social care to local and national government and international organisations.

This course will provide you with a high level of knowledge in social research, with a clear focus on contemporary and theoretical demography and quantitative methods. You'll train in the theory and methods of demography and applied statistical methods, giving you skills in the most current areas of social statistical practice.

You’ll study:

• demographic data and how this is collected
• quantitative analysis of population change
• the relationships between population changes and economic and social processes
• applied statistical methodology
• past and current population trends in developing and developed countries

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 and Policy
• Economic and Social Research Council National Centre for Research Methods

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

Your modules and fees may vary if you choose a different study option.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

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.

Learn more about these subject areas

Social statistics and demography

Explore how population and social changes interact with the world and how those things can be measured. Demographers, data analysts and researchers help to improve livelihoods and global health.

Sociology, social policy and criminology

Study social sciences - whether your interests are in crime and the criminal justice system, social disparity and cultural diversity, or the effects of policy on society. Gain the quantitative and qualitative skills to understand and address social issues.

Course location

This course is based at Highfield.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.

• Download ODT

Entry requirements

You'll need a 2:1 in subjects such as:

• populations studies
• geography
• statistics
• maths
• economics
• politics
• sociology
• health science
• another social science subject

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 all of the following scores as a minimum:

• overall score: 6.5
• reading: 6.0
• writing: 6.0
• speaking: 6.0
• listening: 6.0

If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.

If you don’t meet the English language requirements, you can achieve the level you need by completing a pre-sessional English programme before you start your course.

Pre-masters

If you don’t meet the academic requirements, you can complete a pre-master's programme through our partnership with OnCampus. Learn more about the programmes available.

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: [insert email]
• Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

Course structure

On the full-time version of this master’s in Social Research Methods with Demography, your studies take place over 12 months.

This is divided into two semesters, with a total of 6 months of taught learning. During this time, you'll study a variety of core, compulsory and optional modules. Once this is complete, you'll have 3 months of supervised research for your master's dissertation.

You must pass all core modules to get your degree.

Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.

Modules

The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.

For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026

Year 1 modules

You must study the following modules:

• Advanced Statistical Modelling
• Applied Statistical Modelling
• Demographic Methods 1
• Demographic Methods 2
• Project/Dissertation
• Qualitative Methods
• Research Communication Skills
• Survey Design and Data Quality
• Understanding Population Change

You must also choose from the following modules:

• Complex Survey Data Analysis
• Critical Issues in Global Health: Concepts and Case Studies
• Key Topics in Social Science: Measurement and Data
• Methods and Analysis of Global Health Trends and Differentials
• Perspectives in Gerontology
• Population and Reproductive Health
• Population, Poverty & Policy
• Researching Ageing Societies

Learning and assessment

Learning

You’ll learn through a range of teaching and learning methods, including:

• lectures
• seminars
• computer workshops
• workshops
• group and project work

Assessment

We’ll assess you using:

• exams
• essays and/or critical reviews
• short presentations which address specific questions
• statistical reports
• dissertation

Some modules are assessed by a mix of assessment methods.

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

You’ll be assigned a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.

Careers and employability

Employability skills

This degree will allow you to develop and evidence subject-specific and targeted employability skills. This includes the required skill set for a range of future careers, further study, or starting your own business.

The skills you can expect to focus on and gain from this course include:

• Research
• Critical thinking
• Self-management
• Communication
• Teamwork
• Problem solving

The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.

Download skills overview

Career pathways

Graduates commonly work in a range of organisations or sectors including:

• Education
• Central Government
• Local government
• Charity sector

Careers directly related to this course:

• Demographer
• Civil servant
• Government researcher
• Social researcher
• University lecturer
• Data analyst

Wider career opportunities:

• Actuarial analyst
• Actuary
• Data scientist
• Financial risk analyst
• Investment analyst
• Market researcher
• Operational researcher
• Statistician

Example job titles of Southampton MSc Social Research Methods with Demography graduates*:

• Accounting and bookkeeping technician
• Associate health statistician
• Monitoring and evaluation officer
• Researcher
• Research officer

Job prospects for MSc Social Research Methods with Demography graduates

• Average professional salary: £30k
• In a skilled profession or further study: 81%
• Graduate employment rate: 93%

Source: The Graduate Outcomes Survey, which gathers information about the activities and perspectives of graduates 15 months after finishing their course.

Work experience opportunities

Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.

Read more

Careers services and support

We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:

• work experience schemes
• CV and interview skills and workshops
• networking events
• careers fairs attended by top employers
• a wealth of volunteering opportunities
• study abroad and summer school opportunities

We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.

Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.

More about careers support

Fees, costs and funding

Tuition fees

Fees for a year's study:

• UK students pay £9,250.
• EU and international students pay £24,200.

Check fees for other versions of this course.

Deposit

If you're an international student on a full-time course, we'll ask you to pay £2,000 of your tuition fees in advance, as a deposit.

Your offer letter will tell you when this should be paid and provide full terms and conditions.

Find out about exemptions, refunds and how to pay your deposit on our tuition fees for overseas students page.

What your fees pay for

Your tuition fee covers the full cost of tuition and any exams. The fee you pay will remain the same each year from when you start studying this course. This includes if you suspend and return.

Find out how to pay your tuition fees.

Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.

Explore:

• accommodation costs
• living costs
• budgeting advice
• fees, charges and expenses regulations

10% alumni discount

If you’re a graduate of the University of Southampton, you could be eligible for 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.

Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences Postgraduate International Scholarship

A scholarship of £3,000 is available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Economic, Social and Political Sciences.

Find out more about the Southampton Economic, Social and Political Sciences International Scholarship, including eligibility and conditions.

Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship

Two scholarships of £5,000 each are available to international students studying for a postgraduate master’s in Social Statistics and Demography.

Find out more about the Southampton Social Statistics and Demography Chris Skinner Postgraduate International Scholarship, including eligibility, deadlines and how to apply.

Other postgraduate funding options

A variety of additional funding options may be available to help you pay for your master’s study. Both from the University and other organisations.

Funding for EU and international students

Find out about funding you could get as an international student.

How to apply

1. Use the blue 'apply for this course' button on this page to take you to our postgraduate admissions system.
2. Create an account which gives you access to your own application portal.
3. Search for the course you want to apply for.
4. Complete the application form and upload any supporting documents.
5. Pay the £50 application assessment fee, (there are some exemptions, check terms and conditions).
6. Submit your application.

For further details of our admission process, read our step by step guide to postgraduate taught applications.

Application deadlines

UK students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 9 September 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

International students

The deadline to apply for this course is Tuesday 26 August 2025, midday UK time.

We advise applying early as applications may close before the expected deadline if places are filled.

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 submit two 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.

What happens after you apply

You'll be able to track your application through our online Applicant Record System.

We will aim to send you a decision 6 weeks after you have submitted your application.

If we offer you a place, you will need to accept the offer within 30 working days. If you do not meet this deadline, we will offer your place to another applicant.

Unfortunately, due to number of applications we receive, we may not be able to give you specific feedback on your application if you are unsuccessful.

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: [insert email]
• Tel: +44(0) [insert phone number]

Related courses

Social Research Methods with Demography (MSc) is a course in the Social statistics and demography and Sociology, social policy and criminology subject areas. Here are some other courses within these subject areas:

• MSc Applied Statistics
• MSc Data Analytics for Government
• MSc Global Health
• MSc Social Research Methods with Applied Statistics