Program Overview

MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal)

The MPhil/PhD Demography (Social/Formal) programme at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) is designed to equip students with advanced demographic research skills, focusing on the study of human populations over time. This programme combines social demography, which explores the social and cultural aspects of population change, with formal demography, which involves the statistical measurement of population dynamics.

Introduction

Demography is the study of human populations, examining how births, deaths, and migration influence population growth or decline and shape key trends such as ageing populations. The programme aims to provide students with well-rounded skills for their future careers by exploring core theoretical debates and developing advanced skills in demographic methods and quantitative and/or qualitative analysis.

Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirement for this programme is an upper second class honours (2:1) bachelor's degree (or equivalent), plus high merit (65+) in a master’s degree or equivalent in a social science subject, preferably in demography, sociology, economics, social policy, methodology, geography, gender, or public policy, and a high merit (65+) in the dissertation.

• Overseas students should select their country from the dropdown list to find out the specific entry requirements that apply to them.
• English language requirements: The English language requirement for this programme is Research.

Programme Content

Students will attend a seminar series run by the doctoral programme director and are encouraged to take courses in the Department of Methodology and in other departments as necessary. The programme is structured over several years, with specific training and research milestones.

• Year 1: Students will take a compulsory research seminar, optional training courses if they have not previously taken them, and optional relevant courses provided by the Library, Teaching and Learning Centre, and Methodology Department.
  • SP501: Non-credit bearing Research Student Seminar
  • Optional training courses:
    • SP401: Half unit Understanding Policy Research
    • MY400: Half unit Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design
    • MY421: Half unit Qualitative Research Methods
    • MY451: Half unit Introduction to Quantitative Analysis
• Year 2: Students will take optional training courses and a transferable skills research seminar.
  • MY452: Half unit Applied Regression Analysis
  • MY455: Half unit Multivariate Analysis and Measurement
  • SP501: Non-credit bearing Research Student Seminar
• Year 3 and Year 4: Students will continue their research under the guidance of their supervisors, participate in seminars, and present their work.

Why Study with Us

The Department of Methodology is an internationally recognised centre of excellence in social science research methodology, offering postgraduate programmes in social research methods, applied social data science, and demography. The department has a vibrant and collaborative ethos, with a teaching team that includes leading researchers in various fields.

Your Application

Applications are welcome for research programmes that complement the academic interests of LSE staff. Prospective students are recommended to email their proposals to potential supervisors before applying to gauge their interest.

• Overview: The application should include academic achievement, statement of academic purpose, references, CV, outline research proposal, and a sample of written work.
• When to Apply: The application deadline for this programme is 27 May 2026. However, for funding opportunities, applications must be submitted by the funding deadline.

Fees and Funding

• Home Student Fee: £5,131 (2026/27), likely to rise over the full duration of the programme.
• Overseas Student Fee: £24,400 (2026/27), likely to rise over the full duration of the programme.
• Scholarships, Bursaries, and Loans: LSE recognises the cost of living in London and provides generous scholarships to help both home and overseas students. Students can apply for LSE PhD Studentships and Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding.

Learning and Assessment

• How You Learn: Students will be assigned a lead supervisor and a second supervisor/adviser who is a specialist in their chosen research field. Lead supervisors guide students through their studies.
• How You're Assessed: Progression and assessment include a first-year review, where students produce a 10,000-word document outlining the aims and methods of their thesis, and an oral presentation. After the first year, students will spend more time on independent study under the guidance of their supervisor(s), with regular assessments and the submission of draft chapters of their thesis.

Graduate Destinations

Recent doctoral graduates have pursued careers in academia, government and public sector, research, consultancy, education and teaching, NGOs, and charities. LSE offers career support through CV workshops, careers fairs, and information sessions with top employers.

Related Programmes

• MPhil/PhD Social Policy
• MPhil/PhD Sociology
• MPhil/PhD Social Research Methods

These programmes are designed for students who wish to drive social change through pioneering research on pressing social issues, conduct sociological research in a globally renowned department, or gain advanced skills in social research methodology.