MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography

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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:

• Why are birth rates declining in high-income countries?
• How does ageing affect healthcare systems and economies?
• What are the long-term impacts of migration on population structure?
• Are urban populations growing faster than rural ones, and if so, why?
• How do mortality trends vary across countries and social groups?
• What does population data tell us about inequality and development?

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 .

This course will provide you with:

• The ability to understand key aspects of demographic theory and methods.
• Skills in the preparation and analysis of complex survey data for research in Social Sciences and Demography.
• Skills needed to present research effectively, using visualisations and statistical tables and technologies such as markdown.
• Skills in planning, conducting and writing up an independent piece of research.
• Skills in the statistical programming and modelling, following the principles of reproducibility and open research.

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.

This course is taught by an interdisciplinary team using a variety of delivery methods:

• lectures;
• workshops;
• student-led presentations and debate;
• group work;
• individual research.

Course units are assessed by 1,500-2,500-word essays, online tests, exams, or group projects.

Discover why our students chose our MSc in Social Research Methods and Statistics with Computational Social Science and what they loved about their time at Manchester – take a look at our student spotlights .

The University of Manchester is the most targeted university by the UK’s top graduate employers (High Fliers, The Graduate Market Report 2026).

Our MSc Social Research Methods and Statistics with Demography gives you the specialist knowledge and skills required for a range of careers across the public, private, and third sectors, such as in:

• academia;
• consultancy;
• local or national governments;
• statistical offices;
• the voluntary research sector.

You will acquire vital skills relevant to many different sectors and roles, such as data analysis, qualitative and quantitative research design, academic writing, communication and teamwork. You could also progress to a PhD in Social Statistics at Manchester or another university.

Our highly skilled graduates go on to succeed in areas such as:

• the Civil Service;
• market or social research;
• data science and artificial intelligence;
• intelligence analysis;
• academia and teaching.

Careers support

At Manchester you will have access to a number of  opportunities to help boost your employability , such as careers fairs, employer presentations, and workshops through the University’s dedicated  Careers Service . As a student at Manchester, you would have full access to this service during your studies and for two years after you graduate.

Professional accreditation / exemptions

This course is an ESRC recognised 1+3 doctoral training course.