BASS Politics and Sociology

Set within the framework of the basic demographic equation (population change = births - deaths +/- net migration) the course unpacks the demographer's tool kit. We consider the derivation, use and interpretation of key measures used in the study of population structure and the components of population change (fertility, mortality and migration) concluding with a look at population projection. Throughout the course there is an emphasis on hands-on learning of demographic method with application using real data from UK and overseas. We consider how the study of demographic pattern and process relates to many of the great social policy challenges of the 21st Century.

The course aims to:

• Introduce students to the way demographic pattern and process is central to our understanding of many important social and policy issues
• Provide a basic grounding in the theory and principles underlying demographic processes and their measurement
• Introduce students to the range of data used in demographic analysis
• Equip students with the basic techniques of demographic analysis
• Enable students to critically interpret demographic data and analysis

At the end of the course students will be able to:

• Demonstrate understanding of demographic pattern and process
• Demonstrate a basic knowledge of data sources and methods used in demographic analysis
• Demonstrate ability to apply method and data appropriately to answer demographic questions and problems
• Interpret the output of demographic analysis appropriately

Lectures and workshops.

Please note the information in scheduled activity hours are for guidance only and may change.

Written assignment - 1,500 words & graphs (30%)

Exam - 2 hours (70%)

Non-assessed weekly workshop exercises provide an opportunity for formative feedback on understanding and progress. This is complemented by Canvas quizzes with auto feedback. Coursework submissions are graded and accompanied by feedback in grademark.

Rowland D T (2003) Demographic Concepts and Methods, (OUP) Newell, C.

Tuition fees for home students commencing their studies in September 2027 will be £10,050 per annum. Tuition fees for international students will be £29,200 per annum.

For general information please see the undergraduate finance pages.

All students should normally be able to complete their programme of study without incurring additional study costs over and above the tuition fee for that programme. Any unavoidable additional compulsory costs totalling more than 1% of the annual home undergraduate fee per annum, regardless of whether the programme in question is undergraduate or postgraduate taught, will be made clear to you at the point of application. Further information can be found in the University's Policy on additional costs incurred by students on undergraduate and postgraduate taught programmes (PDF document, 91KB).

Scholarships and bursaries, including the Manchester Bursary , are available to eligible home/EU students.

Some undergraduate UK students will receive bursaries of up to £2,000 per year, in addition to the government package of maintenance grants.

You can get information and advice on student finance to help you manage your money.