Population Studies

Do you want to learn how demographic forces like fertility, mortality and migration shape population dynamics and inequalities? The University of Groningen offers different programmes related to Demography!

As a demographer you are competent in describing and analyzing both the population dynamics of different countries or regions and the demographic behaviour of individuals or population groups. Also you are an expert in predicting the likely demographic developments for the future. Demographers have a good understanding of contemporary societal problems and issues that affect people in their daily life.

Job prospects

Career options include working at local planning and government offices (muncipality, GGD), (inter)national statistical offices like Eurostat, agencies of the United Nations Development Group (UNFPA), Non-governmental organizations and private companies as data manager or communication expert. See where our alumni end up in this infographic

Master programmes

Master Population Studies

Are you interested in studying contemporary population issues like ageing, migration and global population growth? In the master programme Population Studies students learn the theories, methods and skills required to become a versatile demographer.

> All info about the MSc Population Studies

Course examples:

Population, Health and Place (Related SDG: 3 good health and wellbeing, 10 reduced inequalities)
Migration, Families and Households (Related SDG: 10 reduced inequalities, 11 sustainable cities and communities, 16 peace, justice and strong institutions)
Population Projections & Sustainability (Related SDG: 11 sustainable cities and communities)

Double Degree Master: Demography and Social Inequality

This programme consists of the one year master 'Sociology and Social Research' at the University of Cologne and the master 'Population Studies' at the University of Groningen. You start in Cologne, then finish in Groningen, write one master thesis and get two master's degrees!

> DDM Demography and Social Inequality

Course examples:

See courses above of MSc Population Sciences
Sociological Theories, or Social Structure and Social Inequality, or Comparative Social Research
Social Change, or Family, Education, Migration, or Special Aspects, or Sociology and Social Research
Research Seminar on Social Inequality and Demography

Double Degree Master Social Demography

This master consists of the one year Master of Research in Sociology and Demography, issued by the University Pompeu Fabra in Barcelona, and the one year master 'Population Studies' at the University of Groningen. You start in Spain, then come to Groningen, write one thesis and obtain two master's degrees!

> DDM Social Demography

Course examples:

See courses above of MSc Population Sciences
Analysis of Social Inequalities
Demographic Changes and Social Dynamics
Family, Gender and Society

Student testimonial Júlia Tena

This master’s degree allowed me to expand my knowledge and interests on a wide range of fields, from geographies of health inequalities to migration dynamics, while being given the concrete tools to practice research in these areas. The methodology courses were my personal highlight. The combination of qualitative and quantitative methods courses provided me with a resourceful toolkit that I will be confidently able to draw upon in any future academic and professional projects. Moreover, the engaging learning methods and the constant contact with international community make this challenging learning path into an enjoyable master's degree.

Theses

Examples of demography related Master thesis from graduates of the Faculty of Spatial Sciences:

Bachelor programmes

Human Geography and Planning

Demography related courses:

Population Geographies (Related SDG: 10 reduced inequalities, 11 sustainable cities and communities)
Migration development (Related SDG: 10 reduced inequalities)
People place and culture (Related SDG: 11 sustainable cities and communities)

Electives in the bachelor:

Healthy Ageing (Related SDG: 3 good health and well-being)
Population and Development (Related SDG: 3 good health and well-being, 10 reduced inequalities)

Demography related Minor:

Population, development and wellbeing

Links to newspaper articles in header image:

Migration Is Remaking Our World — and We Don’t Yet Understand It
The small cities and towns booming from remote work
Is the world ready for mass migration due to climate change?
Asia is spending big to battle low birth rates - will it work?
Maximum human lifespan may increase to 125 years
The new demographic transition: most gains in life expectancy now realized late in life