DDM Social Demography

The program combines the strengths of two of the highest-ranked Social Science Departments in Europe to offer high level research training in Sociology and Demography. It emphasizes the study of both advanced and developing societies from a dynamic perspective, using analytical and methodological tools from two disciplines. The program has a unique approach for understanding how individuals' main life events both influence and are influenced by the social context in which they live.

For detailed information on UPF' first year course contents and syllabi: https://www.upf.edu/web/mastersociologydemography/groningen-university More information about these courses can be found on http://www.rug.nl/frw/education/master-info-frw/courses-double-degree-master-social-demography

The objective of the programme is to train young professionals and social scientists in the theories, analytical and methodological tools from both sociology and demography to conduct high quality research on how individuals' main life events (e.g. childbirth, education, marriage, occupation, divorce, death) both influence and are influenced by the social and geographical context in which they live.

The program emphasizes the study of both advanced and developing societies from an unique interdisciplinary and dynamic perspective.

After graduation you can find work in business, the government, or non-governmental organisations (NGOs). Demographers are trained to work with and interpret large data files. You can use these skills to make policy or develop programmes. You can also pursue an academic career and apply for a PhD position.

During the programme at the University of Groningen we offer support for your career preparation.

More information about the FSS Career Services.

The Master's thesis topic is integrated in the research theme of the Population Research Centre: “Population and Wellbeing in Context” and in the research theme of the socio-demographic research group of UPF.

See: http://www.rug.nl/research/ursi/prc/research/ and http://www.upf.edu/demosoc/

These research themes comprises topics such as: population decline, population ageing, social and economic inequality, global migration, life of migrants, healthy ageing in society, the sociology of the family, households, residence, studies on the labor market and working life, causes of death, child health, nutrition, access to health care, place making of elderly, and the assessment of social policies.

The double degree programme clearly reflects the major characteristics of the research programmes at PRC and UPF by focussing on both the macro (population) and micro level (the demographic behaviour of people); by adopting multi-disciplinary perspectives (demography, epidemiology, anthropology, geography, social ageing, nutrition); by teaching both quantitative and qualitative research methods; by focusing on the translation of research into policies or interventions.

The students are being taught the theories, methods and skills that the different teachers apply in their research. They participate in seminars and discussion groups in an active research environment including guest lectures and seminars by established professionals from other demographic institutions.

Part of the second year in Groningen is the participation in the Dutch Demography Day - a conference for demographers - and an excursion to the Netherlands Interdisciplinary Demographic Institute in The Hague.

Featured researchers

• prof.dr. Clara Mulder
• Gösta Esping-Andersen
• Pau Baizan