MPhil in Sociology and Demography

University of Oxford

The MPhil introduces students to contemporary theories and research methods on the intersection of sociology and demography. This advanced 21-month programme takes a life-course and multilevel approach, aiming to integrate micro and macro issues in analysing social problems and the causes and consequences of population change.The MPhil will provide you with a solid foundation for a wide range of careers, including those in academia, preparing you for doctoral work in sociology and demography and research-intense jobs.The curriculum emphasises:population-level analysis and demographic measuresa life course approachsociological analysis as the key approach to explanationadvanced quantitative methods. This emphasis is reflected in the compulsory papers. Optional papers and the thesis will reflect either a more specialised topic (eg gender, family and fertility, migration and integration of migrants, health and mortality, intergenerational relationships) or methodological work.The MPhil programme has the following components:Sociological Analysis paper taught in the first year through lectures and seminarsDemographic Analysis paper taught in the first year through lectures, seminars and computer labsLife Course Research paper taught in the first year through lectures, seminars and computer labsStatistical Methods paper taught in the first year through lectures and computer labsResearch Design paper taught in the first year through lecturestwo option papers over both years of the MPhil, normally taught through eight weekly classes/seminars for each paper Replication project in the second year, comprising a combination of individual and group work MPhil thesis, a new and substantial analysis of up to 30,000 words on a sociological and/or demographic topic, to be submitted by the end of the second year.

Sociology