Demography (Social/Formal)

You will attend a seminar series run by the doctoral programme director and are also encouraged to take courses in the Department of Methodology and in the Department of Social Policy as necessary. In the first year, you will register initially for the MPhil programme, and undertake specific training in research methods as required. In subsequent years, you will continue your research under the guidance of your supervisors, participate in seminars and present your work from time to time, by giving seminar presentations and conference papers.

In addition to progressing with your research, you are expected to take the listed training and transferable skills courses. You may take courses in addition to those listed and should discuss this with your supervisor.

First year

Training courses
Optional (not examined)
If not already taken previously:
Understanding Policy Research
The course equips you with transferable quantitative and qualitative research design skills, including the design of policy evaluations, and an in-depth understanding of the role of different types of research in the social and public policy-making process.

Fundamentals of Social Science Research Design*
Introduces the broad range of design options and to foster an appreciation of these alternatives for particular research objectives.

Qualitative Research Methods*
Prepares students to design, carry out, report, read and evaluate qualitative research projects. Students learn how to collect data using methods including interviewing, focus groups, participant observation, and documentary and historical work.

Introduction to Quantitative Analysis*
An intensive introduction to quantitative data analysis in the social sciences. The course is intended for students with no previous experience of quantitative methods or statistics.

You will discuss with your supervisor any other methodological training that may be relevant for the successful completion of the MPhil/PhD programme.

Transferable skills courses

Compulsory (not examined):
Research Student Seminar 1
Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their first year of study. It also provides the forum in which first year full-time and second year part-time MPhil/PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their major review documents.

Optional (not examined):
Relevant courses provided by the Library, Teaching and Learning Centre and Methodology Department

Second year

Training courses
Optional (not examined):
Applied Regression Analysis*
Focuses on deepening the understanding of the generalised linear model and its application to social science data. 

Multivariate Analysis and Measurement*
Examines the  modern multivariate methods used in the social sciences, with particular focus on latent variable models for continuous observed variables, and their application to questions of measurement in the social sciences. 

Transferable skills courses 

Optional (not examined):
Research Student Seminar 2
Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their second and third years of study. It also provides the forum in which PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their third year review documents.

Third year

Transferable skills courses 

Optional (not examined):
Research Student Seminar 2
Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their second and third years of study. It also provides the forum in which PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their third year review documents.

Fourth year

Transferable skills courses 

Optional (not examined):
Research Student Seminar 2
Provides background sessions for MPhil/PhD students in their second and third years of study. It also provides the forum in which PhD students must present their work in advance of submitting their third year review documents.

For the most up-to-date list of optional courses please visit the relevant School Calendar page.

You must note, however, that while care has been taken to ensure that this information is up to date and correct, a change of circumstances since publication may cause the School to change, suspend or withdraw a course or programme of study, or change the fees that apply to it. The School will always notify the affected parties as early as practicably possible and propose any viable and relevant alternative options. Note that the School will neither be liable for information that after publication becomes inaccurate or irrelevant, nor for changing, suspending or withdrawing a course or programme of study due to events outside of its control, which includes but is not limited to a lack of demand for a course or programme of study, industrial action, fire, flood or other environmental or physical damage to premises. 

You must also note that places are limited on some courses and/or subject to specific entry requirements. The School cannot therefore guarantee you a place. Please note that changes to programmes and courses can sometimes occur after you have accepted your offer of a place. These changes are normally made in light of developments in the discipline or path-breaking research, or on the basis of student feedback. Changes can take the form of altered course content, teaching formats or assessment modes. Any such changes are intended to enhance the student learning experience. You should visit the School’s Calendar, or contact the relevant academic department, for information on the availability and/or content of courses and programmes of study. Certain substantive changes will be listed on the updated graduate course and programme information page.

Recent doctoral graduates have pursued careers in academia, in the government and public sector, in research, consultancy, education and teaching, NGOs and charities.

Support for your career

Many leading organisations give careers presentations at the School during the year, and LSE Careers has a wide range of resources available to assist students in their job search. Find out more about the support available to students through LSE Careers.