Join a community of researchers tackling today’s biggest challenges, such as helping to improve maternal health in India or improving access to water. We are known for our expertise and the application of cutting-edge quantitative and qualitative methods.
We were ranked 7th in the UK and in the top 15% in the world for Statistics and Operational Research in the World University Rankings by Subject, 2021.
You'll join a lively and active community of researchers. We engage with policy-makers, non-governmental organisations, and governments worldwide. In the UK, we exchange knowledge with government agencies such as the Department for Work and Pensions and the Office for National Statistics. Around the world, we work with the World Health Organisation, UNFPA, DFID and the United Nations.
You'll be supported by supervisors who'll provide guidance and direction. You'll benefit from our expertise in quantitative methods, measurement and methodology. Your training will introduce you to all aspects of the philosophy of social scientific research, as well as to the practical aspects of carrying out field-based research.
In addition to giving research seminars at the University, you'll be encouraged to assist with our teaching programmes and be supported in this through training and mentorship. You'll have your own networked workstation and we have a dedicated computer lab equipped with the latest statistical software.
You'll gain the skills and experience to succeed as a professional statistician, demographer, or a global health specialist, or to pursue a career in research.
We are a hub for understanding population change and the world around us. We aim to produce influential and innovative research that informs social policy and practice.
Our interdisciplinary perspective covers a range of real-world challenges that impact everyday lives. We work with academics from across the University and the UK, and collaborate with researchers around the world.
You can either apply for a structured studentship or propose your own PhD idea.
Taking a structured PhD will give you access to additional training, conferences and secondments.
We offer a wide range of fully funded studentships. We run several of our PhD studentships in partnership with doctoral training centres, meaning you'll benefit from enhanced training and guaranteed funding.
These studentships:
As social scientist you may be able to apply for Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) funding through the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). You'll need to apply for funding separately from your application to us.
Doctoral training centres offer fully funded studentships which include:
Find our more about the SCDTP.
We offer scholarships and teaching bursaries ourselves. Your potential supervisor can guide you on what is available.
If you’re an international student you may be able to apply for a scholarship from your country.
Find out more about scholarships
Once you've found a supervisor, they can help you with potential funding sources. We offer match funding in some cases.
You'll need to state how you intend to pay for your tuition fees when you submit your application.
Find out more about funding your PhD
You can borrow up to £29,390 for a PhD starting on or after 1 August 2024. Doctoral loans are not means tested and you can decide how much you want to borrow.
Find out about PhD loans on GOV.UK
You may be able to win funding from one or more charities to help fund your PhD.
We charge tuition fees for every year of study. If you're applying for a fully funded project, your fees will be paid for you.
2023 to 2024 entry:
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| Social statistics and demography full time | tbc | £18,600 |
| Social statistics and demography part time | tbc | £9,300 |
2024 to 2025 entry:
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| Social statistics and demography full time | £4,786 | £19,200 |
| Social statistics and demography part time | £2,393 | £9,600 |
2025 to 2026 entry:
| Subject | UK fees | International fees |
|---|---|---|
| Social statistics and demography full time | tbc | £19,620 |
| Social statistics and demography part time | tbc | £9,810 |
You're eligible for a 10% alumni discount on a self-funded PhD if you're a current student or graduate from the University of Southampton.
We host the largest group of demographers in the UK, studying topics such as family and fertility; migration and mobility; and health and mortality. Our statisticians specialise in innovations in statistical methodology, Our interdisciplinary perspective covers a range of real-world challenges that impact everyday lives.
Our social statisticians and demographers are involved in the work of many Social Sciences research centres. Our work with complex statistical and survey methodologies supports researchers in many academic areas.
Decide whether to apply to an advertised research project or create your own proposal.
It's a good idea to email potential supervisors to discuss the specifics of your project. It's best to do this well ahead of the application deadline.
You’ll find supervisors’ contact details listed with the advertised project, or you can search for supervisors in the staff directory.
You’ll need to send us
The application process is the same whether you're applying for a funded project, or have created a research proposal.
You should have a 2:1 honours undergraduate degree or equivalent qualification. You can also apply if your grade was lower than 2:1 – you’ll need to show you’ve made good progress since your degree.
If you have completed a master’s degree, you should have achieved a merit or above including 60%, for the dissertation. If you have not completed a master’s, you’ll need to show you can produce high quality writing and analysis.
We'll also invite your for interview.
If English is not your first language, you'll need an IELTS minimum level of 6.5 with a 6.0 in writing, reading, speaking and listening.
Your awarded certificate needs to be dated within the last 2 years.
If you need further English language tuition before starting your degree, you can apply for one of our pre-sessional English language courses.
Check the specific entry requirements listed on the project you’re interested in before you apply.
Research degrees have a minimum and maximum duration, known as the candidature. Your candidature ends when you submit your thesis.
Most candidatures are longer than the minimum period.
| Degree type | Duration (full time) | Duration (part time) |
| Social statistics and demography PhD | 2 to 4 years | 3 to 7 years |
