Institution: London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine (LSHTM)
Qualification Options: MSc, PG Diploma, PG Certificate
Study Modes: Full-time | Part-time | Split-study | Online
Admissions: Open to all
Start Date: September 2026
Duration: 1 year (FT) or 2 years (PT / Split-study)
Overview
The MSc Demography & Health prepares students to analyse population dynamics and their impact on global health. As societies face challenges like ageing populations, migration, climate stress, and health inequalities, trained demographers play a crucial role in shaping policy and understanding demographic change.
This programme provides rigorous training in demographic methods, population data science, and the intersection between population trends, social structures, and public health. Students learn in a research-driven environment guided by LSHTM experts working across fertility, mortality, migration, health systems, and demographic data innovations.
The programme is available both face-to-face and online, making it accessible worldwide.
Funding
The MSc is recognised by:
- Economic & Social Research Council (ESRC)
- Medical Research Council (MRC)
- Population Investigation Committee (PIC)
Scholarships:
- Basia Zaba Memorial Scholarship (annual)
- Additional LSHTM and external funding options available.
What You Will Learn
Students gain expertise in:
- Demographic theory and quantitative methods
- Population projections; fertility, mortality & migration dynamics
- Population data science, analytics, and computational demography
- Quantitative research (R programming, survival analysis, life-course methods)
- Evidence-based evaluation of population and health programmes
- Analysis of emerging demographic data sources
- Presenting statistical results through written and oral communication
Teaching is delivered by leading demographers, data scientists, and global health researchers with partnerships worldwide.
Students may specialise in one of two pathways:
1. Population Data Science Pathway
For quantitative backgrounds; focuses on:
- Computational demography
- Data science, coding, modelling
- Advanced analytics
2. Population Health & Policy Pathway
For social science, community, or policy backgrounds; focuses on:
- Links between demography, health systems, and policy
- Social, economic, and environmental determinants
- Applied demographic analysis
Research Project
Students complete an independent research dissertation (June–September). Past topics include:
- Climate change and demographic impact in The Gambia
- Migration patterns in Mexico
- Spatial mapping of infant mortality in Victorian London
- Family planning programme evaluation in Tanzania
- Ageing and labour market interactions in the UK
Who This Programme Is For
Ideal for:
- Social scientists, economists, geographers, mathematicians
- Government and NGO professionals
- Policy analysts and population specialists
- Recent graduates aiming for global health, data science, or demographic research careers
Career Prospects
Graduates work across:
- UN agencies (UNFPA, WHO, UNICEF)
- Government statistics offices
- NGOs and think tanks
- Public health and reproductive health programmes
- Academic and applied research institutions
- Policy and planning roles
Programme Structure
Term 1 (Sept–Dec)
Core modules + Reading Week
Term 2 (Jan–March)
C & D slot modules taught in half-week blocks + Reading Week
Term 3 (April–Sept)
E modules + research project
PGCert and PGDip options available (full-time or part-time), with flexible module combinations.
Fees (2025/26)
| Status | MSc FT | PGDip FT | PGCert FT |
|---|---|---|---|
| Home | £13,580 | £9,500 | £5,430 |
| Overseas | £31,450 | £22,010 | £12,580 |
Part-time fees are 50% per year.
Entry Requirements
Applicants must meet one of the following:
- A bachelor’s degree (2:2 or above) in a relevant field
- A medical degree recognised by GMC
- A professional qualification equivalent to 2:2
- Relevant professional experience
Additional requirements:
- Evidence of numeracy
- Pathway placement assessed during Welcome Week
English language requirement: Band B.
Application Information
Apply online via LSHTM.
Application Fee: £50 (non-refundable)
Deadlines for September 2026 Entry
- 26 July 2026 (23:59 UK time): Students requiring a Student visa
- 31 August 2026 (23:59 UK time): UK, Irish, and non-visa students
Tuition Fee Deposit
- Home: £500
- Overseas: £2,000
- Due within 28 days of offer
2026–27 Basia Zaba Memorial Scholarship
- Value: £6,790 (covers 50% of Home fees)
- Eligibility: Applicants admitted to MSc Demography & Health
- Deadline: 25 March 2026 (16:00 BST)
Application steps:
- Submit MSc application
- Apply via LSHTM’s scholarship portal (link sent after Step 1)
Decisions announced: Week of 1 June 2026
Why Study at LSHTM?
- Ranked among the world’s top institutions for Public Health (#1 UK; #2 globally – ShanghaiRanking 2024)
- Global alumni network of 35,000+
- Highly international student body (155+ countries)
- World-leading research and media presence
- Flexible, modular programme design
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