Demography and Social Inequality (Double Degree master)
What impact did the recent economic crisis have on individuals' living and working conditions, on individuals' study and career choices, on social inequalities and social cohesion?
The Dual Master's Programme in Demography and Social Inequality gives first-class students the opportunity to benefit from the outstanding expertise of two top-ranking universities. Participants of the programme spend one year studying at each university and graduate with two master's degrees: a Master of Sciences in Sociology and Social Research issued by the University of Cologne and a Master of Science in Population Studies issued by the University of Groningen in the Netherlands.
The international master's programme focuses on demographic change, population dynamics and the challenges faced by modern societies due to increasing life expectancy, decreasing birth rates and migration. Students will learn to apply advanced social research methods and data analysis, providing necessary tools to deal with current issues such as ageing, social inequality, family, integration and education, among others. Students will have the possibility of acquiring in-depth knowledge of these topics and developing interdisciplinary research skills.
- Cambridge C1/C2 certificate: overall score 180.
- IELTS Academic: overall score 6.5 (min. 6.0 in all categories)
- TOEFL iBT: overall score 90 (min. 18 in Reading and Listening, 20 in Speaking, 21 for Writing)
- TOEFL iBT: overall score 4.5 (min. 4 in Reading, Listening and for Speaking, 4.5 in Writing)
A bachelor's degree with at least 15 ECTS (=18 ECTS in Germany) in the field of Sociology / Demography and at least 10 ECTS (= 12 ECTS in Germany) in Statistics. Demography courses may include Population Geographies, Migration and Development, Healthy Ageing and Population and Development.
UG students Human Geography and Urban and Regional Planning have direct access to this double degree.
Very good intercultural and social skills
Relevant practical experience is desirable
Bachelor final grade equivalent to at least 2.7 (German grading system)
A list of relevant course descriptions: This list should include statistics courses, research methods courses and demographic content knowledge courses. The list needs to include info on the content of each course, literature used, learning outcomes, and details of how each course was assessed.
Curriculum Vitae
Motivation Letter
Two academic letters of reference
Job prospects
The programme trains you in theories, and analytical and methodological tools from both sociology and demography. You will learn 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 programme 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.
