Multidisciplinary Master's Programme in Demography
How does migration affect society? What are the links between female employment, family policies and childbearing? In this two-year programme, you will learn about these and other major future challenges related to the changing structure of populations.
Fertility, mortality and migration are the three pillars of Demography. Photo: Oliver Förstner/Mostphotos
Broaden your perspective
With its multidisciplinary focus, this programme will broaden your perspective and give you the tools to examine population issues from different angles.
Your studies will cover all major parts of population dynamics. These include fertility, mortality and migration patterns, population aging and health transitions, family change, and demographic inequalities.
Study at one of the highest ranked institutions
You will be learning alongside international, cutting-edge research, since all of our teachers are active researchers at the renowned Stockholm University Demography Unit. Demography at Stockholm University is recognised as one of the best in the world—ranked 3rd in Europe and 4th globally in 2025 by the SCImago Institutions Rankings (SIR).
Become an expert in quantitative methods
Quantitative methods and data science are key components of the programme. You will gain solid knowledge of statistical methods, as well as learn practical skills in the management of quantitative data and planning of statistical analyses. We also welcome students with limited backgrounds in statistics, as you will progressively build your skills from practical data management to advanced statistical analyses.
Gain research skills
At the end of the programme, you will be able to engage with research-frontier techniques and methodologies, as you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in your own research project for a whole semester. This will give you the skills needed for a continued career in research as well as for jobs in various organisations.
The programme starts with three compulsory courses in Demography, where demographic methods and demographic theory are included.
In total, there are 37.5 credits of compulsory courses, 52.5 credits of elective courses, where 22.5 credits must be courses with a demographic component.
The programme ends with a master thesis, 30 credits. There is also the possibility to choose to have an internship of 7.5 credits or 15 credits in semester three.
Year 1
Year 2
Master’s programmes at the Department of Sociology will only have one admission round for all applicants. This means that if you want to apply to one of our master´s programmes starting autumn 2026, the application opens October 16 2025 and the deadline is January 15, 2026.
When applying to our master's programmes, it is required that you also submit a motivation letter including your research ideas. You must use the webform in the link below to create your motivation letter.
Webform to create your motivation letter.
Once completed you will receive an e-mail with a pdf to upload with your application at universityadmissions.se. If you do not upload your motivation letter it will not be assessed. The last day to upload the motivation letter is 2 February 2026. A new motivation letter must be submitted each semester you apply for.
Any questions related to this can be directed to master@sociology.su.se
Selection process
In ranking the applicants for programmes at the Department of Sociology the following components are used to assess the merits of applicants:
- Grades of academic courses (1-50)
- Motivation letter (1-50)
- Relevance of previous studies in relation to the programme in question (1-100)
Research based on unique population data
Research at the Stockholm University Demography Unit is based on unique Swedish population data, allowing us to draw conclusions from our studies with high accuracy.
Sweden, along with other Nordic countries, is also known to be a fore-runner in emerging family forms and behaviors like divorce, childbearing and family reconstitution. Studies on Swedish population data is therefore relevant for policy makers in many countries.
Welcome to our information events online
Meet us online on 4 December. Join our webinar together with Student Services to learn more about our international master's programmes in Sociology and Demography.
Yes, I want to join. Get more information and register
You can also chat with us on 13 January if you have last minute questions.
Yes, I have a question. Get more information and a link to a zoom room
Meet our teachers
The Stockholm University Demography Unit (SUDA) has a strong research profile in all three processes of population change – immigration, fertility, and mortality. All of our teachers are also active researchers.
Meet our researchers and PhD students
We maintain a strong publication record in international peer-review journals with high impact.
Meet our alumni
Meet Ana, who tells about her experience and career path.
Within this programme, you will have the opportunity to apply for an internship at a workplace, which will allow you to tailor your education to your career goals.
Skills in quantitative methods and data science are in high demand. As a demographer, you can work in a variety of organisations, including as a researcher for governments, ministries, municipalities, charities and international organisations; or as a community planner, forecaster or analyst at organisations like Statistics Sweden, SIDA, and the UN.
Demographers' skills are also useful at insurance companies, investment organisations, and a range of other businesses.
Some of our former students continue to study for a PhD after the Master's programme.
For questions about this master's programme – please contact programme coordinator Sven Drefahl.
Questions about master's studies
For questions about the master’s programmes in Demography and Sociology or our master’s courses, such as admissions, registrations, study breaks and transfer of credits, you are welcome to contact the master's assistant directors.
Anna Borén, Anna Carin Haag
Study counsellor
For guidance on study techniques, academic planning, grade transfers, certificates, and more.
If you run into problems with your studies, you are welcome to contact the counsellor, who works under a duty of confidentiality.
You can also book a meeting with the counsellor if you need long-term study and career planning.
