The Department of Social Statistics and Demography at the University of Southampton invites applications for fully funded PhD and MSc+PhD studentships through the South Coast Doctoral Training Partnership (SCDTP). The department offers supervision across a broad spectrum of demographic research, including family and social demography, population and global health, migration modelling, and advanced statistical methodology applied to social sciences and official statistics. These opportunities are ideal for students interested in pursuing research in demography, global health, and quantitative social science.

The SCDTP is a collaboration between the Universities of Southampton, Brighton, Portsmouth, and Chichester, delivering advanced training in research methods and skills for social scientists. Funded by the Economic and Social Research Council, the partnership awards a minimum of 34 studentships per year, supporting doctoral and Masters+PhD studies at its four partner institutions. The University of Southampton hosts renowned research centres such as the National Centre for Research Methods and the Centre for Population Change – Connecting Generations, providing a vibrant academic environment for postgraduate research.

Available studentships include 1+3.5 MSc+PhD, 3.5-year PhD, and 4.5-year interdisciplinary awards, all featuring a Research-in-Practice placement. The programme emphasizes advanced quantitative training, interdisciplinary approaches, and engagement with ESRC-funded resources. Students benefit from collaboration and knowledge exchange, as well as a commitment to equality, diversity, and inclusion.

Applicants should have a strong academic background in social sciences, demography, statistics, or related fields. Distance learning applicants are not eligible for funding, but queries about distance learning PhDs can be directed to Dr Liliana Andriano ([email protected]). Prospective candidates are encouraged to review the department website, identify a relevant supervisor, and contact them directly for guidance on the application process.

The deadline for applications for the 2026/27 academic year is 16:00 (GMT) on 16th January 2026. For further details, visit the South Coast DTP website or contact the department for more information. This is an excellent opportunity for aspiring social scientists to join a leading research community and develop expertise in demography, global health, and social statistics.