Demography and Population Studies aim to equip Learners with a developed understanding of demographic concepts, methods and measures. Learners can analyse population size, growth rates and the components of population change and interpret demographic trends within different social and geographic contexts. Upon successful completion, Learners have the ability to apply demographic tools to study population dynamics and support evidence-based planning and decision-making.
Introduction to Demography
- Meaning and scope of demography
- Importance of studying population dynamics
- Uses of demographic data in policy, planning and development
- Relationship between demography, economics, health and social sciences
- Key demographic terminology
Population Concepts
- Definition of population
- Characteristics of population size, distribution and composition
- Age–sex structure and population pyramids
- Dependency ratios and demographic dividend
- Population density, urban–rural distribution
Population Change and its Components
- Concept of population growth
- Components of population change
- Fertility
- Mortality
- Migration
- Natural increase and net migration
- Patterns and determinants of fertility, mortality and migration
- Population momentum and implications for future growth
Sources of Demographic Data
- Population censuses
- Household sample surveys
- Vital registration systems
- Administrative records and civil registration
- Use, advantages and limitations of each data source
Measurement Methods in Demography
- Basic demographic measures: crude rates, specific rates
- Fertility measurement
- Crude Birth Rate (CBR)
- Age-Specific Fertility Rate (ASFR)
- Total Fertility Rate (TFR)
- Mortality measurement
- Crude Death Rate (CDR)
- Age-Specific Death Rate (ASDR)
- Infant and child mortality rates
- Migration measurement
- Gross migration
- Net migration
- Migration rates
- Life table analysis
- Population projections and estimation techniques
Example Candidate Response Booklet
Example Candidate Response (ECR) Booklets are a source of crucial information for Centres and Candidates as they use real candidate responses. We ask Senior Examiners to comment on five or more responses in terms of why the mark was awarded with commentary about how to improve the answer (if necessary).
