Module Specification
An online version of this specification is available to prospective students at
http://www.lshtm.ac.uk/study/currentstudents/studentinformation/msc_module_handbook/section3_moduledesc
ript/index.html
GENERAL INFORMATION
Module name
Population Studies
Module code
2011
Module Organiser
Rebecca Sear
Contact email
rebecca.sear@lshtm.ac.uk
Home Faculty
Faculty of Epidemiology & Population Health
Level
This module is at Level 7 (postgraduate Masters ‘M’ level) of the QAA
Framework for Higher Education Qualifications in England, Wales & Northern
Ireland (FHEQ)
Credit
This module is weighted as equivalent to 10 credits, within the larger 60-credit
Term 1 super-module for each MSc course. Credits are not awarded for this
module individually, but only for successful completion of the Term 1 supermodule.
Accreditation
Not currently accredited by any other body
Keywords
Sociology, Demography, Gender & health, Human development, Health
legislation, Mobility/migration, International / global
AIMS, OBJECTIVES AND AUDIENCE
Overall aim
To enable students to acquire a broad substantive knowledge of population
trends and an understanding of the major theories, findings and debates about
determinants of trends and differentials in the fertility and mortality of human
populations and the consequences of such variations
Intended learning
outcomes
By the end of this module, students should be able to:
 Demonstrate knowledge of broad contemporary and historical variations
and trends in demographic trends, particularly mortality and fertility, but
also international migration, in human populations;
 Summarize and evaluate the main theoretical arguments that have been
proposed to explain trends and differentials in mortality and fertility;
 Articulate and defend arguments about what explains fertility and
mortality variation and trends by making use of key literature in the field;
 Identify the key implications of different theories for fertility, health, and
development policy;
 Understand the population and other consequences of changes in fertility
and mortality, such as population ageing, and the interaction between
population change, public health, and public policy.
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Target audience
This module is suitable for any student who needs to know about trends and
variations in fertility and mortality in human populations, theories about the
determinants of such trends and the implications they, and associated changes
in population size and structure, have for public health and public policy. The
module is a core course for the MSc in Demography and Health.
CONTENT
Session content
The module is expected to include sessions addressing the following topics
(though please note that these may be subject to change):
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Structure of demographic transition in historical Europe and contemporary
less developed countries
Theoretical perspectives on population change
Importance of economic and lifestyle factors, public health measures and
clinical care as determinants of mortality and health.
Persistence of differentials health and fertility differentials in
contemporary times
Future prospects for countries at the end of the demographic transition.
Demographic and public health consequences of population change
Population policies
TEACHING, LEARNING AND ASSESSMENT
Study resources
provided or required
A handbook is supplied with readings.
Teaching and learning
methods
A combination of lectures, student presentations and workshops.
Assessment details
An essay assignment forms an integral part of the module and is used to assess
progress.
Formal assessment is by written examination in June (Paper 1 exam).
Assessment dates
Assessments will be due on a date notified by the Module Organiser.
For students who are required to re-sit, or granted a deferral or new attempt at
the written examination, the next examination date will normally be the
following May/June.
Language of study and
assessment
English (please see ‘English language requirements’ below regarding the
standard required for entry).
TIMING AND MODE OF STUDY
Duration
The module runs for 10 weeks at 0.5 days per week; this module runs on
Monday afternoons.
Dates
For 2015-16, the module will start on Monday 5 October 2015 and finish on
Monday 14 December 2015.
Timetable slot
The module runs in LSHTM timetable slot Term 1
Mode of Study
The module is taught face-to-face in London. Both full-time and part-time
students follow the same schedule.
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Learning time
The notional learning time for the module totals 100 hours, consisting of:
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Contact time ≈ 30 hours
Directed self-study ≈20 hours
Self-directed learning ≈ 20 hours
Assessment, review and revision ≈ 30 hours
APPLICATION, ADMISSION AND FEES
Pre-requisites
None
English language
requirements
A strong command of the English language is necessary to benefit from
studying the module. Applicants whose first language is not English or whose
prior university studies have not been conducted wholly in English must fulfil
LSHTM’s English language requirements, with an acceptable score in an
approved test taken in the two years prior to entry. Applicants may be asked to
take a test even if the standard conditions have been met.
Student numbers
Student numbers are typically 20 per year; numbers may be capped due to
limitations in facilities or staffing.
Student selection
The module is a core course for the MSc in Demography and Health.
Partial Registration (partial participation) by LSHTM research degree students
is allowed for this module.
Preference will be given to LSHTM MSc students and LSHTM research degree
students. Other applicants meeting the entry criteria will usually be offered a
place in the order applications are received, until any cap on numbers is
reached. Applicants may be placed on a waiting list and given priority the next
time the module is run.
Fees
For registered LSHTM MSc students, fees for the module are included within
MSc fees (given on individual course prospectus pages).
If registering specifically for this module, as a stand-alone short course,
individual module fees will apply.
Tuition fees must be paid in full before commencing the module, or by any fee
deadline set by the Registry.
Scholarships
Scholarships are not available for individual modules. Some potential sources
of funding are detailed on the LSHTM website.
Admission deadlines
For 2015-16:
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For registered LSHTM MSc students, the module choice deadline is the end
of Term 1 Orientation Week, Friday 2 October 2015.
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If registering specifically for this module, applications may be made at any
time. The School gives priority to the needs of students registering for
Masters and Research Degrees, and so places on any module may be limited
- early application is therefore advised. Formal registration will take place
on the morning of the first day of the module.
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ABOUT THIS DOCUMENT
This module specification applies for the academic year 2015-16
Last revised 03 June 2015 by Rebecca Sear
London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine, Keppel St., London WC1E 7HT.
www.lshtm.ac.uk
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