Demography is the scientific study of how populations grow, shrink, and evolve over time. It analyses and mathematically models the various structures of human populations by age, sex, place of residence, level of education and other key demography characteristics. It focuses on fertility, mortality and migration as determinants of population size and structure, and on the mechanisms driving their change. By linking past, present and future population dynamics to society, the economy and the environment, demography plays a crucial role in understanding the changes shaping today’s global world.
The Department of Demography combines demographic research and teaching within the Faculty of Social Sciences at the University of Vienna. It also serves as the university-based pillar of the Wittgenstein Centre for Demography and Global Human Capital (IIASA, ÖAW & UNIVIE), which holds an international reputation in the field.
In a world of over 8 billion people, studying population change is essential for a proper understanding of the problems of today, and for tackling the challenges of tomorrow. Demography affects each and every aspect of our lives – from the world economy and social policy, to city planning and climate change. Demographic analysis is key to understanding the complex dynamics shaping the future social landscape.
The Department of Demography of the University of Vienna is part of the Faculty of Social Sciences.
The Faculty of Social Sciences is one of currently 15 faculties and five centers of the University of Vienna. It engages in both research and teaching, which are considered inseparable constituents of higher education. The Faculty is a place of tertiary and continuing education, giving students the opportunity to specialise in a wide range of disciplines and thematic areas. Engaging in analyses of the structures and problems of contemporary societies is key to research at the Faculty.
We cordially invite you to the upcoming Master's examinations of Andrew Kramer, Cinthya Avila Barros, and Paweł Białas.
Ester Lazzari, Postdoctoral Researcher at the Department of Demography, has been awarded an ERC Starting Grant for the project Mental Health and…
Europe's demographic landscape is changing — but not everywhere in the same way.
