Researchers

Mark Brown, Ed Fieldhouse, Andrew Pickles, Ludi Simpson, Jo Wathan

CCSR, University of Manchester

Aims and Objectives

The project has two broad aims:

• to expand on CCSRs well-established programme of short course quantitative methods training through development of new courses. This will include a major programme of courses in demography as well as more advanced courses in statistical method
• to broaden access to the expanding short course programme through the provision of Bursaries

These developments are designed as a direct response to the widely reported skills shortage in quantitative methods within the UK Social Sciences.

Widening access to training through provision of bursaries

Access to the training programme is being greatly enhanced by the provision of bursaries for academic staff and graduate students registered at a UK HE institution. Operating under a quota system that ensures bursaries are available on all courses through the year, each bursary covers the course fee and a contribution towards travel and subsistence

How to apply

Individuals can apply for bursaries as part of the short course online booking process at: http://www.ccsr.ac.uk/courses/

New training in demography

In response to a substantial unmet need for training in basic and advanced demographic method, the project will include the development of a major programme of short-courses in demographic estimation and forecasting:

• Demography for local areas (2 days): Aimed those with no demographic training. Covers the basic components of demographic change (fertility, mortality and migration) focusing on sources of data and the derivation of simple measures
• Introduction to Population Estimation and Forecasting (1 day): a theoretical and conceptual introduction to estimation and forecasting
• Making Population Forecasts (1 day): Hands on training in the forecasting software POPGROUP
• Making and integrating forecasts of households and the labour force (1 day): Hands on training in the HOUSEGROUP and LABGROUP software
• Applied Forecasting (1 day): Participants are supported in using their own data and forecasting scenarios
• Forecasting Master Classes (1 day): an expert-led workshop using POPGROUP and a range of data sources to address substantive problems in local area forecasting

More advanced statistical courses

A number of courses are being developed to meet demand for training in more advanced areas of quantitative method. Courses are currently being developed on the following topics:

• Random Effects and Latent Variable Models for Complex Data: Generalized Latent and Linear Mixed Models (GLLAMM)
• Structural Equations Modelling

Further courses will be developed over the five years of the project in response to emerging areas of demand.