Micro-Census Insights into Historical Households, Mortality and Fertility

Cambridge (UK), 6-17 July 2026

This advanced course on historical demography introduces students to analytical approaches using micro-census data. The course programme combines theoretical lectures with practical sessions, offering participants the opportunity to work with census datasets from a variety of different countries and time periods (including the UK and IPUMS USA and International). Using quantitative, spatial, and indirect estimation methods, we explore patterns in historical mortality, health, fertility, marriage, and migration.

Course structure: Theoretical lectures. Census data management and variable creation. Methods taught: indirect estimation, regression analysis, spatial visualisations and modelling. Practical sessions using R.

Prerequisites: Applicants should have prior experience working with demographic (individual-level) datasets and quantitative analysis using STATA or R. The course is intended for PhD students, recent PhD graduates, and Master's students with relevant background and research interests.

Application details

• Application deadline: 2 February 2026
• Number of places: Maximum of 15 participants
• Financial support: A limited number of travel and accommodation grants are available for participants requiring financial assistance.

Apply via e-mail to Barbara Revuelta-Eugercios (secretary@eshd.eu) by sending:

1. 2-page academic CV;
2. 1-page statement of your research and how this relates to the course;
3. 1-page letter from your supervisor at your home institution supporting your application:
4. If applicable, a letter of request of full/partial financial support

More information

The course is jointly organised by the European Society of Historical Demography (ESHD) and the Cambridge Group for the History of Population and Social Structure (Campop) at University of Cambridge. It is funded by ESHD and the COST-Action GREATLEAP (CA22116).

Local organisers: Hannaliis Jaadla, Alice Reid, Romola Davenport

European Society of Historical Demography – www.eshd.eu

The Cambridge Group for the History of Population and Social Structure - www.campop.geog.cam.ac.uk

Course leaflet