This course covers the key methods used in population and development, especially the implications of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, family planning and health needs and the implications of population growth and climate change. These include methods of making population projections for both overall populations and particular sub-groups; methods for assessing the impact of factors such as AIDS and the introduction of a new family planning programme. The approach is practical and complements the more theoretical courses in the rest of the MScs, a skill appreciated by international organisations' employers. While there is no previous requirement, students will be encouraged to develop their analytical skills which will include projects on planning and a number of computer-based assignments. By the end of the course the students will have learned a new software and how to use key web and literature sources as well as international and national databases to plan for future population needs.