To What Extent Do COVID-19 Mortality Rates and Their Perception Correlate with Relative Deprivation in Greater London?

A-Level Geography Investigation

This independent investigation examined the relationship between COVID-19 mortality rates and levels of relative deprivation across Greater London, asking whether socio-economic status influenced both actual health outcomes and public perceptions of risk during the pandemic.

What I did

  • Carried out the entire project, sourcing and analysing quantitative data from the Office for National Statistics alongside qualitative data from original survey responses.
  • Found a significant correlation between higher mortality rates and areas of greater deprivation.
  • Uncovered contrasting perceptions of COVID-19 risk between affluent and deprived communities, shaped by media exposure, trust in public messaging, and lived experience.

What I took away

  • A deeper understanding of health inequality, data-driven social research, and the role of perception in public health response.
  • Stronger skills in mixed-methods research, critical analysis, and independent project management.