Our research investigates some of the challenges that arise during the life course, using multidisciplinary and methodologically innovative approaches.
We are living through a period of rapid social change, evident in changing expectations of familial duties and norms, and in state responsibilities and provisions. The life course itself is increasingly fluid, with extended dependency of the young; contrary trends towards both older and younger parenthood; the rise of the dual income family; extended life expectancy with new responsibilities in later life; and the growing importance of end-of-life accommodation and care – all of which create new challenges.
The Faculty has had considerable success in attracting external funding for research, including support from the ESRC, the Department of Health, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation and the Heritage Lottery Fund.
For further information about the research we have undertaken, please follow the links on the right. Our five main themes are: Ageing and later life; Children, young people, parenthood and families; Death, dying and bereavement; Living with disability and long term conditions; and Reproductive and sexual health.
Our thriving community of researchers includes a growing number of full-time and part-time post-graduate research students. Want to join our research community?
To find out about forthcoming research seminars and conferences please see Events. To contact the Research Office, email HSC-Research-Enquiries@open.ac.uk