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 problems and challenges.
We are known for exploring the potential of new methodologies – including participative research – and we are developing research around work-based learning.
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. Further details of these projects can be found via the research themes listed in the left hand menu.
Additionally, the faculty has ESRC funding for a seminar series, 'Visual Dialogues: New agendas in inequalities research'. The seminar series brings together academics, practitioners and policy makers from across the arts and social and health sciences in order to explore the potential of the visual for understanding the forms and experiences of inequality that shape societies, communities and individual lives.
In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise 60% of our submission (under Social Work and Social Policy and Administration) was rated world leading or internationally excellent in quality, placing us in the top third of UK and Irish universities.
We have a thriving post-graduate research student community currently involving 18 full-time and 13 part-time students. Want to join our research community? See Opportunities for details.
To find out about forthcoming research seminars and conferences please see Events. To contact the Research Office, email HSC-Research-Enquiries@open.ac.uk