This module will be attractive to anyone with an interest in and concern for research with children and young people, from very young children to adolescents, right through to early adulthood. It will be of interest to those who work with, volunteer for, or care for children and young people in various settings and contexts, and who want to learn more about different approaches to amplify their representation, voice, and participation through inclusive and ethical research practices.
The module draws on contemporary theories and examples from various disciplines, including Childhood and Youth Studies, Education, Psychology and Sociology. This illustrates the various ways of conducting research, encompassing both traditional and contemporary approaches, as well as the use of creative research methods.
Block 1 introduces the foundations of social research with children and young people. The units give you the key concepts, core knowledge and understanding of the principles of research design, qualitative and quantitative research methods and the beliefs and assumptions that shape research methods. You'll be encouraged to actively question, evaluate, and view research as more than simply collecting facts, and consider why and how children and young people are involved in research. You'll also begin to identify and think about topics and research issues that interest you.
Block 2 focuses on the opportunities and challenges of participatory, creative and reflective research practices. You'll examine issues of diversity, representation, and inclusion, as well as the opportunities for including diverse groups in research. This includes challenging racism and empowering young people of colour, LGBTQI, disabled and neurodiverse children and young people and the role of power and participation through practitioner and insider research as a tool for social change. You'll also reflect on aspects of your own identity, motivations, and interests as a researcher.
Block 3 addresses the importance of ethical principles and values in research involving children and young people, including their rights, consent and safeguarding. Through scenarios and real-world examples, you'll consider and reflect on the complex and nuanced dilemmas that might emerge when planning your own research project, and why research roles and relationships matter when studying sensitive topics and/or working with children and young people with different needs.
Block 4 brings together the topics, issues and approaches covered in the module, and you are guided through the step-by-step process of designing your research project for your end-of-module assessment. The units include forming a research question, conducting a literature review, selecting a method, and learning how to write a research proposal.
In addition to the set text in the E320 Module Reader, there are weekly interactive online activities throughout the module to support your learning. The audio and video resources have been specifically created to support your understanding of core issues and research concepts and make links with ‘real life’ issues.
This module will be of relevance if you're:
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Course work includes:
You will receive a printed E320 Module Reader (also available online as an EPUB). The E320 Module Reader is a specially selected collection of 22 journal articles and book chapters. Weekly units of study give you the dedicated time to undertake these set readings.
You’ll also have access to a module website, which includes:
The audio recordings, films, and designed activities in this module feature OU academics, previous OU students, experts and professionals who have undertaken research with Children and Young People across the UK’s four nations and Ireland, and from around the world.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
E320 is a compulsory module in our:
E320 is an option module in our:
Contemporary research with children and young people (E320) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2026.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2031.
As a student of The Open University, you should be aware of the content of the academic regulations, which are available on our Student Policies and Regulations website.
There are no formal academic or experiential requirements to study this module. However, previous OU level 2 study in a related area will be beneficial.
Though this module aims to be of relevance to professional practice, you will not be required to work with or directly carry out research with children and young people. The tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) and end-of-module assessment (EMA) research project is desk-based only.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
If you would like to learn more about research with children and young people, we recommend reading: Clark, A. et al. (eds) (2014) Understanding research with children and young people. London, England: SAGE Publications Ltd.
You may also wish to explore these free OpenLearn resources to prepare for this module:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying E320 involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
To find out more about what kind of support and adjustments might be available, contact us or visit our Disability support website.
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If your income is not more than £25,000 or you receive a qualifying benefit, you might be eligible for help with some of these costs after your module has started.
There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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