This module is made up of four blocks of study.
Block 1: This block introduces the two core module concepts – wellbeing and the lifecourse. You’ll start exploring what factors influence wellbeing, considering the different levels at which factors operate and the extent to which individuals have control over these factors. You’ll learn how taking a lifecourse perspective contributes to our understanding of health and wellbeing. The block will also introduce what is public health, and what is health and social care.
Block 2: Children’s wellbeing is a fundamental ingredient for emotional, mental, social, and physical development. Childhood is, therefore, a critical period for laying the foundation for future lifecourse outcomes. In Block 2, you will reflect on some of the sources of and barriers to wellbeing in early life, childhood, and adolescence, and consider how public health, healthcare, and social care services seek to support and sustain wellbeing during this period.
Block 3: The third block moves the focus onto adulthood. You’ll explore examples of adult health and social care provision. This will also include an exploration of the experiences of individuals transitioning from child to adult services. Block 3 will also explore public health priorities and consider different interventions that aim to support and sustain population wellbeing in adulthood.
Block 4: You often hear stories in the news about the fact that people are living longer and that the proportion of older people within the population is increasing. These news stories are frequently presented as a problem. Block 4 explores the debates surrounding later life and wellbeing, in particular highlighting diversity in experiences. You’ll examine topics including ageism, integrated care, and mental health in later life.
The topics in the module are brought to life through the use of case studies and engaging audio and video resources. You’ll develop study skills through activities woven into the study materials that support you with your module assignments and prepare you for further academic study.
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:
This module is delivered primarily through online learning guides. You’ll have access to a module website, which includes:
You will also be guided to find and research for relevant resources using the OU Library.
You can study this module on its own or use the credits you gain towards an Open University qualification.
K119 is a compulsory module in our:
K119 is an option module in our:
Wellbeing across the lifecourse (K119) 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 2030.
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.
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There may be extra costs on top of the tuition fee, such as set books, a computer and internet access.
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.
If your personal income is £25,000 or less, or you’re on certain benefits, you could qualify for a grant and OU top-up funding to cover 100% of your course fees. Apply online at the same time as you register on your module.
For more information on how to apply, visit our Part-Time Fee Grants for students in Scotland page.
The Open University Student Budget Accounts Ltd (OUSBA) offers a convenient 'pay as you go' option to pay your OU fees, which is a secure, quick and easy way to pay. Please note that The Open University works exclusively with OUSBA and is not able to offer you credit facilities from any other provider. All credit is subject to status and proof that you can afford the repayments.
You pay the OU through OUSBA in one of the following ways:
Joint loan applications
If you feel you would be unable to obtain an OUSBA loan on your own due to credit history or affordability issues, OUSBA offers the option to apply for a joint loan application with a third party. For example, your husband, wife, partner, parent, sibling or friend. In such cases, OUSBA will be required to carry out additional affordability checks separately and/or collectively for both joint applicants who will be jointly and severally liable for loan repayments.
As additional affordability checks are required when processing joint loan applications, unfortunately, an instant decision cannot be given. On average, the processing time for a joint loan application is five working days from receipt of the required documentation.
Read more about Open University Student Budget Accounts (OUSBA).
Studying with The Open University can boost your employability. OU courses are recognised and respected by employers for their excellence and the commitment they take to complete. They also value the skills that students learn and can apply in the workplace.
Over 30,000 employers have used the OU to develop staff so far. If the module you’ve chosen is geared towards your job or developing your career, you could approach your employer to see if they will sponsor you by paying some or all of the fees.
You can pay part or all of your tuition fees upfront with a debit or credit card when you register for each module.
We accept American Express, Mastercard, Visa and Visa Electron.
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may wish to pay part of your tuition fee with a debit card and pay the remainder in instalments through an Open University Student Budget Account (OUSBA).
We know that sometimes you may want to combine payment options. For example, you may get support from your employer to pay part of your tuition fee and pay the remainder by credit or debit card.
For more information about combining payment options, contact an adviser.
Please note: your permanent address/domicile will affect your fee status and, therefore, the fees you are charged and any financial support available to you. The fee information provided here is valid for modules starting before 31 July 2026. Fees typically increase annually. For further information about the University's fee policy, visit our Fee Rules.
