England

Please tell us where you live so that we can provide you with the most relevant information as you use this website.
If you are at a BFPO address please choose the country or region in which you would ordinarily be resident.
Accessibility statement
In today’s world, where there’s easy access to vast information online, it is essential for health and social care students to develop the ability to critically assess and evaluate research. This module teaches you the skills necessary to independently conduct a comprehensive literature review (a type of research project) on a topic of your choice, focusing on ageing and older people, public health, and various aspects of health and social care that impact individuals and communities.
This module focuses on understanding and analysing research and providing recommendations that could improve the lives of health and social care service users in different contexts. You will be introduced to databases for literature searches and gain an understanding of key research terms and terminologies.
As you progress through the module, you’ll critically appraise the findings and viewpoints of various authors on a topic related to health and social care. You will then create your own literature review on a topic of your choice related to ageing, older people or public health.
This is an OU level 3 module, ideal for students with experience in higher education and distance learning, obtained either through OU level 2 study or from equivalent study elsewhere. Prior study at OU Level 2, especially in health and social care, is recommended but not mandatory. The module materials are designed to be accessible for those new to the subject.
If you’re studying outside the UK an online alternative to the module textbook will be accessible.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
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:
Your study materials will include a module text book and module website, which includes:
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone, and this Accessibility Statement outlines what studying K323 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.
Investigating health and social care (K323) 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 2027.
Back to previous page