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.
What you will study
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.
Entry requirements
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.
Teaching and assessment
Support from your tutor
You’ll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module.
They’ll help by:
marking your assignments and offering detailed feedback to help you improve
providing individual guidance, whether that’s for general study skills or specific module content
guiding you to additional learning resources
facilitating online discussions between your fellow students in the dedicated forums.
Online tutorials run throughout the module. While they’re not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate. Where possible, we’ll make recordings available.
Assessment
Course work includes:
4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs)
1 Interactive computer-marked assignment (iCMA)
End-of-module assessment
What's included
Your study materials will include a module text book and module website, which includes:
a week-by-week study planner
course-specific module materials
audio and video content
assignment details and submission section
online tutorial access.
Computing requirements
Primary device – A desktop or laptop computer with at least 8 GB of RAM and a quad-core processor (2.4 GHz minimum speed). It’s possible to access some materials on a mobile phone, tablet or Chromebook; however, they will not be suitable as your primary device.
Peripheral device – Headphones/earphones with a built-in microphone for online tutorials.
Operating systems – Windows 11 or the latest supported macOS.
Internet access – Broadband or mobile connection.
Browser – Google Chrome and Microsoft Edge are recommended; Mozilla Firefox and Safari may be suitable.
Our OU Study app operates on supported versions of Android and iOS.
Software – Any additional software will be provided or is generally available for free.
If you have a disability
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.
Future availability
Investigating health and social care (K323) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2027.