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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the Children and Families research area
Research in children and families spans across faculties, bringing together academics and research students conducting social, sociological, and psychological research into children's and young people's lives, sports, and related policy/practice applications.
Academics in this area collaborate across the University with those interested in various subjects related to children and young people, their education, well-being and health, and their communities.
Most of our full-time research students are based at our Milton Keynes campus; for details of residence requirements for different modes of study see Full-time study and Part-time study.
Many of our doctoral students go on to build successful academic and non-academic careers. Many of them use the doctorate as a platform for continuing professional development in a wide variety of occupations at local, national, and international contexts.
Explore specific areas of research, current and prospective projects, entry requirements, fees and funding, available supervisors, how to apply and contact details for advice.
Child and youth studies
Education futures
Literacy and social justice
Sports and fitness
Consider linked topics from other research areas.
Living with disability and long-term conditions
Reproduction, sexualities and sexual health
Wellbeing of children, youth and families
The OU network is incredibly rich, and new and exciting opportunities for collaboration are always around the corner. I can confidently say that I’ve learned more during this PhD than during any other three years of my adult life. The support from my supervisors and OU staff throughout this time made a huge difference to my life and research project, especially under the difficult circumstances of the pandemic.