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Accessibility statement
An image to illustrate the Health and Wellbeing research area
The School of Health, Wellbeing and Social Care has a strong track record in applied health and social care research. We are funded by the Research Councils (ESRC and AHRC), the National Institute for Health Research and a wide range of trusts, charities, and commercial organisations. In the Research Excellence Framework (REF) 2014, 69 per cent of our research submitted in the Social work and social policy category was judged to be world-leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*). Seventy-three per cent of our research was assessed as 4* or 3* for impact and seventy-five per cent for research environment.
Our research is organised into five distinct research themes: Ageing and later life; Children, young people, parenting and families; Death, dying and bereavement; Living with disability and long-term conditions; and Reproduction, sexualities, and health. The School is committed to making a difference to health and social care practice and works in partnership with the research stakeholders in all of our activities.
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 build successful academic and non-academic careers. Many of them use the doctorate as a platform for continuing professional development in various 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.
Ageing and later life
Death, dying and bereavement
Living with disability and long-term conditions
Nursing
Reproduction, sexualities and sexual health
Wellbeing of children, youth and families
Consider linked topics from other research areas.
Sports and fitness
Life as a PhD student at The Open University has certainly been inspiring and fulfilling. Excellent supervision, a broad range of training and a stimulating environment have given me opportunity to grow as an independent researcher. Doing my PhD has honestly been one of the best things I've done – as well as a great experience, I now have a solid foundation from which to develop further both personally and professionally.