The promotion of wellbeing at all ages is essential for building a prosperous society. This module examines key issues associated with wellbeing in childhood, adulthood and later life. Drawing on core theories and real-life case studies, this module considers different sources of wellbeing and explores how health care, social care and public health professionals can support the wellbeing of individuals and populations. The module also focuses on building skills required for further study, including handling data, evaluating information and academic writing.
| Course facts | |
|---|---|
| About this course: | |
| Course code | K119 |
| Credits | 60 |
| OU Level | 1 |
| SCQF level | 7 |
| FHEQ level | 4 |
| Course work includes: | |
| 4 Tutor-marked assignments (TMAs) | |
| 3 Interactive computer-marked assignments (iCMAs) | |
| End-of-module assessment | |
| No residential school | |
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.
There are no entry requirements for this module.
This is an OU level 1 module which provides core subject knowledge and study skills needed for both higher education and distance learning, to help you progress to modules at OU level 2.
If you have any doubt about the suitability of the module, please speak to an adviser.
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'll get help and support from an assigned tutor throughout your module. They'll help by:
Online tutorials run throughout the module. Where possible, we'll make recordings available. While they're not compulsory, we strongly encourage you to participate.
Contact us if you want to know more about study with The Open University before you register.
The assessment details for this module can be found in the facts box.
The OU strives to make all aspects of study accessible to everyone. The Accessibility Statement below outlines what studying this module involves. You should use this information to inform your study preparations and any discussions with us about how we can meet your needs.
All of this module's study materials are online. Online materials are composed of pages of text with images; audio/video clips (all with transcripts/subtitles); diagrams; interactive media; animations; and multiple-choice self-assessed quizzes. Online materials also include links to external resources, online forums and online tutorial rooms. We provide printed materials for some module content.
This module provides a range of learning events and online tutorials. Although not compulsory, tutorials will help you consolidate your learning.
The study materials contain some diagrams/graphs/photographs. Reading/interpreting these is an important part of the study of this module. We provide descriptions for all essential figures.
You will be required to search for, and make use of, third-party material online, and we assess this.
This module has Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs), which you must submit online via the OU electronic TMA system; interactive computer-marked assignments completed online; and an end-of-module assessment submitted online.
You'll receive feedback from your tutor on your submitted Tutor-Marked Assignments (TMAs). This will help you to reflect on your TMA performance. You should refer to it to help you prepare for your next assignment.
We structure all University modules to a set timetable and you'll need time-management skills to keep your studies on track. We'll support you in developing these skills.
Wellbeing across the lifecourse (K119) starts once a year – in October.
This page describes the module that will start in October 2025.
We expect it to start for the last time in October 2030.
This course is expected to start for the last time in October 2030.