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  5. Reproductive and sexual health

Reproductive and sexual health

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The Faculty of Health & Social Care’s work in this theme ranges from research into experiences of pregnancy, childbirth and early motherhood, to the experiences of men who pay for sex. Key themes include the relationship between the body, health and identity; masculinities, reproductive decision making and cancer/chronic conditions; and the understanding of reproductive and sexual health across the life course. All the research in this theme is underpinned by a commitment to understanding, challenging and improving practice in reproductive and sexual health care.

Qualifications available:

PhD or MPhil

Fees:

For detailed information on current fees visit Fees and funding.

Entry requirements:

Minimum 2:1 (or equivalent) plus either a masters degree or research methods training at masters level (or equivalent)

Potential research projects

  • Disability, sexuality and reproduction
  • Experiences of reproductive loss (to include abortion, miscarriage, stillbirth and neonatal death)
  • Infant feeding, reproductive choice and control
  • Sexuality, reproduction and living with long-term conditions
  • Sexuality, reproduction and learning disability
  • Reproductive decision making as a result of cancer or chronic conditions
  • Sex, sexuality and sex work
  • HIV and sexually transmitted infections
  • LGBT health
  • Maternity care, midwifery and reproduction
  • Teenage pregnancy

Current / recent research projects

  • What role, if any, do club drugs play in negotiation of safer sex practices among MSM?
  • Growing Up with HIV
  • Midwives and mothers: reproductive identities and experiences
  • 'Good Sex', health outcomes and self-esteem

Further information

If you have an enquiry specific to this research area please contact:

Name:
Dr Lindsay O’Dell, Director of Postgraduate Studies
Email:
hsc-research-enquiries@open.ac.uk
Phone:

For general enquiries please contact the Research Degrees Team via the link under ‘Your questions’ on the right of the page.

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