HS120-4-SP-CO:
Societal Structures and Education
2026/27
Health and Social Care (School of)
Colchester Campus
Spring
Undergraduate: Level 4
Current
Monday 11 January 2027
Friday 26 February 2027
15
07 April 2026
Requisites for this module
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
(none)
BSC B630 Speech and Language Therapy,
BSC B631 Speech and Language Therapy (Including Year Abroad)
This module introduces key concepts, theories and research findings pertaining to the influence of social contexts on communication and its development. Students will explore social and cultural constructs that determine and/or impact language and communication and access to health care in society. It examines various educational environment factors that impact communication. The module introduces students to current sociological phenomena that may have a direct or indirect influence on language and communication. An emphasis is placed on developing underpinning knowledge required for later modules as well as students’ future roles as speech language therapists.
The aims of this module are:
- To provide students with an understanding of the dynamics of culture, social structures, and power on language and communication;
- To develop students’ knowledge of the relationship between language and literacy development and the role of education;
- To introduce students to current sociological phenomena that may have a direct or indirect influence on language and communication; and
- To develop students’ knowledge of core social contexts and factors that can influence patterns of communication and access to these social contexts.
By the end of this module, students will be expected to be able to:
- State and describe the organisation, structure and function of UK health and social care and education systems
- Describe and illustrate core social contexts relevant to the Speech and Language Therapy profession (e.g. home, education, health, social care)
- Explain the relationship between language and literacy development in the context of educational settings
- Examine cultural, linguistic and environmental factors and technology that can influence patterns of language and communication in society
- Analyse how cultural, linguistic and environmental factors and technology can determine access to core social contexts
Syllabus information
Indicative list of content to be taught in this module:
- Introduction to culture, language, power, and communication in society
- Cultural diversity
- An overview of social determinants of health: Family, education, Health and social care
- Socialisation and roles: Gender, sexuality, gender identity
- Ageing - social changes, societal expectations
- Social class and socioeconomic status
- Social and cultural constructs/models of impairment, disability and participation
- Health care systems
- Health inequalities
- Overview of the roles and remits of education professionals
- Overview of UK educational levels
- Development of literacy, relationship between language and literacy
- Phonological awareness; Relationship between spoken and written language abilities
- Educational environment factors and their impact for communication
- Approaches to Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision
- Technology in Health and Social Care
- Disability and aided communication
This module will be delivered via lectures and workshop
Students are expected to complete readings either before or after classes, whichever is applicable, and be prepared to engage in discussion either in class or (a-)synchronous online activities such as Moodle Wikis.
Assessment items, weightings and deadlines
| Coursework / exam |
Description |
Deadline |
Coursework weighting |
Exam format definitions
- Remote, open book: Your exam will take place remotely via an online learning platform. You may refer to any physical or electronic materials during the exam.
- In-person, open book: Your exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer to any physical materials such as paper study notes or a textbook during the exam. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, open book (restricted): The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may refer only to specific physical materials such as a named textbook during the exam. Permitted materials will be specified by your department. Electronic devices may not be used in the exam.
- In-person, closed book: The exam will take place on campus under invigilation. You may not refer to any physical materials or electronic devices during the exam. There may be times when a paper dictionary,
for example, may be permitted in an otherwise closed book exam. Any exceptions will be specified by your department.
Your department will provide further guidance before your exams.
Overall assessment
Reassessment
Module supervisor and teaching staff
Yes
No
No
No external examiner information available for this module.
Available via Moodle
No lecture recording information available for this module.
* Please note: due to differing publication schedules, items marked with an asterisk (*) base their information upon the previous academic year.
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