Module Catalogue 2025/26

Pre Requisite Comment

N/A

Co Requisite Comment

N/A

Aims

•To encourage students to explore socio-cultural, historical and political influences on health care education
•To generate critical awareness of current trends in clinical / medical education

Summary:

This module aims to raise students’ awareness of various influences (e.g. political, socio-cultural and historical factors) on current practices and trends in health care education. Students will develop their ability to question assumptions underlying such practices and initiatives. Students will have the opportunity to explore differing perspectives and draw conclusions for their own practice and the literature.

Outline Of Syllabus

‘Fashions’ and trends in health care education.
Academic argument
The wider educational context i.e. comparison with other professions and education generally.
Socio-cultural, political and historical influences on health care education illustrated with current examples.
Examples will be regularly updated and reflect current national and international interests for medical education.

Intended Knowledge Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

• Identify contemporary issues, trends and controversies within health care education and the influences that shape them

Intended Skill Outcomes

On completion of this module students will be able to:

• Discuss important socio-cultural, historical and / or political influences or other trends relevant to educational practices or initiatives in health care education
• Debate varying perspectives and discuss the implications for practice

Teaching Rationale And Relationship

The module content is delivered within three strands, where each strand introduces a core concept of the module. The strands will cover: academic argument, identifying educational dilemmas that are contemporary and utilising literature within social sciences.

Within the three strands, exercises will allow exploration of relevant influences and critical appraisal skills; online discussion and debate will allow consideration of different perspectives. Private study with guided reading should enable students to develop a deeper understanding of relevant issues, trends and influences. Online discussion groups will occur within each strand and provide further opportunities to test ideas and to debate varying perspectives. Attendance at selected conferences or symposia will be encouraged in order to allow students to explore up-to-date thinking and educational trends in areas of specific personal interest. Group tutorials will be offered to support students in the preparation of their assignments.

Optional present-in-person study day (repeated and recorded online) will be offered. Although this is an online programme, there may be additional opportunities to attend optional on campus events. For any on campus opportunity an online equivalent session will also be offered.

Assessment Rationale And Relationship

The assessment components will require a substantial period of preparation, as it will include a significant review of current literature, its historical roots and analysis of the findings before the assessment can be prepared. The provision of a succinct written abstract will allow further assessment of the scholarship on which the presentation is based (e.g. appropriate use of literature) and addressing the knowledge outcomes. These assessments model real-life demands on practitioners engaged in professional and academic debate.
The ability to identify contemporary issues within health care education and succinctly capture the various influences and dilemmas will be judged via the written document. The ability to present varying perspectives and implications for personal practice will be assessed via oral presentation and the question and answer session.

Formative activities will guide students and prepare them for the summative assessment. These activities will comprise of online discussions, and short written contributions.

General Notes

N/A