This multi-disciplinary programme is designed to enable substance use professionals, mental health workers, social workers, nurses and workers from allied health and social care sectors to gain an understanding of substance use disorders, including definitions, UK and international contexts and the application of theory in practice.
The PG Dip in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders will build upon the knowledge gained in the PG Cert programme and will enable the candidates to enhance critical thinking skills, utilise methods of reflective analysis, and consider individual, multi-disciplinary and interdisciplinary team working within the sector. They will also be given a reflective period in which to analyse their learning from each of the teaching sessions and think about how the information may be best disseminated to colleagues in their respective teams. This reciprocal knowledge flow will be facilitated via an online discussion forum whereby participants will be afforded the opportunity to apply the information from teaching sessions to their work cases after sharing information with work-based colleagues.
The programme of study will develop practitioner confidence and skills in the complex areas of substance use and substance use disorders. Candidates will be afforded the opportunity to take each of the three modules of the programme of study as a stand-alone module (20 credits). Alternatively, students can complete six modules (three from the PG Certificate in SUDs and a further three credits from the PG Dip programme) and thereby obtain the PG Diploma in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders.
Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.
Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant subject. Equivalent qualifications include the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work.
Social workers seeking entry to the programme must:
a) Be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC);
b) Hold an Honours Degree in Social Work (2.2 or equivalent), Diploma in Social Work, CSS, CQSW or predecessor equivalent. Social Workers trained outside of NISCC jurisdiction must produce a letter of comparability with these awards or a letter of verification issued by NISCC;
c) Have completed the Assessed Year in Practice or have at least one year post- qualifying experience if graduated prior to the AYE implementation.
Non social workers seeking entry to the programme must have two years’ experience of working with clients who have experienced substance use or mental health issues.
Applicants who do not satisfy the above but who are holders of an equivalent approved professional qualification or work experience will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
See our website for fees
Continuing professional registration in all areas of health and social care is predicated on continuing professional development.
The Dept. of Health has highlighted that health, social care workers and social workers demonstrate their competence covered in the curricula of the PG Dip in Substance Use programme.
See our website for modules
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