Advanced Diploma in Drug and Alcohol Studies
| From | To | UK Fee * | International Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 Sep 2012 | 31 Aug 2013 | £667 per 20 credits | £POA |
* Exceptions may apply. Please see Fees and Finance for further information.
Introduction
Funding for this course is available from the Students Loan Company, for more information and advice on applying please contact The University of Sunderland's Student Financial Advice team they can be contacted on 0191 515 2933 or email studentfinancialadvice@sunderland.ac.uk
This programme has been directly mapped to the relevant Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS). If you would like more information as to which standards the course has been mapped to please contact the Programme Leader (see details below).
In order to ensure that applications are processed in time for the start of the course in September applications need to be in by 1st September 2012. If you anticipate difficulties with this you are strongly encouraged to contact the Programme Leader.
This course lasts one year and is studied part-time. Three modules are studied between September and May. The two taught modules are in the first semester and the 6,000 word literature review is undertaken between February and May, with regular one to one supervision with your supervisor at the University.
The Advanced Diploma is largely aimed at those who are currently working or volunteering over a significant period of time within substance misuse services or allied services and agencies, either statutory or non statutory agencies.
However the links between other aspects of health and social care and drugs and alcohol is evident. As a result those who are or are working in closely allied services such as criminal justice system, mental health services or youth and community services would benefit from the integrated approach that the Advanced Diploma offers
The Advanced Diploma builds upon the Diploma in Drug & Alcohol Studies and aims to consolidate theoretical knowledge and generate a greater understanding of the subject of substance use and misuse.
Students will study three modules: Prevention and Intervention of Problematic Substance Use; Health Behaviour Change; and Literature Review (extended essay) on a topic of your choice.
For those who would like to extend their studies further it is possible to top-up the module credits acquired to one of the recognised degree pathways at the University of Sunderland.
Course Content
Module 1 (September to December)
- The Prevention and Interventions of Substance Use and Misuse - HSS340 (20 credit module)
The module will critically explore prevention and interventions as strategies for dealing with problem substance use and reducing the harms to individuals and societies.
Interventions regarded as 'treatment' such as prescribing or psycho-social/talking therapies will be critically explored. Also explored are social, economic and criminal justice interventions including the legal framework, classification of drugs, measures for reducing availability, controlling access to and use of substances, the effectiveness of policies such as taxation, policing powers (possession, drink/drug driving) as well as a critical enquiry of over the counter sales of drugs open to abuse or misuse.
The emphasis of the module will be one of an integrated approach that critically explores problematic substance use and in doing so evaluate the evidence for what is effective in reducing the risks and associated harm.
Module 2 (September to December)
- Health Behaviour Change - HSS236 (20 credit module)
The module aims to develop an understanding of the psychosocial processes underpinning individual health behaviours and their relationship to the experience of health and disease.
Students will be equipped to evaluate the theoretical perspectives from the psychosocial and health promotion domains and their relationship to health behaviours. Links will be made between the repeat patterns of behaviour which frequently result in problematic or dependent drug/alcohol use and how this can best be managed.
Module 3 (February to June)
- Literature Review - HSS318 (20 credit module)
This module is designed to allow students to identify an issue or topic that they wish to explore indepth and to do so by critically discussing the topic of their choice in relation to the available literature.
Students will be supported in identifying a theme/topic and in reducing this down to an answerable question. They will also receive regular supervision from an named supervisor.
Entry Requirements
Whilst there are no formal entry requirements to the course although the ability to study at Higher Education Level 3 is required.
This might be as a result of having achieved professional qualifications relating to health or social care such as a registered nursing qualification or a social work qualification, prior experience from other short courses (such as the Diploma in Drug & Alcohol) or the NCFE 3612 Certificate in Drug Awareness Studies.
However this isn't an exhaustive list and we would encourage you to contact us so that you can clarify any queries about whether the course is right for you.
Mature students who do not have traditional qualifications are particularly encouraged to apply, especially if they have relevant or related work or volunteering experience.
Support for students with disabilities
The University of Sunderland is fully committed to principles of Equality and Diversity. We welcome applications from potential students who have or may have a disability and are eager to ensure that all reasonable adjustments and support can be put in place where appropriate.
When you apply for a course at Sunderland you will have the opportunity to disclose that you have a disability, specific learning difficulty or a medical condition. You are not obliged to provide us with this information. However, if you do not, it may mean that we are unable to provide you with the level of support and assistance that you require.
For courses and programmes where no application form is required we recommend that you contact the appropriate Faculty and department to discuss your needs as soon as possible before the start of the course. This will enable the University to work with you to identify any disability-related support needs and to make sure you receive timely advice and guidance about how your needs may be met.
We advise all applicants to make themselves familiar with the demands of a programme, including requirements for field trips, placements, years abroad and teaching, learning and assessment methods.
Fees and Finance
The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.
Teaching and Assessment
The two taught modules, Prevention and Interventions of Substance Use and Misuse and Changing Health Behaviours are taught by a combination of lectures delivered by University of Sunderland staff including those with a specialist interest in Substance Misuse, alongside visiting speakers. Smaller group tutorials/seminars will also be provided.
The e-learning platform, Sunspace, will also be used and the course materials, along with other resources, will be accessible through this for the duration of the course.
The modules are assessed by written coursework, group work and the final 6,000 word Literature Review.
Career Opportunities
Whilst the Advanced Diploma is not a designated entry qualification to a profession (as a Nursing or Social Work qualification would be) those currently within drug or alcohol services, in community development, community support can enhance their skills and knowledge through the Advanced Diploma.