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Courses

Postgraduate Programme Specification

PgDip Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders

Academic Year 2022/23

A programme specification is required for any programme on which a student may be registered. All programmes of the University are subject to the University's Quality Assurance processes. All degrees are awarded by Queen's University Belfast.

Programme Title PgDip Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders Final Award
(exit route if applicable for Postgraduate Taught Programmes)
Postgraduate Diploma
Programme Code SWK-PD-SU UCAS Code HECoS Code 100993 - Cognitive psychology - 100

ATAS Clearance Required

No

Health Check Required

No

Portfolio Required

--

Interview Required

--

Mode of Study Part Time
Type of Programme Postgraduate Length of Programme Part Time - 2 Academic Years
Total Credits for Programme 120
Exit Awards available No

Institute Information

Teaching Institution

Queen's University Belfast

School/Department

Social Sciences, Education and Social Work

Quality Code
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code

Higher Education Credit Framework for England
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/higher-education-credit-framework-for-england

Level 7

Subject Benchmark Statements
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/quality-code/subject-benchmark-statements

The Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies
https://www.qaa.ac.uk/docs/qaa/quality-code/qualifications-frameworks.pdf

Accreditations (PSRB)

Northern Ireland Social Care Council

Date of most recent Accreditation Visit 31-03-20

Regulation Information

Does the Programme have any approved exemptions from the University General Regulations
(Please see General Regulations)

Exemption from Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) regulations (5.4) to allow credit to be awarded to students that exceeds one third. Exemption from RPL regulation 4.4 to allow credit to be granted for modules which have already contributed towards an award.

Programme Specific Regulations

None

Students with protected characteristics

N/A

Are students subject to Fitness to Practise Regulations

(Please see General Regulations)

No
Students are subject to University Fitness to Practise Regulations, in conjunction with those of their professional accrediting body.

Educational Aims Of Programme

The central aim of this programme is to provide a Postgraduate Diploma in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders with a facilitating framework for the continuing professional development professionals from a range of disciplines including social work, nursing, psychology and allied health and social care professions.
Promoting the improvement of standards of service and care received by the consumers of personal, health and social services in statutory and community based settings
The advancement of academic knowledge, through the fostering of staff development, professional competence and academic achievement.
The aim of the programme is to provide students with an opportunity to gain a postgraduate certificate, and to achieve professional awards for social workers (specialist award and/or strategy and leadership award). The programme will also include opportunities to achieve professional qualifications for Nursing candidates subject to accreditation by the NMC.

Learning Outcomes

Learning Outcomes: Cognitive Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Develop a more in depth range of knowledge and skills associated with high levels of competence in working with substance use and substance use disorders,

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars, workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include continuous assessment through essays and critical appraisal of research articles using specific appraisal tools

Further develop complex decision-making skills and have achieved commensurate levels of professional responsibility and accountability

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars, workshops

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include continuous assessment through essays and critical appraisal of research articles using specific appraisal tools

Develop high levels of reflective analysis and critical analytical skills in relation to generic and specific areas of substance use practice

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars, workshops

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include continuous assessment through essays and critical appraisal of research articles using specific appraisal tools

Learning Outcomes: Transferable Skills

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Use transferable skills achieved via the programme, including written and verbal communication skills, problem solving, teamwork, autonomy, use of online tools, critical thinking personal reflection, researching and appraising literature, writing at Masters level, debating and listening, and enhancing professional confidence and competence.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Transferable Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars and workshops

Methods of Assessment

Assessment methods include continuous assessment through essays, seminar papers, reflective logs and critical appraisal of research using specific appraisal tools

Learning Outcomes: Knowledge & Understanding

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Demonstrate a systematic understanding of their own practice in substance use and a deeper critical awareness of current individual and structural issues and challenges in the sector particularly for service users. An enhanced understanding of professional ethics and ethical dilemmas and a sound knowledge of principles of diversity, equality and social justice in the area of substance use.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Video role plays to examine assessment and risk assessment skills in practice , reflective essays, casework assignments and a critical appraisal of research articles

Use evaluation of own experience and the relevant literature base and to systematically develop and improve their specific learning and practice, including implementing effective substance use assessment tools and interventions in multi-disciplinary contexts.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars and workshops.

Methods of Assessment

Video role plays to examine assessment and risk assessment skills in practice, reflective essays, casework assignments and a critical appraisal of research articles.

Take responsibility for continuing professional development making use of professional and managerial supervision, consultation and other professional support as appropriate to identify and address issues; develop, implement and evaluate plans; and continue to advance knowledge and understanding in order to improve practice.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Teaching and learning methods to achieve knowledge and understanding are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student led learning, online interaction, seminars and workshops

Methods of Assessment

Video role plays to examine assessment and risk assessment skills in practice and reflective essays, casework assignments and a critical appraisal of research articles.

Learning Outcomes: Subject Specific

On the completion of this course successful students will be able to:

Convey knowledge of a range of assessment models and methods of intervention to be applied in a number of relevant substance use work settings.
Critically appraise the evidence base relevant to assessment and intervention in the sector.
Articulate understanding of how to formulate and apply care plans and reviews in a practice context.
Indicate knowledge and understanding of working with groups and individuals.
Show awareness of service user experiences and integrate service user opinions within evaluations.
Convey understanding of partnership working at inter disciplinary and multi-disciplinary levels.
Convey own professional opinion via written analysis and verbal communication.

Teaching/Learning Methods and Strategies

Subject-specific skills will be taught in class via methods described above.

Methods of Assessment

Video role plays to examine assessment and risk assessment skills in practice, reflective essays, casework assignments and a critical appraisal of research articles.

Module Information

Stages and Modules

Module Title Module Code Level/ stage Credits

Availability

Duration Pre-requisite

Assessment

S1 S2 Core Option Coursework % Practical % Examination %
Interventions in Substance Use: Skills in Practice SWK7014 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Substance Use Disorders: Working with Specific Groups SWK7015 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Assessment and Risk Assessment in Substance Use (Alcohol, Opioid Use and Poly Drug Use Contexts) SWK7013 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
International Contexts : Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders SWK7012 7 20 -- YES 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Substance Use Disorders and Co-Morbid Mental Health Disorders SWK7011 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%
Substance Use Disorders: Prevalence, Legislation and Theoretical Concepts SWK7010 7 20 YES -- 12 weeks N YES -- 100% 0% 0%

Notes

No notes found.