Substance Use and Misuse Studies

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Module outlines

To obtain either the Diploma or the Degree in Substance Use and Misuse Studies students need to take six modules.  Some are core modules and therefore must be taken and some can be chosen from a list of options.

Diploma Structure

There are 3 compulsory or core modules for the Diploma as follows:-

Skills for Critical Appraisal

This is a research module and provides students with the opportunity to develop research skills.  Students will learn to use critical analytical and appraisal skills, and to develop research knowledge and thinking.  Students will explore the relationship between knowledge, practice, research and education and develop a questioning approach to health care practice. The following topics are covered:-

  • Glossary of terminology for critical appraisal and research
  • Reading a research report critically
  • Constructing, using and reviewing criteria for assessing the quality of a research article
  • Paradigms of knowledge and their relationship to research
  • Approaches to research
  • Research design
  • Data collection and analysis methods
  • Relationship between knowledge, research, practice and education
  • Questioning practice in the light of research

It is suggested that students should attend this module first or at least in the early stage of their studies as it provides the foundation for the other modules.

Substance Use and Misuse in Context NEW MODULE

This module provides an overview on key issues and the theories and concepts in relation to substance use and misuse. It looks at the reasons why individuals are taking drugs and drinking heavily and highlights the effects of drugs on the individual and society. It investigates the social, historical and cultural differences in societal responses to substance use and problem use. It explores the theoretical concepts of use and problem use and dependence and its implications on practice.

Please note that all students are strongly recommended to take this module.

Enhancing Theory to Practice in Substance Misuse NEW MODULE

This module has been designed to develop competency in practice for students who work with (or whose work brings them into contact with) substance users or misusers. The module also aims to develop the students’ knowledge and understanding of competence and will enable them to critically reflect on their own practice and develop their techniques when working with substance users.

The 3 remaining modules can be selected from the list of options below.

Degree Structure

There are 2 compulsory or core modules* for the Degree as follows:-

Evidence Based Practice

This module addresses the skill of critically examining priorities for improving practice through the critique and appropriate application of evidence. The module will also explore and analyse different definitions and understandings of the nature of evidence, and will enable students to identify evidence, critically assess its value and make recommendations for changing practice. Students accessing the programme directly at level 6 will be encouraged to take this module first alongside the module Substance Use and Misuse in Context.

Practice Based Project

This module is the final module in the degree pathway and integrates the learning undertaken during the period of study. Students select a substance misuse specific issue from their work setting which would benefit from a change and negotiate support from their managers in order to effect the change. They will select, plan and implement a strategy for change as well as identifying a method for evaluation.   The topics covered are:-

  • Strategy development
  • Negotiation skills
  • Issue identification and analysis
  • Peer review
  • Effective evaluation
  • Resource management/benefits

Students on this module will be supported by the module leader and also by a lecturer with relevant expertise according to their chosen topic area.

*Students entering at Degree level have 3 compulsory modules.  They must take Enhancing Theory to Practice in Substance Misuse. 

Students who have already taken Enhancing Theory to Practice at Diploma level can choose a module from outside the Substance Use and Misuse Studies Programme.  These are the options available:-

  • Public Health and Health Promotion in Practice
  • Sociology as Applied to Health and Health Care
  • Health Literacy
  • Discussing Sexual Health and Contraception
  • Social Psychology as applied to Health and Health Care
  • Public Health and the 21st Century
  • Theories of and for Health Promotion
  • Health:  Concepts and Controversies
  • Child Protection
  • Leadership and influence in Practice

Contact the Programme Administrator to request outlines of these modules.

Option Modules

Substance Misuse (subject-specific) Option Modules

All subject specific modules are delivered at both levels five and six. The different levels are reflected in the module title, whereby level six modules carry the additional term ‘Advanced’.

Substance Misuse Treatment Interventions NEW MODULE

This module looks at treatment responses to drug and alcohol problems and explores government drug policy and guidelines at local, national and international level. The module also provides an overview on a wide range of treatment interventions. It examines models of interventions and evaluates the effectiveness of different treatment approaches.

Communicable Diseases (HBV, HCV, HIV, TB): Substance Misuse and Health Behaviour Interventions and Policies

This module aims to develop the student’s knowledge and analytical skills in relation to the specific implications and issues of communicable disease such as HIV, Hepatitis B and C and Tuberculosis, in relation to substance use and risk and health behaviour of drug users. The module also focuses on public health policies related to infectious diseases and substance misuse over time, models of interventions on individual and population level and evaluates treatment interventions. The module also examines national and international drug policies and explores how the emphasis has changed over time from harm reduction to crime reduction.

Enhancing Cultural Competence in Dealing With People with Drug and Alcohol Problems

The module considers local patterns and trends of substance use amongst people from different cultures. It explores assumptions about specific cultural groups and challenges stereotypical views. The emphasis of this module is on developing appropriate assessment tools and interventions geared to the needs of the individual and his/her family within the context of cultural and social factors. Particular attention will be given throughout the module to the principles of cultural competence and the knowledge, attitudes and skills which are required to provide a culturally safe treatment and service environment. Participants will be expected to develop a non-judgemental approach, cultural sensitivity, self-awareness of attitudes towards clients from other cultures, challenging attitudes, and developing skills in communication, negotiating, empathy, liaison, assessment, and specific interventions.

Dual Diagnosis: Exploring Interventions for People with Mental Health and Substance Misuse Problems NEW MODULE

This module aims to develop learners’ knowledge and understanding in the area of Dual Diagnosis, intended as the presence of co-existing problems with mental health and substance misuse. The course will start exploring the complex challenge presented by clients with Dual Diagnosis and the political response to it. National and international research literature will be discussed in order to evaluate the effectiveness of different models of interventions; particular emphasis will be given to Joint Working and Cognitive Behavioural Integrated Treatment (C-BIT). The module will also address stigma and cultural diversity issues and their implications for treatment, especially in relation to vulnerable groups. Ways to identify and reduce risks for both clients and staff will be discussed.

Criminal Justice System and Substance Misuse

This module aims to develop student’s knowledge, analytical and evaluative skills in relation to policy development and drug and alcohol misuse with specific emphasis of the criminal justice system. The students will develop the skills to analyse the development of drug and alcohol policy from a global, European and UK perspective and to evaluate the links between policy formulation and implementation as a means to reduce demand, supply and treatment intervention.

Substance Misuse Prevention Interventions for Young People

This module has been designed to enable those who work with young people or whose work brings them into contact with drug and alcohol use among young people to critically examine young people’s use and perceptions of the use of substances, and to review current prevention and treatment programmes and related policy developments. This module also aims to enable the students to develop evidence based responses to young people’s substance use to be able to provide successful prevention and treatment interventions.

 

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