MSc Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders

Overview

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 MSc in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders will build upon the knowledge gained in the PG Certificate and PG Diploma programmes 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.

In addition, candidates will be supervised in writing a thesis on their chosen project and will be facilitated in identifying aims and objectives, appraising of relevant literature, utilising methods for data collection, analysis of data and compilation of findings and conclusions with recommendations.

Expert commentators in the addictions sector (Galvani 2011) have underlined that practitioners are not equipped with knowledge and skills base required to work with clients who have complex issues relevant to substance use. In order to obtain the best possible outcomes for practice, workers must engage effectively in a collaborative manner with colleagues from allied health and social care professions and in doing so develop their confidence and professional value base as practitioners, whilst recognising the underpinning work ethos and ethical base of professionals from related disciplines.

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.

The Master's in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders by thesis will allow the candidates to develop their research and project development skills and subsequently enable them to add to the body of primary research knowledge on a regional and national basis.

Please note that this course is not eligible for a Tier 4 visa.

Substance Use And Substance Use Disorders Highlights

The Master's in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders responds to the needs of its students with updated, current and evidence-based information which will enhance their PG educational experience through vibrant and interactive learning pathways.

Career Development

Professional Development For all multi-disciplinary students, the programmes offer relevant CPD opportunities as well as recognised qualifications accredited by the University which will augment their professional development and enhance the development of further opportunities in their chosen field of practice. For Social Work students only, the Diploma will meet a number of the professional requirements in the Leadership category in the Professional in Practice framework. For all students. the programme provides the opportunity to enhance special dual diagnosis skills within a multi-disciplinary teaching environment.

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: Be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC); 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; 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.