Course Code(s): DPDASTUPAD
Available: Part-Time
Intake: Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date: September
Duration: 1 Year, Part-Time
Award: Diploma
Qualification: NFQ Level 7 Supplemental Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

This one-year, part-time programme is offered predominantly online this year in an effort to support learners on a national basis. The course has been developed by the University of Limerick in partnership with the Health Service Executive (West-Limerick, West-Donegal and Dublin Mid-Leinster areas), Vocational Education Committees (City of Limerick and County Donegal), the Mid-West and North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the North West Alcohol Forum.

While the programme is fully online, there is an in-person orientation event scheduled for early September, on a Saturday, before semester starts. This in-person meeting is supportive for all learners and an opportunity to meet peers before working together remotely and online. Based on student feedback, we also hope to plan a mid-year in-person event as a support to learning.

In the past, the Mid West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum has made funding available to University of Limerick to support students with their academic fees. We are very grateful to receive this funding for the past number of years. If you live/work in Limerick, Clare or Tipperary, you may be eligible for partial payment of your fees. For students beyond the region, we suggest contacting your local Task Force as there is often funding available towards further education in the area of alcohol and/or drugs issues.

Autumn Semester    

• EN3051 Experiential Group Work and Group Processes in the Context of Drug and Alcohol Studies
• EN3061 Substance Use: Theoretical Foundations
• EN3071 Models of Intervention: Theory & Practice 1
• EN3081 Research & Reflective Practice 1

Spring Semester

• EN3052 Substance Use: Community, Social and Policy Perspectives
• EN3062 Substances and Mental Health
• EN3072 Models of Intervention: Theory & Practice 2
• EN 3082 Research & Reflective Practice 2

The course is intended for individuals actively engaged in management of drug and alcohol misuse and dependency or those working with groups at risk for drug and alcohol misuse.

Typical applicants also include health professionals, social care professionals, teachers, guidance counsellors, youth and child care workers, prison officers, Gardai, probation officers and community workers among others.

• Typical applicants include those who have completed a Certificate in Addiction Studies or another relevant area and who wish to progress their professional education in the area of drug and alcohol studies.
  
  The course is intended for individuals actively engaged in management of drug and alcohol use and dependency or those working with groups at risk from drug and alcohol use. Therefore, typical applicants also include health professionals, social care professionals, teachers, guidance counsellors, youth and childcare workers, prison officers, Gardai, probation officers, first responders and community workers, among others.
  
  Scanned original copy of your transcripts Certificate in Addiction Studies, or a related area, or equivalent academic qualification
  At least two years’ experience of working in the area of drug and alcohol or a related field
  Successful completion of interview (shortlisting may apply as part of the application process)
  You are required to complete a 300-500 word statement as part of the application. Please respond to one topic from the following three:
  a) What is your understanding of Addiction? (Discuss and explain)
  
  b) Drugs are not the real issue – alcohol is. (Discuss and explain, what are your views?)
  
  c) Problematic Substance Use - A health or criminal justice issue? (Discuss and explain)
  
  Please type and submit this response as an additional document online. A suggested format consists of an introduction, key points and conclusion in response to the chosen statement.
  
  What to Include with your Application
  
  Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.
  
  Photo or scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number)
  A copy of your birth cert or passport
  A copy of your most recent CV
  300 - 500 word statement as outlined above
  Applicants who do not have English as their first language must satisfy English Language requirements
  If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  English language competency certificate
  Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements
  Guidelines on Completing your Application
  
  To ensure a speedy assessment of your application, please upload the above documents with your application form – your application cannot be assessed until relevant documentation is uploaded
  Please title appropriately any documents you are uploading with the application form, for example "Supporting Statement", "Undergraduate Transcript", "Postgraduate Transcript", "English Language Certificate" etc.

Applicants can now apply online.
Course website:  Drug & Alcohol Studies - Diploma (Online) | University of Limerick

In the past, the Mid West Regional Drugs & Alcohol Forum has made funding available to University of Limerick to support students with their academic fees. We are very grateful to receive this funding for the past number of years. If you live/work in Limerick, Clare or Tipperary, you may be eligible for partial payment of your fees. For students beyond the region, we suggest contacting your local Task Force as there is often funding available towards further education in the area of alcohol and/or drugs issues.