This academic level 5 course is for those working in a variety of settings supporting individuals who misuse alcohol and/or drugs. The course is taught part time, one day each week during term time, over 3 academic years. There is an exit award possible after 18 months.

The course also aims to help students develop an under-standing of personal, professional, ethical and legal issues that may affect practice and to foster personal and professional development in terms of reflective practice, self-awareness. The diversity of modules is aimed at enhancing the student’s depth and breadth of knowledge and skills, enabling him/her to provide effective and evidence-based support.

The modules covered include:

• The impact of substance misuse on health and wellbeing
• Recognition of drug & alcohol use  
• Legal and ethical issues in drugs and alcohol
• Screening, assessment and support planning
• Introduction to interventions
• Harm reduction strategies
• Evidence based practice
• Motivational interviewing
• Work based learning
• Hidden harm
• Mental health, drugs & alcohol use

This academic level 5 (UK) Level 7 (Ireland) course is aimed at staff working in a variety of settings supporting individuals who misuse alcohol and/or drugs, including housing, homelessness, working with young people and families and other health and social care settings.

The course would also support those who wish to work in this sector, and has placement of 240 hours for those not already employed in a relevant occupation.

Applicants must satisfy Ulster University’s general entry requirements as set out in the Prospectus or demonstrate their ability to undertake the course through the accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL). See Prospectus entry. 

Applicants must normally:

(a) Have attained a Pass in one subject at GCE ‘A’ Level and Grades A - C in four other subjects at GCSE Level or equivalent or an equivalent standard in an approved  professional or other qualification

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(b) Provide evidence of competence in written and spoken English; (GCSE Grade C or equivalent. Satisfactory ACCESSNI Enhanced Disclosure must be completed at commencement of the course.  Please see College website for qualification equivalencies

Interview. See website for more details http://www.nwrc.ac.uk/part-time-how-to-apply

Students who successfully complete the Foundation Degree may be eligible to apply for entry to the final year of the BSc Hons Health and Wellbeing, or BSc Hons Applied Health Studies programmes at Ulster University