Edge Hill Certificate Substance Misuse

Summary 2012/13

• An innovative and contemporary course delivered by leading practitioners, researchers, and lecturers that specialise in the effects of substance misuse;
• A programme dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge of people who work with individuals who misuse drugs and want a better understanding of the area of practice;
• An ideal programme if you haven’t studied for some time and want to gain a recognised qualification.

The Edge Hill Certificate in Substance Misuse is a part-time programme dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge of staff who work with individuals who misuse drugs in residential and community settings.

Government targets set out in the White Paper “Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain”, included the doubling of people in treatment for substance misuse by 2008. This has led to an expansion of services and the recruitment of larger numbers of staff from a range of backgrounds. This growing workforce consists of existing nurses, social workers, psychologists and doctors. Additionally, there is an increasing number of new staff in need of the relevant training in the area of substance misuser.

2012 Entry Requirements

All potential students will be informally interviewed to ensure the course meets their requirements and to establish the level of study and entry criteria for completing the certificate. The course team fully appreciate that you may never have studied at university or there may have been a considerable period of time since you last studied. This level of study and the subject area may be just the start you need.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Summary 2013/14

• An innovative and contemporary course delivered by leading practitioners, researchers, and lecturers that specialise in the effects of substance misuse;
• A programme dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge of people who work with individuals who misuse drugs and want a better understanding of the area of practice;
• An ideal programme if you haven’t studied for some time and want to gain a recognised qualification.

The Edge Hill Certificate in Substance Misuse is a part-time programme dedicated to developing the skills and knowledge of staff who work with individuals who misuse drugs in residential and community settings.

Government targets set out in the White Paper “Tackling Drugs to Build a Better Britain”, included the doubling of people in treatment for substance misuse by 2008. This has led to an expansion of services and the recruitment of larger numbers of staff from a range of backgrounds. This growing workforce consists of existing nurses, social workers, psychologists and doctors. Additionally, there is an increasing number of new staff in need of the relevant training in the area of substance misuser.

2013 Entry Requirements

All potential students will be informally interviewed to ensure the course meets their requirements and to establish the level of study and entry criteria for completing the certificate. The course team fully appreciate that you may never have studied at university or there may have been a considerable period of time since you last studied. This level of study and the subject area may be just the start you need.

For personalised advice based on your circumstances, please contact us or come to an event.

Details

Who is this course for?

The part-time programme and modules are relevant to interdisciplinary staff from a broad range of professions. The certificate has been specifically designed for staff working in substance misuse settings who want to gain an academic qualification and better understanding of the area of practice. Primarily the course may appeal most to substance misuse support intervention staff that may not have a professional or academic background. The course considers time and financial restraints on students and has been designed with these factors central to the provision.

What will I gain from this programme?

You will gain an academic qualification and better understanding of the area of practice. All modules support the development of the modern drugs workforce to meet Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS).

How we will support you

Academic, study staff and learning resources staff will provide additional support if you have not studied for some time. This will be achieved by specific learning and electronic skills study day prior to the course commencement, and ongoing tutorial and study skills support as requested by individual learners. The course fully considers the range of computer and learning skills that some students may have and support provided towards learners is particular strength of Edge Hill University.

What will I study?

The first module will be a shared module titled Introduction to Mental Health and Substance Misuse. This module will provide an introduction to assessment, substances of misuse and working with those persons/groups that may use drugs, alcohol, prescribed medication and combinations of substances.

The second semester module will cover motivational interviewing, health promotion and harm reduction in substance misuse. This will enable you to prepare for work under client management plans and work as part of a wider interdisciplinary team incorporating the most current evidence in their practice. The principles and content delivered will enable you to work in a health-promoting and harm-reducing way across a broad range of community and residential settings.

How will I study?

The course has been devised to accommodate potential students who are likely to be in full time work meaning your time in university is kept to a minimum.

You need to complete the two core modules in 1-2 years. Modules will run over two semesters, with one commencing in September and the other in February. You will require each of the core modules to exit with the Edge Hill Certificate in Substance Misuse for 60 credits.

We recognise the time demands on practice staff, and the programme of study will be supported by materials available on the Virtual Learning Environment [VLE].

Placement

It’s anticipated you’ll have regular contact with persons who misuse substances throughout the programme, enabling you to incorporate newly acquired knowledge directly into your practice and benefit from a deeper learning experience prior to registering on the course. A strength of this programme has been the wide range of staff have that have experienced a diverse range of agencies and settings, from voluntary agencies to charities, NHS and social care settings.

Placements in substance misuse are desirable in order than you can undertake the assessments and apply new knowledge into practice. Please note, however, that the University will not provide placements in these settings, it is an expectation that you will meet this requirement.

Who will be teaching me?

The programme is delivered by a wide range of professionals, academic staff and associate tutors who research and specialise in the effects of substance misuse.

How will I be assessed?

Each module has different assessment criteria that includes a case study, presentations, essay-based work and a multi-choice paper.

What are my career prospects?

A qualification in substance misuse can be expected to benefit your career progression and perhaps lead to further academic and professional qualifications. Equally, you may decide after completing the course that this meets your career development requirements. In short, the programme provides a University qualification and solid foundations for your future career. You are encouraged to email the programme leader prior to registering on the course to discuss your career plans.

A Great Study Environment

Based in 160 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds, the Ormskirk Campus is a unique and inspirational place to study. Industry standard resources and cutting edge technology combine to make an interactive and highly advanced teaching and learning environment. Everything you could want is on one site with fantastic modern spaces in which you can study and socialise and 25 acres of sport and leisure facilities.

The University library gives you access to thousands of books, journals, online resources and extensive PC and media provision. You'll get all the support you need to succeed, reflected in Edge Hill University being ranked in the top two in England for students' personal development, and the top three in the country for assessment and feedback, in the 2011 National Student Survey. The University is also featured in the top four in England for graduate employment.

How do I apply?

Apply directly to Edge Hill University. Download the Health Professional Development undergraduate application form and notes for guidance (pdf).

Alternatively, you can also request an application form by calling Stephen Wilson on 01695 650726 or emailing wilsonst@edgehill.ac.uk.

Visit www.edgehill.ac.uk/apply for more information on the application process and our Admissions criteria.

Fees and Finance

Tuition fees for this programme are £260 per 20 credit module and £400 per 40 credit module. 60 credits are required to complete the Edge Hill Certificate.

Where can I find out more?

If you have any questions you would like to ask the programme leader about this course, please contact Steve Jones by emailing joness@edgehill.ac.uk.

Alternatively, you can contact CPD Enquiries on 01695 657249 or email cpdenquiries@edgehill.ac.uk.

Modules

• HEA 1167 Introduction to Mental Health and Substance Misuse
• HEA 1171 Practice and Theory of Working with Persons Who Misuse Substances

This programme will share the first module HEA 1167 with students undertaking an Edge Hill Certificate in Cognitive Behavioural Therapies and the second module for 40 credits will be your specialist substance misuse module.