Certificate in Higher Education in Substance Misuse

In a nutshell

The Certificate in Higher Education in Substance Misuse is for those who already work in the Healthcare sector and wish to progress more within this area of expertise; or anyone who wishes to change career direction and enter this area of employment and already has a level 3 qualification.

A Personal Learning Account is a new initiative from the Welsh Government. It is a free and flexible way to learn. The initiative will offer people the chance to access free, part-time courses that offer flexible and convenient learning around their existing lifestyle.

This course is for...

... everyone who wants to develop their knowledge and gain the experience needed to undertake substance misuse roles in a range of Health settings.

... anyone over 19, living in Wales, in employment and earning less than £29,534 a year.

Course content

Modules involved in the programme include:

• Reflective Practice in Substance Misuse
• Interagency Working in Substance Misuse
• Legislation and Policies in Substance Misuse
• Current Issues in Substance Misuse
• Introduction to Evidence Based Practice
• Addictions

The Certificate in Substance Misuse content follows the overall aims set by the Welsh Governments within which they highlight the need for educational programmes to raise awareness of drug and alcohol issues which affects not only the person but also the social and economic factors linked to substance misuse.

The course requires learners to attend formal input sessions in addition to this there is a need to read around the subject to support your learning within independent study time. Throughout the course there is opportunity to engage with peer learning and take part in discussion groups and forums. It is an expectation that you engage in these activities to support your learning experience.

Students who complete 120 credits per year full time will have the option to progress to Foundation Degrees in Health and Social Care Management, Psychology and Counselling, which are all available at the University of South Wales. This provision offers potential students from non-traditional routes within the field of health and social care the opportunity to study within Higher Education at level 4, with the potential for progression to courses at levels 5 and 6.

Entry Requirements

Criteria below: please note that if you do not meet the grade criteria highlighted, then age and experience will be taken into consideration.

A mature applicant is anyone over the age of 21 who did not go to university after school or college. We will welcome applications from mature learners. On interview you would ideally need to show:

• Personal enthusiasm for the subject area
• Experience within the field of study
• Evidence of quality of work, ambition and skills

Traditional route to enter the course: you will need GCSE passes in three subjects at Grade C or above, to include Maths and English Language (or equivalent). You will also need at least one of the following:

• 48 UCAS points - UCAS tariff calculator
• Access to HE where you have achieved a Pass Diploma with 45 Passes

Additional information

Employment opportunities include posts within the health and social care industry (public and private), health related charities and local authority positions.