PgDip Addictive Behaviours

Postgraduate Diploma in Addictive Behaviour

Multidisciplinary Postgraduate Diploma in Addictive Behaviour via Distance Learning

The distance learning postgraduate course in Addictive Behaviour has been specially designed for those who are currently working in the drug and alcohol fields.

This course is designed for those who wish to develop further knowledge and advanced skills with the aim of enabling course participants to develop better response to such problems in their own professional settings. The course is a skills oriented course and the emphasis will be on the integration and critical appraisal of different approaches to prevention, recognition, assessment and intervention strategies.

Aims

The course is designed so that students will:

• Be equipped with the theoretical knowledge, clinical skills and the confidence to deal appropriately with problem drug and alcohol use in the criminal justice setting.
• Be provided with an opportunity to undertake specialist work related assignments to aid service, practice and individual development.
• Have a greater understanding of the needs of drug and alcohol users and of services available both within the criminal justice system and in the wider community.
• Be able to apply theory to practice and undertake critical analysis of research carried out in the field.

Course Structure and Content

The duration of the course is 52 weeks, commencing in October of each year. There are four ten weekly terms, with breaks during and between each term.

The course programme consists of a number of modules that allow students to focus on different aspects of addiction, linking theoretical understanding with clinical practice. Workbooks are sent out, accompanied with a video for each term. The workbooks provide the opportunity for structured learning activities with weekly updates. There are also residential study days, allowing students to meet each other and tutors from St. George’s University of London.

Content

Addictive Behaviour: Theoretical Perspectives

Research Methods

Principles of assessment and history taking

Intervention strategies: managing interventions in drug and alcohol misuse

HIV/AIDS, hepatitis and other infectious diseases allied to substance misuse

Addictive behaviour: Education and Prevention

Addictive Behaviour in special populations

Organisation and Management issues

Training skills

Student Support

There will be telephone tutorial support available at specified times and email support. There is also an answer phone facility. There is an induction day at the beginning of the course so that students can meet other students and staff from St. George’s University of London. Each student will be allocated a tutor. The tutors will act in a supportive role, providing advice and guidance as requested. This level of support is backed up by 6 residential days at St. George’s University of London.

Assessment

Students will provide two essays, one case study, a critical appraisal, a written examination and viva voce examination (if appropriate).Progress is continually monitored and assessed throughout the year; personal records of learning (log books) are issued to facilitate effective self-assessment.

Eligibility

The course is intended for nurses, doctors, psychologists, social workers, criminal justice system staff, probation officers, occupational therapists and health educators working in the drug/alcohol or HIV field.

Applicants should have a first degree in health or social care subject and at least two years’ relevant experience. Professionals without first degrees who have a minimum of three years’ relevant experience will be considered for entry, but will be asked to complete an essay as part of the admission procedure.

Qualifications

Participants who have successfully fulfilled the requirements of the course will be awarded the Postgraduate Diploma in Addictive Behaviour. The Postgraduate Diploma is accredited as Year 1 MSc in Addictive Behaviour.

Fees for academic year 2006-07: £3,346.72

For further information, please contact the Course Administrator, Telephone: 020 8725 2781,

Email: pgaddiction@sgul.ac.uk

Course Director: Dr J. Myles

Lead Addictive Behaviour: Professor M. Abou-Saleh