New Foundation Degree in Substance Misuse

The College of Education & Lifelong Learning, Bangor University is launching a new Foundation Degree in Substance Misuse this September. This new Foundation Degree is an exciting and innovative programme which is set to respond to individuals and organisations who are involved either directly or indirectly with the Drugs and Alcohol misuse sector.

There is a clear need in North Wales for a competent and professional workforce of skilled Drug and Alcohol advisors and practitioners whose vocational training is underpinned with the theoretical knowledge and expertise of academic scholarship.

This Foundation Degree builds on an existing partnership between Lifelong Learning and CAIS - a leading Drug and Alcohol Organisation in Wales and provides close employer participation and involvement. The programme will provide a high quality course that meets the needs of many individuals by providing learning opportunities which will reinforce and underpin both academic knowledge and work based skills through flexible, part time provision.

This Foundation Degree will be of value to anyone currently working in the Substance Misuse field who may have practical experience but for whom the theoretical framework would allow them to enhance their knowledge and up-skill their practice. This programme would also be suitable for those who have an interest in developing their career in this area or simply wanting to undertake some of the individual modules that are of particular interest.

The programme is mapped to the underpinning knowledge of the relevant Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS) and National Health Service (NHS), Knowledge and Skills Framework (KSF) and also includes Skills for Justice, Skills for Care and Development (Care Council for Wales), in order that individuals be equipped with the skills and knowledge required to present and interpret evidence in the knowledge of the Sector's Occupational Standards. This degree is recognised as evidence towards Accreditation by the Federation of Drug and Alcohol Professionals (FDAP) - the professional body for the substance use/misuse field.

The Foundation Degree is modular in structure and has a flexible pattern of delivery, which includes face to face teaching, supported self-study and will also provide supportive on-line materials through the "Blackboard" virtual learning environment. Teaching is offered in both day and evening provision and in various time-frames. This flexibility means that students are able to gradually build up their award by studying bite-sized chunks allowing choices about when, where and how much they want or need to study - an important consideration for many people who have demanding jobs and/or home/child/care responsibilities.

A range of modules will be offered at both CAIS offices in Colwyn Bay and also at the University in Bangor, some modules may also be available at Wrexham. Individual modules are normally delivered via one day or evening per week.

Potential students do not need any particular academic qualifications. The University recognise that many students will come from a range of work places or interest areas and past experience and/or qualifications will be taken into account. Enquiries from students about accreditation for prior learning, experiential learning and credit transfer are welcomed.

One of the great strengths of the College of Education and Lifelong Learning is their student support systems. All students accepted for the degree will be assigned a personal tutor and help is on hand for all our students whether studying one or two modules or a whole programme, to ensure that they have an enjoyable and fruitful learning experience.

Applications for October should be made by 8 September 2008.

There are a number of funding opportunities including grants and bursaries available for students studying part-time higher education in Wales. An information leaflet giving details of eligibility and application procedures will be included in the application pack. To receive yours please contact Annie Davies at Bangor University on 01248 382475 or email a.e.davies@bangor.ac.uk .