Foundation Degree in Substance Misuse

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 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.

Who is it for?

Anyone currently working in the Substance Misuse field who may have existing practical experience and knowledge but for whom the theoretical framework, reflective models and approaches of the programme would allow them to enhance their knowledge and practice and gain valuable accreditation.
Those aspiring to work within the field through the variety of substance misuse support worker roles such as for example, outreach work which encourages people with substance misuse problems to engage with support services; areas of health and social care, education and training, counselling and advocacy.
People currently working within other sectors such as Education, Health and social care professionals, Police, Probation, Personnel and Voluntary work who are looking to update existing knowledge and skills and who would appreciate the opportunity to study some “bite-sized” stand alone modules, relevant to their work and interests.
Individuals seeking training/learning as evidence of Continuing Professional Development (CPD) which directly links with relevant National Occupational Standards and Sector Skills.

What will I study?

You will study compulsory and optional modules such as:

Introduction to Drugs & Alcohol Counselling Skills
Motivational Interviewing
Introduction to Suicide & Self Harm
Harm Reduction
Relapse Prevention
Working with children & young people
Crime, Law & the Criminal Justice System
Legal and Ethical issues in Health Care
Child Maltreatment with Substance Misuse
Alcohol and Society
Dual Diagnosis
Fundamentals of Psychology
Social Psychology

Where will I study?

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.

When and how will I study?

This Foundation Degree has a flexible pattern of delivery, which includes face to face teaching, supported self-study and will also provide supportive on-line materials through a 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.

Workplacement

To gain the FdA award you will be required to undertake the Workplacement module which provides an excellent opportunity for you to link practice and skills in the workplace with underpinning knowledge and theory. This is normally taken towards the end of your first year of study and comprises of six working days at either CAIS, Tyn Roden ( Residential Rehabilitation Centre) Bangor , or CAIS, Hafan Wen (Residential Detox Clinic), Wrexham. Dates and times of the work placements will be mutually discussed and agreed.

Entry Requirements

All successful applicants must satisfy statutory vetting for fitness to work with vulnerable adults and will be required to complete a Criminal Records Bureau form and pay the appropriate fee before they can be offered a place on the degree. Some of the modules in the programme also depend on students being in a current workplace role (paid or voluntary).

All successful applicants for the degree award must satisfy statutory vetting for fitness to work with vulnerable adults and will be required to satisfy the University with references and Criminal Records Bureau checks, before they can be offered an unconditional place on the degree. For students looking for CPD or individual bite-sized study only which does not include the Workplacement module a CRB check will not normally be required.

How long will it take?

This will depend on how many modules you complete each semester. As a guide, students will normally take between 2½ and 3 years to complete the Foundation degree. This degree has two entry points during the year, October and January.

How much will it cost?

The Foundation Degree requires 240 credits. Please contact us or see our Finance & Funding pages for current fees and information about funding opportunities.

Progression Routes

Students who successfully gain the Foundation Degree in Substance Misuse could go on to gain an Honours Degree in Combined Studies in about 1½ years of part-time study. Advice and guidance on further opportunities will be discussed at interview.

To register your interest or for an informal chat please contact Sheila Hughes on 01978 316225 or email s.m.hughes@bangor.ac.uk

Download an application form here.