Course Details

Course Code(s):
DPDASTUPAD
Available:
Part-Time
Intake:
Autumn/Fall
Course Start Date:
September
Duration:
1 Year, Part-Time
Award:
Diploma
Qualification:
NFQ Level 7 Supplemental Award
Faculty: Education and Health Sciences
Course Type: Professional/Flexible, Online
Fees: For Information on Fees, see section below.

Contact(s):

Name: Dr Rachel Lenihan
Address: DM034,
School of Education,
Main Building,
University of Limerick Email: Rachel.lenihan@ul.ie
Name: Esther Wolfe
Email: esther.wolfe@hse.ie Telephone: (087) 9092730
Name: Aoibhinn King
Email: aoibhinn.king@hse.ie Telephone: (087) 9074515
Express interest

Register your interest here for more information or to be notified when applications are open.

Brief Description

This one-year, part-time programme is offered predominantly online this year in an effort to support learners on a national basis. The course has been developed by the University of Limerick in partnership with the Health Service Executive (West-Limerick, West-Donegal and Dublin Mid-Leinster areas), Vocational Education Committees (City of Limerick and County Donegal), the Mid-West and North West Regional Drug and Alcohol Task Forces and the North West Alcohol Forum.

While the programme is predominantly delivered online, there will be a face-to-face induction day in University of Limerick on Saturday 14th September 2024 and it is envisaged that all students will attend this event.

This one-year, part-time programme is offered and designed to meet the need for educational progression routes in the area of Drugs and Alcohol. It also aims to support actions in National Drug and Alcohol policy that call for increased training opportunities for individuals working in the field. The programme is intended for individuals actively engaged in management of drug and alcohol use and dependency, healthcare professionals or those working with groups at risk for drug and alcohol related issues.

The programme aims to:

• develop personal and professional growth of individuals working in community, voluntary, statutory and non-statutory organisations who are actively engaged in responding to drug and alcohol issues, across the spectrum from prevention and education to treatment and rehabilitation.

• build upon existing knowledge and skills among participants, with a focus on developing theoretical and evidence-based knowledge together with a range of practical skills to enable them to respond effectively and appropriately to drugs and alcohol issues in their work setting.

• enhance the principles and values underpinning lifelong and adult learning among individuals.

 

Typical applicants include:

• those who have completed a Certificate in Addiction Studies or another relevant area and who wish to progress their professional education in the area of drug and alcohol studies.

• health professionals, social care professionals, teachers, guidance counsellors, youth and child-care workers, prison officers, Gardai, probation officers and community workers among others.

Autumn SemesterSpring Semester
  • EN3051 Experiential Group Work and Group Processes in the Context of Drug and Alcohol Studies
  • EN3061 Substance Use: Theoretical Foundations
  • EN3071 Models of Intervention: Theory & Practice 1
  • EN3081 Research & Reflective Practice 1
  • EN3052 Substance Use: Community, Social and Policy Perspectives
  • EN3062 Substances and Mental Health
  • EN3072 Models of Intervention: Theory & Practice 2
  • EN 3082 Research & Reflective Practice 2

Typical applicants include those who have completed a Certificate in Addiction Studies or another relevant area and who wish to progress their professional education in the area of drug and alcohol studies.

The course is intended for individuals actively engaged in management of drug and alcohol use and dependency or those working with groups at risk from drug and alcohol use. Therefore, typical applicants also include health professionals, social care professionals, teachers, guidance counsellors, youth and childcare workers, prison officers, Gardai, probation officers, first responders and community workers, among others.

  1. Scanned original copy of your transcripts Certificate in Addiction Studies, or a related area, or equivalent academic qualification
  2. At least two years’ experience of working in the area of drug and alcohol or a related field
  3. Successful completion of interview (shortlisting may apply as part of the application process)
  4.  You are required to complete a 300-500 word statement as part of the application. Please respond to one topic from the following three:

a) What is your understanding of Addiction? (Discuss and explain)

b) Drugs are not the real issue – alcohol is. (Discuss and explain, what are your views?)

c) Problematic Substance Use - A health or criminal justice issue? (Discuss and explain)

Please type and submit this response as an additional document online. A suggested format consists of an introduction, key points and conclusion in response to the chosen statement.

What to Include with your Application

Delays in receiving these documents will affect the progress of your application.

  • Photo or scanned original copy of your transcripts for all years of study. (Graduates of UL need only provide us with their Student ID number)
  • A copy of your birth cert or passport
  • A copy of your most recent CV
  • 300 - 500 word statement as outlined above
  • Applicants who do not have English as their first language must satisfy English Language requirements
  • If your qualifications have been obtained in a country where English is an official language this will suffice If this is not available, the following additional documents must be provided:
  • English translation of your qualification(s)/transcripts AND
  • English language competency certificate
  • Please click here for Further Information on English Language Requirements

EU - €1,700

Non- EU - €5,600 

Further information on fees and payment of fees is available from the Student Fees Office website. All fee related queries should be directed to the Student Fees Office (Phone: +353 61 213 007 or email student.fees.office@ul.ie.)

Please click here for information on funding and scholarships.