DIPLOMA IN ARTS: ADDICTION STUDIES

This programme is offered in two parts, with a combined total of 60 ECTS credits. Part 1 carries 20 credits and leads to the award of NUI Certificate in Addiction

Studies. Part 2 carries an additional 40 credits and will lead to the award of NUI Diploma in Arts: Addiction Studies.  In exceptional circumstances students may be accepted on to Part 2 if they fulfill the Recognition of Prior Learning requirements to the equivalence of 20ECTS. 

The modules for the Diploma will include the following:

Group Work & Facilitation Skills/

Reflective Practice: a) The philosophy of adult learning processes

b) How to facilitate a learning group in a wide variety of contexts, and in particular in the area of addiction.

Prevention Education: Theory & Practice

Students will:

Examine current evidence based drug and alcohol prevention strategies

Identify the most appropriate strategies to be applied in various school and community settings

Identify their own role within the overall context of a comprehensive community based response.

Intervention Skills

Students will:

Critically reflect on current models of best practice in relation to advising, supporting and intervening with substance misuse and other addictive behaviours

Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge and practical skills in motivational interviewing and brief intervention

Demonstrate a theoretical knowledge and skills in assessment, care pathway planning and making referrals.

Drug & Alcohol Policy 5 Credits

Students will:

Critically evaluate public policy service management as it relates to the management of drug and alcohol problems

Identify the role that key national agencies, organizations and Government bodies play in shaping drug and alcohol policy

Analyse the impact of foreign policies and international conventions on Irish drug and alcohol policy making

Identify and critically debate the main components of current drug and alcohol legislation, policies and strategies.

Social Capital And Social Network Analysis 5 Credits

Students will develop a sociological understanding of the importance of social capital and social networks, together with the role they play in understanding and addressing issues of addiction.

Social Analysis: Theorizing Society 5 Credits

Students will be introduced to sociological theory and the major schools of thought and perspectives that shape our understanding of contemporary society.

Community Engagement & Learning 5 Credits

Students will in critical and reflective processes concerning one’s involvement in social or community activities and action, and to put together a descriptive and reflective learning portfolio.

Assessment Procedures Continuous assessment:

Essays

Projects

Research reports

Portfolio

Learning Journal

 85% Attendance