UNIVERSITY OF KENT
Programme Specification
BSc in Substance Misuse Management1. Awarding Institution/Body / University of Kent
2. Teaching Institution / University of Kent
3. Teaching Site / Canterbury
4. Programme accredited by: / N/A
5. Final Award / Cert/Dip/BSc (Hons)
6. Programme / Substance Misuse Management
7. UCAS code (or other code) / B943
8. Relevant QAA subject benchmarking / The programme aims and outcomes have references to the Drug and Alcohol National Occupational Standards (DANOS) and Quality Alcohol and Drug Standards (QuADS).
9. Date of production/revision / 24 January 2008, Revised 2010
10. Applicable cohort/s / 2007 entry - ongoing
11. Educational Aims of the Programme
In relation to the mission statement:
· the provision of an excellent quality of higher education.
· flexibility and multi-disciplinary.
· teaching informed by research and scholarship.
· meeting the lifelong needs of a diversity of students.
· supporting national and regional economic success.
· building on close ties within Europe and elsewhere.
In relation to the learning and teaching strategy:
· producing graduates of value to the region and the nation, in possession of key skills, enabling students to develop their capacity to learn, prepared for employment or further study.
· providing learning opportunities that are enjoyable experiences, involve realistic workloads, are pedagogically based within a research-led framework and offer appropriate support for students from a diverse range of backgrounds.
· providing high quality teaching in good environments with appropriately qualified and trained staff.
Further examples are available in the QAA guidelines.
The programme aims to:
1. Provide a high quality course of study that meets the needs of drug and alcohol service providers, and implicitly service users, both locally and nationally.
2. Provide a programme of study that is flexible in meeting the needs of a diverse student group, equipping them for a career in the drug and alcohol field.
3. Provide a sound knowledge and systematic understanding of the policies, theories and concepts of drug and alcohol use and misuse.
4. Develop critical, analytical, research-related and problem solving skills that can be applied in a wide range of drug and alcohol services
5. Develop general and specific skills which will be of value in responding to change and developments in the drug and alcohol field.
6. To develop an understanding of QuADS, DANOS and Models of Care to enable students to work within these National frameworks
7. Develop knowledge and understanding of addictive behaviours in their biological, psychological, social and spiritual contexts
8. Provide a critical understanding of the management of alcohol and drug services.
9. Develop skills in biomedical, psycho-educational, therapeutic and supportive interventions towards effective behaviour change and rehabilitation
12. Programme Outcomes
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas.
Teaching/learning and assessment
methods and strategies used to enable outcomes to be achieved and demonstrated
Knowledge and Understanding
A. Knowledge and understanding of:
1. Knowledge and understanding of biological, psychological, social and spiritual factors influencing alcohol and other drug use and misuse / Lead lectures will be supported by tutor-led tutorials. Student and tutor led seminars and problem-based learning scenarios will provide a work-based perspective. Use will be made of research-based teaching materials and methods; problem based learning scenarios.
Assessment methods:
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by essays for modules: KI107, KI110, KI121, KI500, KI501, KI507, KI524, KI525
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a work-based learning journal and portfolio for modules: KI108
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a presentation for modules: KI109, KI511
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a work-based journal and a case study for modules: KI522, KI509
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a case study for modules: KI124, KI523, KI531
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a case study/work-based learning journal and a presentation for modules: KI508
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by formulation of a research question, the design of a research framework and a literature review for modules: KI536
2. Critical understanding of addiction processes and behaviours, the implication of such concepts in informing treatment provision
3. Detailed knowledge and understanding of alcohol and other drugs; the effects of use and misuse
4. Systematic understanding of psycho-educational, psycho-social and biomedical interventions and their appropriate application
5. Knowledge and understanding of the UK Anti-Drug Strategy and its implementation with reference to the role of community agencies in reducing the vulnerability of individuals to substance misuse
6. Critical understanding of key issues in harm reduction, dual diagnosis, working with young people
7. Working knowledge of UK drug laws and the criminal justice system
8. Critical appreciation of professional, ethical and cultural issues related to working with vulnerable clients
9. Understanding of the principles and rationale of user involvement
10. Critical knowledge and understanding of substance use and the criminal justice system; issues relating to inter-agency working / All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by the design and implementation of a research project for modules: KI533
11. Knowledge and understanding of fundamental principles of interpretation and analysis of research data, with particular focus on the principles of evidence-based practice
12. Knowledge of Quality Standards in substance misuse services eg DANOS, QuADS & Models of Care
13. Understanding of groups and group dynamics
14. To learn about the role of drugs in different cultural settings and the relationship between consumption, altered states and the distinction between the sacred and the profane
Skills and Other Attributes
B. Intellectual skills:
Ability to:
1. Analyse and critically assess the biological, psychological and sociological bases of use, misuse and dependence / All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by essays for modules: KI107, KI110, KI500, KI501, KI507, KI524, KI525
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a work-based learning journal and portfolio for modules: KI108
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a presentation for modules: KI109, KI511
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a work-based journal and a case study for modules: KI522, KI509
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a case study for modules: KI523, KI531
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a case study/work-based learning journal and a presentation for modules: KI508
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by formulation of a research question, the design of a research framework and a literature review for modules: KI536
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by the design and implementation of a research project for modules: KI533
2. Evaluate the impact of cultural, social and spiritual factors on problems of substance misuse, and subsequent outcomes and responses
3. Evaluate therapeutic interventions in a multi-agency setting, understand issues of difference and diversity in service delivery, the importance of user involvement and the perspective of the service user
4. Critically evaluate organisational policies and strategies
5. Plan and apply therapy-based interventions for a range of client groups
6. Systematically review and synthesise the factors that equip the practitioner to engage clients in treatment services
7. Describe the principle quantitative and qualitative research designs and be able to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches
8. Identification of human resources required for the delivery of substance misuse services
C. Subject-specific skills: These should include practice and professional skills
Apply:
1. Professional skills: client confidentiality, safe working practice, risk analysis, boundaries, assessment, care planning and monitoring. / All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by essays for modules: KI107, KI110, KI500, KI501, KI507, KI524, KI525
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a work-based learning journal and portfolio for modules: KI108
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a presentation for modules: KI109, KI511
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a work-based journal and a case study for modules: KI522, KI509
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a case study for modules: KI523, KI531
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a case study/work-based learning journal and a presentation for modules: KI508
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by formulation of a research question, the design of a research framework and a literature review for modules: KI536
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by the design and implementation of a research project for modules: KI533
2. A clear understanding of communication and counselling skills when working with problem substance users.
3. An understanding of the bio-psychosocial model in the context of problem substance use.
4. National and local strategies to contribute service design and delivery reduce substance use in the community.
5. A critical appreciation of mainstream cultural responses to alcohol/drug use in the UK
6. A detailed knowledge of alcohol and other drug treatment strategies in the UK
7. The ability to implement effective assessment and interventions within a multi-agency care-planning environment
8. Understood the significance of the concepts of engagement, assessment and motivation in relation to integrated care and treatment frameworks
9. A critical understanding of mainstream alcohol/drug psychological interventions, treatments and models
10. A critical understanding of the concept of dual diagnosis and its implications for therapeutic interventions
11. Develop research skills to access a range of sources of contemporary research evidence, describe key quantitative and qualitative research designs, and review a body of evidence relating to a specified area of practice within the field of substance misuse, within an ethical framework
12. Prepare a small research project proposal that is appropriate to the student’s workplace, the study time and other research resources available, that reflects relevant ethical considerations
13. A critical understanding of biological and psychological factors involved in the development of addictive behaviours
14. The ability to critically evaluate organizational development, the delivery of specified services, and strategies for the commissioning of drug services to meet the needs of local people with substance misuse problems
15. Detailed knowledge of the fundamental aspects of groups and group dynamics
with particular reference to alcohol/drug group working and its evaluation
D. Transferable skills:
Information Skills
1. Ability to manage and present data and
scientific literature through word-
processing, computer-based presentation
and use of the internet / All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by essays for modules: KI107, KI110, KI500, KI501, KI507, KI524, KI525
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a work-based learning journal and portfolio for modules: KI108
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a presentation for modules: KI109, KI511
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a work-based journal and a case study for modules: KI522, KI509
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by an essay and a case study for modules: KI523, KI531
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by a case study/work-based learning journal and a presentation for modules: KI508
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by formulation of a research question, the design of a research framework and a literature review for modules: KI536
All Learning Outcomes will be assessed by the design and implementation of a research project for modules: KI533
Communication
2. Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with clients and colleagues within teams and multi-agency environments
Problem Solving
3. Ability to identify and define client problems. Negotiate care plans with colleagues and clients. Evaluate outcomes.
Improving own learning and performance
4. Ability to evaluate own strengths and weaknesses as a practitioner. Ongoing development of self in the workplace.
Working with Others
5. Ability to apply interpersonal and self-understanding to working with others in a multi-disciplinary setting
6. Understand and manage the power dynamics in client-practitioner relationships
For more information on which modules provide which skills, see the module mapping.
The programmes described in this document are delivered on a part-time basis.
Stage I will be studied part-time over an 18th month period. Stage II will be studied part-time over a 2-year period. Stage III will be studied part-time over a 2-year period.
Students exiting at the end of Stage I will be awarded a Certificate in Substance Misuse Management, provided that 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) have been obtained at level C.
Students exiting at the end of Stage II will be awarded a Diploma in Substance Misuse Management, provided that 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) have been obtained at level I.
Students exiting at the end of Stage III will be awarded a BSc in Substance Misuse Management, provided that 120 credits (60 ECTS credits) have been obtained, 90 credits of which will have been studied at level H.
Stage 1
The certificate level (C) programme is delivered via a set of four 30 credit modules. The normal pattern of programme delivery consists of four 30 credit modules; KI107, KI108, KI109, and KI110. Passing these modules will result in the award; Certificate in Substance Misuse Management.
Stage 2
This intermediate stage is at a level equivalent to second year studies in a conventional full-time degree. Three core modules KI500 (30 credits), KI501 (30 credits), KI507 (15 credits) are studied in year 1 followed by KI508 (15 credits) and optional modules KI509 (15 credits) or KI522 (15 credits) and KI523 (15 credits) or KI531
(15 credits). Both of the latter two modules (KI523 or KI531) will only be taken by students not proceeding to Stage 3. This leads to the Diploma in Substance Misuse Management.
Stage 3
This higher (H) level of study equates with 3rd year studies in conventional full-time degree.
105 credits are awarded via core modules consisting of Psychological and Biological Aspects of Dependency (30 credits, KI511), Research Methods (15 credits, KI536), a Research Project (30 credits, KI533), Drugs and Culture (15 credits, KI525), Homelessness & Pathways to Social Inclusion (15 credits), plus either, Drugs and the Criminal Justice System (15 credits, KI531) or Complex Needs: An Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis (15 credits, KI523). The research project is normally undertaken in the second year (terms 15-18) of Stage 3.
This leads to the award of BSc in Substance Misuse Management.
Each 15 credit module involves 150 hours of work made up of 36 hours of contact time plus 114 hours of independent study. Each 30 credit core module involves 300 hours of work made up of 36 hours of contact time plus 264 hours on independent study.
No compensation will be permitted between the modules in this programme.
Code / Title / Level / Credits / Term/s
Stage One
Required Modules (Certificate in Substance Misuse Management)
KI107 / Managing Problem Substance Use:
An Introduction / C / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 1
KI108 / Counselling Skills for Problem Substance Users / C / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 3
KI109 / Understanding Problem Substance Use:
Theory & Practice / C / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 2
KI110 / Reducing substance use:
National & Local Strategies / C / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 4
Stage Two
Required Modules
KI500 / Perspectives on Alcohol and Drug use and Misuse / I / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 7
KI501 / Effective Interventions for Substance Misusers / I / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 9
KI507 / Policy, Processes and Practice in Substance Misuse Services / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 8
KI508 / Work-Based Learning / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 10-12
Optional Modules
KI509 / Engaging, Assessing & Motivating Clients / I / 15 Credits (15 ECTS) / 10
KI522 / Service Management: Delivery of Services / I / 15 Credits (15 ECTS) / 10
KI523 / Complex Needs:
An Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 11
KI531 / Drugs and the Criminal Justice System / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 11
Stage Three
Required Modules
KI511 / Psychological and Biological Aspects of Dependency / H / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 13
KI536 / Research Methods / H / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 14
KI533 / Research Project / H / 30 Credits (15 ECTS) / 15-18
KI524 / Homelessness & Pathways to Social Inclusion / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 15
KI525 / Drugs and Culture / H / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 16
Optional Modules
KI531 / Drugs and the Criminal Justice System / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 17
KI523 / Complex Needs:
An Integrated Approach to Dual Diagnosis / I / 15 Credits (7.5 ECTS) / 17
15. Entry Profile Examples of entry profiles are available at: http://www.ucas.ac.uk/profiles/index.html
Entry Route Indicate the requirement for each entry qualification. The basic University requirements for undergraduate degree programmes are provided, and should be elaborated as appropriate (eg to indicate A level subjects and A level points required).
For fuller information, please refer to the University prospectus.
· Induction programme
· Handbook
· Library/skills package
· Student: staff ratio
· Learning resources, equipment/plant
· Academic support system
· Central support services
· Academic support system via personal tutors
· Central support services including Library, Unit for Enhanced Learning and Teaching, Computer Help Desk