Online Addiction Studies courses
Introduction
Are you a dedicated professional seeking to make a significant impact for people with an addiction problem? Ready to become a leading force in addiction treatment? Our Online Addiction Studies courses are tailored to enhance your skills, broaden your horizons, and progress your career.
UWL is a leading and innovative provider of education and training to addiction practitioners. Our aim is for you to empower yourself and others with the knowledge and expertise that makes a difference!
Learn about our approach below or click a link to explore our range of online courses, meet the team, and more.
Why study our online addiction courses?
Our approach
We embrace an interdisciplinary approach to the study and research of substance use and addiction.
Additionally, we have built relationships with multiple renowned organisations in the field of Addiction. For example:
- The BSc (Hons) Addiction Studies: Practice, Policies and Theory (top-up) is accredited by Addiction Professionals.
- We are part of the International Consortium of Universities for Drug Demand Reduction.
- Our courses align with Sustainable Development Goal 3, target 3.5 of SDG - Substance abuse: Strengthen the prevention and treatment of substance abuse, including narcotic drug abuse and harmful use of alcohol.
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Topics we cover
We cover a variety of topics, including:
- drug effects and principles of psychopharmacology
- addictive behaviours (such as gambling)
- models of addiction
- the social context of drug use
- screening and assessment
- evidence-based interventions and policies
- integrated models of interventions
- dual diagnosis and multiple needs
- risk management
- communicable diseases
- harm reduction
- stigma
- vulnerable groups
- cultural competence.
Online delivery
- all our Addiction Studies courses are delivered online via Blackboard Collaborate (a web conferencing tool)
- the online delivery will maximise flexibility whilst providing an interactive learning experience and structured support
- students will usually be required to attend 3 hours of facilitated synchronous online sessions per week for each module (please note: students attending the BSc (Hons) top-up course will be required to attend online sessions once a week only)
- a wide range of materials, including weekly reading, videos and interactive tasks will be available via Blackboard
- lecturers will be available for one-to-one chats and group tutorials throughout the course
- students will have access to a wide range of support and wellbeing services from UWL.
Who are these courses suitable for?
Our addiction studies programmes are ideal for a wide range of professionals, including:
- those working for the NHS (mental health nurses, general nurses, midwives)
- Allied Health Practitioners (AHPs)
- social workers, youth workers
- practitioners working for drug and alcohol services
- police / criminal justice system/British Army /Royal Navy
- counsellors
Seven reasons to choose our courses
- Flexible Online Learning: Study at your own pace and convenience, balancing work and personal commitments with our online platform.
- Expert-Led Curriculum: Learn from expert academics with extensive research experience, professionals working in the sector and experts by experience.
- Comprehensive Content: Gain insights into various types of addiction, co-occurring disorders, counselling techniques, policies, and the latest treatment modalities.
- Real-World Applications: Acquire practical skills and strategies to assist individuals struggling with addiction effectively.
- Interactive Discussions and networking: Engage in collaborative discussions with peers that work in a wider range of sectors, fostering a supportive and multidisciplinary learning environment.
- Certification and Continuing Education: Earn a recognized qualification upon completion and progress in your career.
- Excellent Links: Benefit from our strong links and volunteering opportunities with local organisations such as Ealing RISE Drug and Alcohol Service. In the past, these opportunities have even led to full-time employment for several students.
Continuing Professional Development
You can take a range of CPD (stand-alone modules, delivered online) to advance your knowledge and competence in various areas of substance use, addiction, and dual diagnosis.
We understand how complex, challenging and rapidly changing the drug and alcohol field is. We are also aware of the connection between addiction services and other social and health sectors. For this reason, our modules are constantly under review to make sure that they a relevant and current for professionals working in a variety of sectors.
Our high-quality CPDs enable you to study in a flexible manner which meets your personal needs and will allow you to use the credits towards a postgraduate qualification in Clinical Practice with Addiction Studies.
Our courses have been developed in collaboration with the Addiction Professionals Registration Body and Network, our partner NHS Trusts, professionals and service users.
The teaching is delivered by highly qualified academics who are active researchers and involved in consultancy and policy development at national level. In addition, practitioners and service users will contribute to the delivery of the courses.
Whether you are funding your own studies, or your employer is supporting you, you’ll find our CPD courses competitively priced.
Find out more about modules and how to apply for them by clicking on the modules below.
Postgraduate courses
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MSc Clinical Practice
This part-time programme for recently qualified healthcare professionals lets you tailor your learning to your clinical specialism. You can choose to qualify with a PG Cert, PG Dip or MSc.
West London Campus (also offered in Reading)
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MSc Clinical Practice
This part-time programme for recently qualified healthcare professionals lets you tailor your learning to your clinical specialism. You can choose to qualify with a PG Cert, PG Dip or MSc.
Berkshire Institute for Health
Funding
Funding
Support with your fees and funding may be available with the Society for the Studies of Addiction. More information is available on the Society for the Study of Addiction website.
Our Student Services teams can also offer advice on managing student finances, working while you study, and more. View full details, including conditions and eligibility.
Student testimonials
The skills that I learnt from the programme and the pressure that I faced as a student have prepared me exceptionally well to succeed both in my academic and professional life. I now hold an MSc in leadership and I manage one of the most complex mental health and substance use services in Canada BC Vancouver.
Cyrnos Mabiza, BSc (Hons) Addiction Studies (Top-up)
I am a Mental Health Nurse in the Royal Navy and my role takes me all over the world. I wanted to further develop my assessment and treatment skills to improve my day-to-day practice and expand my knowledge to enable me to confidently work autonomously. I cannot thank the UWL teaching staff enough. Their enthusiasm is catching and the delivery of the course has been varied and informative throughout.
Hayley Lanigan, PGCert Clinical practice with Addiction Studies
Meet the team
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Associate Professor Raffaella Margherita Milani
Course Leader - Addiction Studies
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Dr Linda Dinc
Senior Lecturer in Psychology
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Dr Nicole M Miller
Lecturer in Psychology
