PgCert | Postgraduate Taught

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders

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Entry year: Academic Year 2025/26

Entry requirements: 2.2

Attendance: 1 year (Part-time)

Places available: 30 (Part Time)

This multi-disciplinary programme is designed to enable substance use professionals, mental health workers, social workers, nurses and workers from allied health and social care sectors to gain an understanding of substance use disorders, including definitions, UK and international contexts and the application of theory in practice.

The overarching aims of the PG Cert, PG Dip and Masters in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders is to enable professionals from a range of sectors working in substance use, mental health and related fields to build on their existing knowledge and skills and to use them effectively within their current work environment. It also aims to develop the participants’ understanding of the range of theories informing substance use, and to assist workers to translate these theories into effective practice.

The programme will have a pragmatic focus and this will enable practitioners to learn about a range of multi-disciplinary assessment tools, methods of interventions and the necessary skills to work with substance use across a range of settings. Substance use problems permeate work with a range of service user groups, from the more obvious groups, i.e. working with substance use and mental health, to working with children and families, learning disability offenders and older people.

You can study flexibly by working around your professional duties. These programmes have been accredited by the Northern Ireland Professional in Practice Education and Training Partnership.

Candidates will be afforded the opportunity to take each of the three modules of the programme of study as a stand-alone module (20 credits) or collectively to obtain the PG Cert in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs).
These will include:
Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: Prevalence, Legislation and Theoretical Concepts
Substance Use Disorders and Co-Morbid Mental Health Disorders
Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders: International Contexts.

Please note that this course is not eligible for a Student route visa.

Closing date for applications: Thursday 31st July 2025 at 4pm. Late applications may be considered.

The Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders programme responds to the needs of its students with updated, current and evidence-based information which will enhance their PG educational experience through vibrant and interactive learning programmes.

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

Over 88% of research submitted by colleagues from Criminology, Social Policy, Sociology and Social Work to the Social Policy and Social Work Unit of Assessment was similarly judged to be World Leading or Internationally Excellent. An endorsement of the quality of our research and its impacts in areas such as the penal system, mental health and trauma; work once again achieved through work undertaken in partnership with the health, social care and criminal justice sectors.

Career Development

Professional Development
For multi-disciplinary students, the programmes offer relevant CPD opportunities as well as recognised qualifications accredited by the University which will augment their professional development and enhance the development of further opportunities in their chosen field of practice.

For Social Work students only, the Certificate meets all six of the professional requirements in the ‘Specialist’ category in the Professional in Practice framework, and on completion candidates will be conferred with the Specialist Award.

For all students, the programme provides the opportunity to enhance special substance use and substance use disorders skills within a multi-disciplinary teaching environment.

Student Experience

The PG Cert programme is taught by a number of highly skilled academics and practitioners who are currently working or researching and teaching in substance use disorder settings. This marriage of pragmatic skills-based knowledge with corollary evidence-based learning will greatly enhance the student learning experience.

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Course content

Course Structure

The MSc in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders is a module Masters programme whereby students can complete the PG Cert in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders and then have the option to enrol on the PG Dip and subsequently to enrol on a Masters by thesis module.

The Pg Cert in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders is awarded to students who successfully complete three 20 credit taught modules.

People teaching you

Professor Anne Campbell

Programme Director

SSESW
Email: a.campbell@qub.ac.uk

Teaching Times

Teaching will take place in four day blocks for each module. These are usually timetabled for a Friday/Saturday, 10am–4pm, over a two week period.

Learning and Teaching

Learning opportunities available with this course are outlined below:

Cognitive Skills

Teaching and learning methods to achieve Cognitive Skills are commensurate with adult learning theory and entail formal lecturing, student-led learning, online interaction, seminars and workshops.

Assessment

Assessments associated with this course are outlined below:

Assessment methods include written assignments case study material based on candidates’ practice.
A variety of assessment methods for the Certificate will be used including written assignments, a reflective analysis on how the student applies relevant theory to their practice in two different cases and an assignment critically reflecting on how the student has enhanced the practice of colleagues drawing on the knowledge in this module.

Facilities

The School is situated across a suite of three buildings in Belfast's Queen's Quarter. We provide student and staff common rooms, computer suites and designated study spaces.

Explore the teaching and social spaces in our School through our 360 Virtual Tour:
https://youtu.be/vB0jafwkgd0

The Graduate School
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LSfCd4Ycb70

What our academics say

“The PG Cert in Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders provides graduates from a range of social and health care professions with a variety of opportunities to develop their specific areas of learning and skills in practice. Increasingly, our graduates operate within teams which consist of workers from a range of professional backgrounds and there is a need to hone skills and knowledge which are relevant to the multi-disciplinary environment."

Dr Anne Campbell, Programme Director

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Overview

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Entry Requirements

Modules

The information below is intended as an example only, featuring module details for the current year of study (2024/25). Modules are reviewed on an annual basis and may be subject to future changes – revised details will be published through Programme Specifications ahead of each academic year.

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Entry requirements

Entrance requirements

Graduate

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above or equivalent qualification acceptable to the University in a relevant subject. Equivalent qualifications include the Pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work.

Social workers seeking entry to the programme must:

a) Be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC);

b) Hold an Honours Degree in Social Work (2.2 or equivalent), Diploma in Social Work, CSS, CQSW or predecessor equivalent. Social Workers trained outside of NISCC jurisdiction must produce a letter of comparability with these awards or a letter of verification issued by NISCC;

c) Have completed the Assessed Year in Practice or have at least one year post- qualifying experience if graduated prior to the AYE implementation.

All non-social workers seeking entry to the programme must have two years’ experience of working with clients who have experienced substance use or mental health issues.

Applicants who do not satisfy the degree qualification as specified above must demonstrate their ability to study at postgraduate level by producing a reflective assignment on their practice in this area (2,000 words). These candidates will be considered on a case-by-case basis.

Application deadline: Thursday 31 July 2025 at 4pm

Late applications may be considered.

Applicants are advised to apply as early as possible. In the event that any programme receives a high number of applications, the University reserves the right to close the application portal prior to the deadline stated on course finder. Notifications to this effect will appear on the application portal against the programme application page.

International Students

Our country/region pages include information on entry requirements, tuition fees, scholarships, student profiles, upcoming events and contacts for your country/region. Use the dropdown list below for specific information for your country/region.

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English Language Requirements

Evidence of an IELTS* score of 6.5, with not less than 5.5 in any component, or an equivalent qualification acceptable to the University is required. *Taken within the last 2 years.

International students wishing to apply to Queen's University Belfast (and for whom English is not their first language), must be able to demonstrate their proficiency in English in order to benefit fully from their course of study or research. Non-EEA nationals must also satisfy UK Visas and Immigration (UKVI) immigration requirements for English language for visa purposes.

For more information on English Language requirements for EEA and non-EEA nationals see: www.qub.ac.uk/EnglishLanguageReqs.

If you need to improve your English language skills before you enter this degree programme, Queen's University Belfast International Study Centre offers a range of English language courses. These intensive and flexible courses are designed to improve your English ability for admission to this degree.

Academic English: an intensive English language and study skills course for successful university study at degree level
Pre-sessional English: a short intensive academic English course for students starting a degree programme at Queen's University Belfast and who need to improve their English.

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Careers

Career Prospects

Introduction

Continuing professional registration in all areas of health and social care is predicated on continuing professional development.

The Department of Health has highlighted that health, social care workers and social workers demonstrate their competence covered in the curricula of the Social Work postgraduate programmes.

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

In addition to your degree programme, at Queen's you can have the opportunity to gain wider life, academic and employability skills. For example, placements, voluntary work, clubs, societies, sports and lots more. So not only do you graduate with a degree recognised from a world leading university, you'll have practical national and international experience plus a wider exposure to life overall. We call this Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award. It's what makes studying at Queen's University Belfast special.

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Entry Requirements

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Fees and Funding

Tuition Fees

Northern Ireland (NI) ¹	£2,434
Republic of Ireland (ROI) ²	£2,434
England, Scotland or Wales (GB) ¹	£3,083
EU Other ³	£7,166
International	£7,166

¹EU citizens in the EU Settlement Scheme, with settled status, will be charged the NI or GB tuition fee based on where they are ordinarily resident. Students who are ROI nationals resident in GB will be charged the GB fee.

² EU students who are ROI nationals resident in ROI are eligible for NI tuition fees.

³ EU Other students (excludes Republic of Ireland nationals living in GB, NI or ROI) are charged tuition fees in line with international fees.

All tuition fees quoted relate to a single year of study unless stated otherwise. Tuition fees will be subject to an annual inflationary increase, unless explicitly stated otherwise.

More information on postgraduate tuition fees.

Additional course costs

There are no specific additional course costs associated with this programme.

All Students

Depending on the programme of study, there may be extra costs which are not covered by tuition fees, which students will need to consider when planning their studies.

Students can borrow books and access online learning resources from any Queen's library. If students wish to purchase recommended texts, rather than borrow them from the University Library, prices per text can range from £30 to £100. Students should also budget between £30 to £75 per year for photocopying, memory sticks and printing charges.

Students undertaking a period of work placement or study abroad, as either a compulsory or optional part of their programme, should be aware that they will have to fund additional travel and living costs.

If a programme includes a major project or dissertation, there may be costs associated with transport, accommodation and/or materials. The amount will depend on the project chosen. There may also be additional costs for printing and binding.

Students may wish to consider purchasing an electronic device; costs will vary depending on the specification of the model chosen.

There are also additional charges for graduation ceremonies, examination resits and library fines.

How do I fund my study?

The Department for the Economy will provide a tuition fee loan of up to £6,500 per NI / EU student for postgraduate study. Tuition fee loan information.

A postgraduate loans system in the UK offers government-backed student loans of up to £11,836 for taught and research Masters courses in all subject areas (excluding Initial Teacher Education/PGCE, where undergraduate student finance is available). Criteria, eligibility, repayment and application information are available on the UK government website.

More information on funding options and financial assistance - please check this link regularly, even after you have submitted an application, as new scholarships may become available to you.

International Scholarships

Information on scholarships for international students, is available at www.qub.ac.uk/Study/international-students/international-scholarships.

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Apply

How to Apply

Apply using our online Queen's Portal and follow the step-by-step instructions on how to apply.

Apply now

Terms and Conditions

The terms and conditions that apply when you accept an offer of a place at the University on a taught programme of study.
Queen's University Belfast Terms and Conditions.

Download a prospectus

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Fees and Funding

Queen's University Belfast

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders

Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders highlights

Internationally Renowned Experts

Career Development

Student Experience

Course Structure

People teaching you

Teaching Times

Learning and Teaching

Cognitive Skills

Assessment

Facilities

What our academics say

Modules

Entrance requirements

Graduate

International Students

English Language Requirements

Career Prospects

Introduction

Graduate Plus/Future Ready Award for extra-curricular skills

Tuition Fees

Additional course costs

All Students

How do I fund my study?

International Scholarships

How to Apply

Terms and Conditions

Postgraduate Open Day

Take a Virtual Tour of Campus

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