PgCert Addiction Medicine

01 Sep 2024 - 31 Aug 2030

Course Leader Karl New
Course Team Raman Sakhuja
Awarding Body University of South Wales
Teaching Institutions Learna Ltd
Modes of Study Part Time

Document Version

Version 3
Valid From 01 Sep 2024
Valid To 31 Aug 2030

QAA Benchmarks

The course educational aims and learning outcomes are based on the terminology used in the QAA Master’s Degree Characteristics Statement (Feb 2020), the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications of UK Degree-Awarding Bodies (October 2014) and the Credit and Qualifications Framework for Wales level descriptors (January 2018).

Educational Aim

The academic aims for this course are to:  

  • Develop a systematic knowledge of the investigation and evidence-based management in areas surrounding addiction medicine.  

  • Synthesise the evidence and critically interpret this into the care of patients presenting with addiction in a range of healthcare settings. 

  • Critically analyse the biological, physiological and ethical considerations related to the delivery of addiction medicine with a multidisciplinary approach.

The provision and ongoing maintenance of this programme seeks to align with the following University Strategic Plans for curriculum design:

  • Presents unsolved problems and challenges as central to learning 

  • Is co-designed with stakeholders 

  • Encourages active, collaborative, and interdisciplinary learning 

  • Is informed by cutting edge research and practice 

  • Instigates a positive impact and transformation on society 

  • Develops professionalism and learner autonomy 

  • Enables digital fluency within the academic discipline 

  • Is designed for inclusivity

USW (2022). 2030 Curriculum Design Principles.

Learning Outcomes

A1 Exhibit and demonstrate a comprehensive knowledge and in-depth understanding of addiction medicine.
A2 Develop a critical and systematic knowledge of the most current evidence-based clinical management strategies for addiction, staying abreast of the latest research findings and best practices in the field.
A3 Critically analyse and apply a systematic knowledge of the ethical, legal, and societal dimensions of addiction medicine.
A4 Exhibit a systematic understanding of current knowledge, prevalent issues, and emerging insights in addiction medicine.
B1 Critically evaluate the latest research and evidence-based practices in addiction medicine.
B2 Systematically analyse and evaluate the impact of addiction on individual patients’ physical, psychological, and social well-being.
B3 Use advanced research tools and appropriate and relevant skills to conduct independent research in addiction medicine.
B4 Critically evaluate and analyse emerging approaches to the assessment and management of patients experiencing addiction.
C1 Demonstrate and apply advanced knowledge and a systematic understanding in addiction medicine to develop and implement individualised patient-centred care plans.
C2 Develop and exhibit highly advanced and effective communication skills to be able to critically engage in empathetic and informed discussions with individuals with substance use disorders, fostering trust and promoting shared decision-making regarding treatment options.
C3 Critically apply and synthesise evidence of a comprehensive and multidisciplinary approach to design patient-centred treatment plans for addiction, recognising the unique needs, preferences and overall well-being of individuals with substance use disorders.
C4 Exhibit and critically implement highly effective communication and teamwork skills to collaborate seamlessly with interdisciplinary healthcare teams, optimising patient care and outcomes in addiction medicine.

Course Structure

Level 7 Modules

Module Code Module Id Module Title Module Status Credit Value Module Type
PE4S295 MOD013553 Models of Addiction Running 20 specified
PE4S296 MOD013554 Clinical and Psychosocial Management of Addiction Running 20 specified
PE4S297 MOD013555 Ethical, Legal, and Public Health Perspectives of Addiction Medicine Running 20 specified

Teaching and Assessment


Learning and Teaching Methods

N/A


Employer Engagement

Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis, but typically, applicants for the programme will:? 

  • Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent. 

  • Provide evidence in the personal statement as to how they can apply learning to a practical setting and reflect on practice. 

  • Basic IT skills (e.g., word-processing, email and internet) 

  • If English is not the student’s first language they must hold an English language qualification

English Requirements:

  • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each band)  

  • GMC / NMC (Nursing midwifery council) / IMC (Irish Medical council) registered - with a licence to practise 

  • OET with an average of 440-350 overall and a minimum of 350 in each component 

  • TOEFL with a score of 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing (including Home Edition) 

  • English GCSE grade C or above 

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)- exams taken from January 2015- overall score of 169 with at least 162 in each component; exams taken before January 2015- Grade C and no less than borderline in each skill 

  • Trinity College English Language qualifications: ISE II Distinction or ISE III Pass 

  • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI with a score of 64 overall and 59 in each component. Please note that where a UKVI SELT is not required, we can also accept the scores in the PTE Academic Online 

  • LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator or SELT Exam with a High pass with a minimum score of 33 in reading, writing and listening, and 38 in speaking 

  • WAEC is graded A-E. Anything above C6 is acceptable, so C6, C5, C4, B3, B2, and A1 are acceptable. Anything under C6 will not be accepted (D7, E8).  

  • PSI Service (UK) Ltd Skills for English UKVI B2 (4 component) with a pass in all 4 components (listening, speaking, reading, writing) 

  • Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE) online test: Overall score of 458, with 425 in each component.  

  • Password Skills Plus with an overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each component.  

  • English Medium of Instruction (EMI) 

  • Proof of study at a UK, USA, Australian, New Zealand or Canadian University of membership to a medical body from one of these countries.


Means of Assessment

Case study, Project**, Self reflective assessment, Time-constrained assessment (online)


Learning Support

Induction 

All students are enrolled on a Study Skills orientation module which serves as their induction in the week preceding the start of the programme.This module provides the students with an entire week of induction and resources. Representatives from the Student Services Department are available throughout the induction week to answer queries and problems as they arise and provide support. 

The module has been specifically designed to help students prepare for the start of the programme. However, they can also access the module throughout the entire course as an essential reference guide. 

The module introduces them to the online learning, navigation of the learning platform Moodle and study skills support, including the elements of assessment, referencing, critical appraisal, reflective practice, levels of evidence and how to write scientifically. The use of referencing software, advanced literature searching and accessing other academic and research libraries is also covered. 

The module is available for all students online throughout the course. 

Students have full access to a designated in-house Student Services team for the full duration of the course. 

Personal Academic Coach1 

Academic support is given on a module-by-module basis by a subject specific tutor. Student Services and Teaching Services Departments within Learna provide continuity of support throughout the course with input from the Learna Programme Leader where required. 

Students are encouraged to contact their module tutor for academic queries and the Student Services Team for other help and advice. 

If a student discloses that a subject is sensitive to them because of personal circumstances, the tutor can respond on an individual basis. 

Each student can contact any member of the Student Services Team who act as their point contact for any concerns they might have, e.g., arrangements for extensions. Student Service officers monitor students' participation in the learning platform, providing encouragement and guidance to help them keep up with the pace of studies and contact them if they fall behind. Students can book calls with a Student Services Officer.  

Student Services also contact the Teaching Services team who will work with the tutor to encourage and guide specific students through direct messaging. 

Learner Analytics  

Student and tutor engagement and participation is monitored throughout the course by the Student Services and Teaching Services Teams respectively and who will intervene where required. 

Office hours 

9am-5pm Monday to Friday for office support with the learning platform (LMS); however, tutors are contactable over weekends as well as during the week. 

Student Services also offer an appointment booking service where students are able to schedule a call to go through any queries about their enrolment and Moodle (the learning platform) throughout their time on the course. This enables international students in different timezones to have direct contact with the Student Services Team at a time convenient to them. 

Tutorials 

One tutor provides learning guidance per 10-20 students. They are available for academic support and are contactable via Moodle. The role of the tutor is to facilitate students’ learning rather than to provide didactic teaching. The tutor will stimulate the students to pursue appropriate lines of academic inquiry in the Academic Forum and provide direction to ensure the module learning outcomes are met. 

Seminars 

The Academic Forum is the discussion board where a large proportion of the learning and assessment for each module takes place. It is a seminar environment where the tutor and student group engage in critical appraisal and discussion of the topic area. 

Formative Assessment 

Formative assessment is provided on a weekly basis via feedback in the Academic Forum as well as one-to-one formative feedback that takes place via the Reflective Journal component. 

Progress meetings 

Student Services Officers monitor each student’s participation in the learning platform, providing encouragement and guidance to help them keep up with the pace of their studies and will contact them if they fall behind. Following student feedback, the Student Services Dept now provide Student Participation Reports which are sent to students regularly. 

Research Supervision 

N/A 

Course Exit Points

Award Criteria Final
Postgraduate Certificate 60 credits with at least 40 at Level 7 and no more than 20 at Level 6 Final

Progression Route


Entry Requirements

Admission to the course is typically through the following qualifications:

Applicants will be assessed on an individual basis, but typically, applicants for the programme will:? 

  • Possess an undergraduate degree in a relevant subject awarded by a UK university or overseas equivalent. 

  • Provide evidence in the personal statement as to how they can apply learning to a practical setting and reflect on practice. 

  • Basic IT skills (e.g., word-processing, email and internet) 

  • If English is not the student’s first language they must hold an English language qualification 

English Requirements:

  • IELTS with an overall score of 6.0 (with a minimum of 5.5 in each band)  

  • GMC / NMC (Nursing midwifery council) / IMC (Irish Medical council) registered - with a licence to practise 

  • OET with an average of 440-350 overall and a minimum of 350 in each component 

  • TOEFL with a score of 72 overall and a minimum of 18 in reading, 17 in listening, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing (including Home Edition) 

  • English GCSE grade C or above 

  • Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE)- exams taken from January 2015- overall score of 169 with at least 162 in each component; exams taken before January 2015- Grade C and no less than borderline in each skill 

  • Trinity College English Language qualifications: ISE II Distinction or ISE III Pass 

  • PTE Academic and PTE Academic UKVI with a score of 64 overall and 59 in each component. Please note that where a UKVI SELT is not required, we can also accept the scores in the PTE Academic Online 

  • LanguageCert International ESOL B2 Communicator or SELT Exam with a High pass with a minimum score of 33 in reading, writing and listening, and 38 in speaking 

  • WAEC is graded A-E. Anything above C6 is acceptable, so C6, C5, C4, B3, B2, and A1 are acceptable. Anything under C6 will not be accepted (D7, E8).  

  • PSI Service (UK) Ltd Skills for English UKVI B2 (4 component) with a pass in all 4 components (listening, speaking, reading, writing) 

  • Kaplan International Tools for English (KITE) online test: Overall score of 458, with 425 in each component.  

  • Password Skills Plus with an overall score of 6.0 and no less than 5.5 in each component.  

  • English Medium of Instruction (EMI) 

  • Proof of study at a UK, USA, Australian, New Zealand or Canadian University of membership to a medical body from one of these countries.  


Inclusive Curriculum Statement

The University of South Wales operates a policy of inclusive learning, teaching and assessment to ensure that all students have an equal opportunity to fulfil their educational potential. Course teams will have considered ways of designing out any potentially disadvantageous element of courses during the course design process. However some specific needs may remain, details about how to apply to have your needs assessed can be found at: http://unilife.southwales.ac.uk/pages/3040-disability-and-dyslexia-service/


Addendum for Delivery at a Partner Institution

N/A


Methods Of Quality Standards

N/A


Quality Of Standards Indicators

N/A