番茄社区

Course Overview

This module critically examines the key theories and concepts relating to substance use and addiction. It aims to provide you with an overview and understanding of how theory and research is linked to policy and practice. The intention is to stimulate critical debate concerning the explicit and implicit theories and understandings which inform policy and practice and to encourage you to consider the relevance of different theoretical approaches within your own work.

This module is ideal for health and social care professionals, working in a variety of settings who have an interest in substance use and wish to extend their knowledge and understanding.

Using a ‘life course’ approach, this module aims to develop your skills in the interpretation of different stages鈥痠n the course of鈥痵ubstance use and addiction through an examination of drug use patterns and addiction theories. You'll also be enabled to critically evaluate the different theoretical approaches and develop the abilities in applying them to policies, strategies and interventions.

In this module, the term ‘drug’ or ‘substance’ is used to include both legal and illegal drugs, i.e. alcohol, tobacco and drugs such as opiates, cocaine, ecstasy etc.

Course content

During this module, you will learn to:

1. Critically appraise the diversity, similarities and complementarities between different theoretical approaches
2. Critically analyse and explain drug using career pathways drawing on relevant theoretical frameworks
3. Synthesise and critique key theoretical debates and arguments
4. Analyse case study material (identification, selection, application and critical engagement with key texts and documents)

Learning and teaching

Teaching on this module is delivered entirely online, with all scheduled sessions taking place via Microsoft Teams. The module adopts an online, student-centred approach to learning that combines synchronous and asynchronous activities to support engagement, flexibility, and the development of advanced knowledge and skills.

A range of teaching methods are employed to promote active participation. These include structured presentations supported by PowerPoint, interactive group work, and scenario-based learning designed to encourage critical thinking and the application of theory to practice. Digital technologies are used extensively to enhance learning, including video resources and interactive platforms. Students are expected to engage with preparatory and consolidation activities to reinforce learning and support independent study.

Formative assessment is embedded within the module to provide ongoing feedback and support students’ academic development. This enables learners to reflect on their progress, identify areas for improvement, and build confidence in meeting the module learning outcomes.

Assessment

Summative assessment scheme

You'll look at three case studies presenting different consumption careers as set by the teaching team. You will be asked to employ different theoretical鈥痯erspectives鈥痶o analyse and explain the drug using career pathways of two of the case studies. The analysis of the case studies will be written up as a  2,500 word鈥痚ssay.

Fees and funding

The fees* below refer to the 2026/27 academic year unless otherwise stated.

Per credit: £69
15 credits: £1,035

*Course fees are subject to annual inflation.

There are several funding options available:

• receiving course fees via CPPD contracts between NHS trusts and 番茄社区 University
• paying your own fees
• sponsorship by your employer (but not under a CPPD contract).

For more information for any of these options, including fee rates for self-funding/employer-sponsored students, please visit our dedicated funding page.

How to apply

To be eligible for this module, you must provide evidence of an ability to study at Level 6.

Apply for this module through our .

Download an enquiry form for more information on the application process. Applications to this module should be made directly to the university, apply for a CPD module or programme.