Community and Addiction Studie - Technological U

Tuition Fee

Start Date

Medium of studying

On campus

Duration

48 months

Program Facts

About Program

About University

Admission Requirements

Easy Apply

Program Facts

Program Details

Degree

Bachelors

Major

Community Development | Social Work and Counselling

Area of study

Social Sciences | Health

Education type

On campus

Timing

Full time

Course Language

English

About Program

Program Overview

Community and Addiction Studies – BA (Hons)

Course Overview

The Community and Addiction Studies course offers participants the skills and competencies to work in the voluntary sector, as well as with State or NGO providers of community and social inclusion services. Graduates of this course pursue careers in community initiatives with a focus on inclusive practice, empowerment, and collaboration.

Graduate employment opportunities are wide-ranging, to include national, regional, or local projects which are addressing addiction, homelessness, unemployment, cultural development, and community sports initiatives.

The course is grounded in the principles of empowerment, human rights, inclusion, and social justice. Graduates of this course will be furnished with the requisite knowledge and skills to work in and meaningfully engage communities affected by addiction, to support voluntary activity, and to progress community projects.

There is a very substantial practical and applied component to this course, so students will develop the real skills and competencies required for the workplace. A practical placement in years two and three are a key element of the course, which will allow students to apply their learning in a real-life environment.

Entry Requirements

A minimum of 2 H5 & 4 O6/H7 grades in six Leaving Certificate subjects, including English or Irish. Mathematics is not a subject requirement for this programme.
Mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.
International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time.

Course Modules

Year 1 – Semester 1

Safeguarding In Communities (5 credits)
- Demonstrate a range of practices central to working with vulnerable people
- Describe the theories and research relevant to this field of practice, supporting those with diverse needs and abilities in a range of contexts
- Apply an understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioural development of vulnerable people
Foundations in Addiction Theory (5 credits)
- Identify the historical and contemporary theory informing the primary causes, characteristics, and processes of addictive behaviour
- Understand the fundamentals of Family Systems Theory
- Develop an awareness of the impact of substance use on the family
Introduction To Community Development (5 credits)
- Describe the nature and definitions of community, community development, and community work
- Describe the origins and structure of community work in Ireland
- Outline the main principles and values associated with community work and community development
- Discuss key theoretical underpinnings of community work and community development in Ireland and internationally
Introduction to Sociology (5 credits)
- Introduce the Sociology and Social Policy Stream; define Sociology as a discipline and explain the three approaches to thinking sociologically (The Three Lenses: Symbolic Interactionism, Structural Functionalism, and The Conflict Perspective)
- Outline at an introductory level – sociological thinking associated with: Auguste Comte, Max Weber, Emile Durkheim, and Karl Marx
- Identify and illustrate the significance of sociological thinking in relation to socialisation and identity-forming processes
- Examine how our dynamic identity formation is influenced by interactions (that shape emerging beliefs, norms, and values) within: family, society, and culture, social class, and mass media (including social media)
- Be able to apply Sociological thinking (using the three lenses framework) as a means of understanding, explaining, and analysing contemporary life issues
Introduction To Youth Work (5 credits)
- Define and describe the role of youth work in relation to the context of community development
- Outline the historical development of youth work in Ireland
- Understand the values and skills that underpin youth work practice
- Identify and describe the different types of youth work provision in Ireland
Personal Development – The Self and Identity (5 credits)
- Identify the main theories which underpin the knowledge of reflection, and the reflective process
- Explain the relevance of reflection as a process for professional development
- Describe the role of reflection as a conduit between the personal and developing professional identity
- Demonstrate an understanding of reflection, and the impact of this understanding through engagement in experiential group work, and weekly reflective journal entries
- Illustrate an understanding of the ongoing necessity of engaging in self-awareness; to see reflection as complementary to personal and professional development

Year 1 – Semester 2

Models Of Community Work (5 credits)
- Describe the primary frameworks and approaches to community development
- Evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of models of practice
- Understand the current community development landscape in Ireland
- Examine the application of models and frameworks in practice
Substance Use And Mental Health (5 credits)
- Know and apply theoretical models of mental health into their understanding of substance use and how these models inform their professional practice
- Understand and be able to apply principles of psychology and psychiatry in treatment settings and/or community work
- Critically examine how the integration of mental health models to social and community work can enhance the understanding and treatment of co-occurring disorders
- Develop an awareness of national and international mental health policies
- Apply skills in evidence-informed research and practice, including an understanding of competing theories, concepts, and frameworks underpinning mental health practice and/or community work and demonstrate an ability to apply advocacy-based approaches which promote the interests of service users through system-level change
Applied Social Policy (5 credits)
- Discuss the impact of social policy on the provision of Community Development
- Explain the role of social policy in meeting the needs of a range of social groups
- Assess the contribution of social policy as a response to inequality and disadvantage
Information Management (5 credits)
- Outline a range of information management skills related to the addiction and community development field
- Explain the relevance of effective information management systems in the addiction and community development field
- Describe a range of information management skills relevant to the addiction and community development field
- Demonstrate a range of information management skills related to the addiction and community development field
Introduction To Groupwork And Facilitation Skills (5 credits)
- Understand the principles of facilitation in a community development context
- Organise and facilitate groups in a variety of contexts and situations
- Demonstrate the competencies required by a facilitator working in this sector
- Reflect on their own competencies and design appropriate strategies for their development
Personal Development – Groups In Action: Shaping The Self (5 credits)
- Know and apply theoretical models of diversity and difference into their understanding of the world and identify these models in operation in their professional practice
- Understand and be able to apply principles of group development how group development impacts their behaviour
- Apply skills in evidence-informed research and practice, including an understanding of competing theories, concepts, and frameworks underpinning group behaviour and practices in teams and community work
- Reflect on the impact of personal values and individual experience on professional conduct and manage this impact by applying theoretical frameworks to the understanding and management of group development, teams, organisations in the community in order to promote best practice in working towards social inclusion

Year 2 – Semester 1

Applied Community Intervention (5 credits)
- To Understand Evidence-Based Community Interventions for substance misuse
- To Describe a range of Community-Based Interventions
- To critique brief interventions and assertive outreach in the addiction and community development field
- To Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Evidence-based approach
- To Develop an awareness of the application of evidence-based models in the community including CRA, SFP, MI, and The 5 Step Model
Case Management (5 credits)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Case management approach
- Understand and evaluate current practice and research in the area of Case management approach
- Evaluate the effectiveness of Case Management approaches among addiction services locally, nationally, and internationally
- Discuss and Understand the theories undermining Case Management approach and relevance to effective treatment (integrated care, four-tier model, person-centred, Continuum of care, protocols)
- Apply core skills in Case Management Approach in role and real play scenarios
- Critically discuss Case management’s Comprehensive assessment approach and value to the field of addiction and community development
Contemp. Issues In Addiction (5 credits)
- Understand the signs and symptoms of use and misuse
- Recognise the ethical issues arising in treatment, to include stereotyping and bias in relation to addiction
- Describe the physical, emotional, and mental health implications of use
- Outline current screening and assessment criteria in the diagnosis of addiction
- Explain the effects of addiction on communities in different settings
- Understand the changing response to addiction and addicts by health and social professionals over the past 50 years
Physiological Processes Of Addiction (5 credits)
- Define and discuss the relationship between physical and psychological dependence
- Identify the physiological manifestations of disorders associated with alcohol and other drug use
- Describe the physiological effects of alcohol and other drugs
- Understand the effects of withdrawal from a range of substances
- Identify a range of interventions to support people with drug dependence
- Understand Drug and alcohol effects and their relationship with mental disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis
Advanced Participation Skills (5 credits)
- Identify and explain key theories from social psychology relevant to group work
- Assess the relevance of group process models such as: Tuckman and Jensen’s group stage theory and Belbin’s team role models in group work contexts
- Demonstrate key facilitation skills of active listening, conflict management, positive communication, negotiation skills, and; giving and receiving constructive feedback in group contexts
- Apply the principles of successful summary report writing in group-project contexts
Personal Development: Advancing The Identity Of The Practitioner (5 credits)
- Identify the key theoretical frameworks underpinning professional resilience
- Demonstrate an awareness of basic approaches and challenges for multidisciplinary community substance misuse teams in developing and maintaining healthy professional resilience through a critical understanding of the variety of prevention and support measures for those affected by maladaptive professional resilience
- Be able to express professional, informed, and considered options to a multidisciplinary team in the arena of substance misuse in the community, within the boundaries of confidentiality
- Compare and contrast intervention skills and challenges for a multidisciplinary team and be able to identify and communicate interventions that support healthy professional resilience within that team
- Be familiar with the provisions of the current Code of Professional Conduct and Ethics for the Addiction Counsellors of Ireland, and understand its role in managing self-care and professional resilience

Year 2 – Semester 2

Programme Work Placement (30 credits)

Year 3 – Semester 1

Community Work Placement (30 credits)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the range of participatory models available
- Explain the appropriateness of models or frameworks pertaining to real-world situations
- Appreciate the distinct requirements of different organisations in this broad sector
- Evaluate the strengths and challenges associated with community participatory techniques

Year 3 – Semester 2

Applied Research & Digital Literature (5 credits)
- Be competent to undertake a literature review
- Demonstrate the ability to complete evidence-based research
- Understand referencing methods, citation, and the classification of peer-reviewed journals
- Demonstrate an appreciation of quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods approaches to research
- Analyse methodological design considerations and analytical techniques
Behavioural Processes In Addiction (5 credits)
- Understand the concept of non-substance-related addiction
- Identify and understand the evidence supporting process and behavioural addictions
- Discuss and Critique the classification of Behavioural Addiction in standard Diagnostic Classifications (DSM and ICD)
- Demonstrate an understanding of scientific evidence for evolving conditions referred to as Process and/or Behavioural Addiction
- Demonstrate an understanding of the range of evidence-based interventions available in this area
Project Management For Community Groups (5 credits)
- Describe the principles and requirements of the project management cycle from project initiation to evaluation
- Complete a project application for funding for a community or voluntary organisation
- Use an appropriate IT application as a tool to effectively manage a small project
Psychosocial Interventions (5 credits)
- Identify the primary theoretical models informing the types of psychosocial interventions used in community settings
- Compare and contrast intervention skills and challenges for professionals in different settings underpinned by different philosophies and theoretical models
- To outline appropriate interventions for each classification crisis
- To understand appropriate protocols and interventions
- To recognise the ethical issues that arise in addiction intervention and treatment
- To describe the effects of addiction in communities
Designing Community Participation (5 credits)
- Demonstrate an understanding of the range of participatory models available
- Explain the appropriateness of models or frameworks pertaining to real-world situations
- Appreciate the distinct requirements of different organisations in this broad sector
- Evaluate the strengths and challenges associated with community participatory techniques
Personal Development – Personal To Practitioner Development (5 credits)
- Examine and identify their own baseline position by revisiting prior experience and knowledge of resilience and how this applies to post placement
- Consider what informs their critical thinking style and how this is related to their professional and personal development
- Examining their beliefs, values, attitudes, and assumptions in ways which form the basis of a deeper understanding and higher level of learning
- Demonstrate knowledge of the key theoretical frameworks underpinning professional resilience and transfer those skills into practice
- Describe and discuss the basic approaches and challenges for multidisciplinary community substance misuse teams in developing and maintaining healthy professional resilience through a critical understanding of the variety of prevention and support measures for those affected by maladaptive professional resilience
- Be able to express professional, informed, and considered options to a multidisciplinary team in the arena of substance misuse in the community, within the boundaries of confidentiality

Year 4 – Semester 1

Community Planning (5 credits)
- Critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with community planning
- Assess the strategic functions and responsibilities of community planning
- Demonstrate the core skills required to effectively plan and work in the community and voluntary sector
- Incorporate the All-Ireland Standards for Community Work proficiencies into the community planning process
Interpersonal And Group Dynamics (5 credits)
- Critically reflect on the principles of learning, supervision, mentoring, feedback, and professional development resulting from two practice placements
- Appraise aspects of professional development and supervision and evaluate one’s personal strengths and weaknesses for the completion and responsibility for a future professional development
- Demonstrate the ability to have considerable critical insight and confidence in leading and working collaboratively with others
- Evaluate and analyse the effect of one’s own characteristics, values, and practice on interactions with service users and professionals and be able to critically reflect on this to improve practice
- Explain the need to monitor, evaluate, and monitor the quality of their engagement and communication with others and be able to critically evaluate one’s own practice against evidence-based standards and implement improvements based on the findings of performance management activities
Management In The Community & Voluntary Sector (5 credits)
- Analyse and evaluate a range of interventions utilised in the community
Social Policy & Addiction (5 credits)
- Critically analyse the relationship between the community and voluntary sector, the state, and the social policy domain
- Critique the normative assumptions and neoliberal discourses informing contemporary community work policy and practice and how that relates to the provision of addiction services
- Critically engage in social policy analysis to help inform perspectives about community development provision, practices, and professionalisation
- Analyse the methods for influencing policy change that relate to the community development sector with a particular focus on issues of addiction
- Use social policy knowledge to inform their own personal practice ideology, values, and passion for community development
Therapeutic Interventions – Concepts Of Treatment (5 credits)
- Critically evaluate issues and debates in therapy, how it can be applied, and how interventions are evaluated based on a critical understanding of the relevant psychological therapies
- Analyse key concepts in relation to perspectives in psychology and the concepts and frameworks underpinning them and apply them to make appropriate professionally informed therapeutic referrals relevant to the needs of individuals, children, vulnerable adults, marginalised groups, and those from varied cultural contexts
- Synthesise a critical understanding of the dynamics of relationships between professionals and service users and appreciate and apply the concepts of transference and counter-transference
- Demonstrate that they can create relationships with service users which balance professional duty of care with the need to maintain professional boundaries and recognise the challenges that emerge within caring relationships

Year 4 – Semester 2

Advocacy and Engagement (5 credits)
- Describe a range of advocacy approaches in the addiction field
- Understand the role of advocacy and engagement in the addiction field
- Critically appraise the impact of advocacy approaches on the lives of substance users
- Demonstrate a range of approaches that may influence decision-makers, with the aim of developing, establishing, or changing policies and practices and of establishing and sustaining programmes and services for substance misusers
Conflict and Crisis Management (5 credits)
- Identify the primary theoretical models informing what conflict in organisations is and how conflict is managed
- Compare and contrast intervention skills and challenges for professionals supporting
- Demonstrate an understanding of the effects of conflict on self-awareness, team, and organisational behaviour and in particular their own awareness
- Express knowledge of methods and strategies for managing conflict
- Critically evaluate and assess the strengths, and deficits with their developing professional style of conflict management
- Identify the ethical issues, dilemmas, and conflicts that may arise when working with service users and families in practice and examine the process of ethical decision-making involved in their resolution and how key ethical theories can be used in the resolution of these conflicts
Current Issues in Community Work (5 credits)
- Critically analyse the current policy and sector context of community work
- Engage in informed debate relating to the key issues within community work discourse
- Reflect on the role of community work in Irish society
- Analyse the contemporary local structures in community work, its funding, and oversight
Evidenced Based Models of Intervention (5 credits)
- Develop comprehensive understanding of evidence-based interventions
- Critically analyse the benefits and challenges with different models of interventions and the settings where these interventions are applied
- Understand the Harm Reduction Model and the challenges that come with this model
- Develop an awareness of national and international Health Promotion policies and be able to engage with critical debates in addiction
Leadership Skills (5 credits)
- Critically analyse the challenges of Leadership in a community setting
- Evaluate the processes in creating effective teams and influencing interpersonal relationships
- Critically evaluate the importance of leadership style, motivation, and effective management
- Apply the theory of Leadership principles, strategies, and management approaches to sectoral challenges
- Appreciate the importance of governance and oversight in public service or public-funded organisations
Research Project (10 credits)
- Understand PBL and its role in advancing an understanding of practice
- Explain how the key principles, theories, and best practice can be applied to real-world situations in the sector
- Apply research methodologies to respond to challenges in a solution-focused manner
- Develop the necessary writing and research skills to complete a PBL

Career Opportunities

There are significant opportunities for professional and career progression within the community, State, and voluntary sectors. Graduates will be eligible to work in a wide variety of roles including: Community Development Worker/Coordinator, Community Youth Worker, Policy Worker, Social Researcher/Research Assistant, Group Worker/Facilitator. Typically, graduates may work for Family Resource Centres, LEADER companies, An Garda Síochána, the HSE, TUSLA, section 38 public agencies, as well as section 39 voluntary agencies (as per the Health Act 2004).

Further Study

Successful graduates of this programme are eligible for Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within TUS or elsewhere. Students can go on to post-graduate study in a number of related areas such as: Community development, sociology, and social policy.

Program Outline

Community and Addiction Studies – BA (Hons) - TUS

Degree Overview:

The Community and Addiction Studies course equips participants with the skills and competencies to work in the voluntary sector, as well as with State or NGO providers of community and social inclusion services. Graduates of this course pursue careers in community initiatives with a focus on inclusive practice, empowerment, and collaboration.

Objectives:

To furnish graduates with the knowledge and skills to work in and meaningfully engage communities affected by addiction.
To support voluntary activity and progress community projects.
To ground the course in the principles of empowerment, human rights, inclusion, and social justice.

Outline:

The course is structured over four years and includes a substantial practical and applied component. Students will develop real skills and competencies required for the workplace.

Year 1:

Semester 1:

Safeguarding In Communities (5 Credits): Demonstrate practices central to working with vulnerable people, describe relevant theories and research, and apply an understanding of the social, emotional, and behavioral development of vulnerable people.
Foundations in Addiction Theory (5 Credits): Identify historical and contemporary theory informing the primary causes, characteristics, and processes of addictive behavior.
Introduction To Community Development (5 Credits): Describe the nature and definitions of community, community development, and community work.
Introduction to Sociology (5 Credits): Introduce Sociology and Social Policy, define Sociology as a discipline, and explain the three approaches to thinking sociologically.
Introduction To Youth Work (5 Credits): Define and describe the role of youth work in relation to community development.
Personal Development – The Self and Identity (5 Credits): Identify main theories underpinning reflection and the reflective process.

Semester 2:

Models Of Community Work (5 Credits): Describe primary frameworks and approaches to community development.
Substance Use And Mental Health (5 Credits): Know and apply theoretical models of mental health to understand substance use and how these models inform professional practice.
Applied Social Policy (5 Credits): Discuss the impact of social policy on the provision of Community Development.
Information Management (5 Credits): Outline a range of information management skills related to the addiction and community development field.
Introduction To Groupwork And Facilitation Skills (5 Credits): Understand the principles of facilitation in a community development context.
Personal Development – Groups In Action: Shaping The Self (5 Credits): Know and apply theoretical models of diversity and difference into their understanding of the world and identify these models in operation in their professional practice.

Year 2:

Semester 1:

Applied Community Intervention (5 Credits): Understand Evidence Based Community Interventions for substance misuse.
Case Management (5 Credits): Demonstrate an understanding of the theoretical underpinnings of Case management approach.
Contemp.
Issues In Addiction (5 Credits): Understand the signs and symptoms of use and misuse.
Physiological Processes Of Addiction (5 Credits): Define and discuss the relationship between physical and psychological dependence.
Advanced Participation Skills (5 Credits): Identify and explain key theories from social psychology relevant to group work.

Semester 2:

Programme Work Placement (30 Credits): This placement allows students to apply their learning in a real-life environment.

Year 3:

Semester 1:

Community Work Placement (30 Credits): This placement allows students to apply their learning in a real-life environment.

Semester 2:

Applied Research & Digital Literature (5 Credits): Be competent to undertake a literature review.
Behavioural Processes In Addiction (5 Credits): Understand the concept of non-substance related addiction.
Project Management For Community Groups (5 Credits): Describe the principles and requirements of the project management cycle from project initiation to evaluation.
Psychosocial Interventions (5 Credits): Identify the primary theoretical models informing the types of psychosocial interventions used in community settings.
Designing Community Participation (5 Credits): Demonstrate an understanding of the range of participatory models available.
Personal Development – Personal To Practitioner Development.
(5 Credits): Examine and identify their own baseline position by revisiting prior experience and knowledge of resilience and how this applies to post-placement.

Year 4:

Semester 1:

Community Planning (5 Credits): Critically discuss the strengths and weaknesses associated with community planning.
Interpersonal And Group Dynamics (5 Credits): Critically reflect on the principles of learning, supervision, mentoring, feedback, and professional development resulting from two practice placements.
Management In The Community & Voluntary Sector (5 Credits): Analyze and evaluate a range of interventions utilized in the community.
Social Policy & Addiction (5 Credits): Critically analyze the relationship between the community and voluntary sector, the state, and the social policy domain.
Therapeutic Interventions – Concepts Of Treatment.
(5 Credits): Critically evaluate issues and debates in therapy, how it can be applied, and how interventions are evaluated based on a critical understanding of the relevant psychological therapies.

Semester 2:

Advocacy and Engagement (5 Credits): Describe a range of advocacy approaches in the addiction field.
Conflict and Crisis Management (5 Credits): Identify the primary theoretical models informing what conflict in organizations is and how conflict is managed.
Current Issues in Community Work (5 Credits): Critically analyze the current policy and sector context of community work.
Evidenced Based Models of Intervention (5 Credits): Develop comprehensive understanding of evidence-based interventions.
Leadership Skills (5 Credits): Critically analyze the challenges of Leadership in a community setting.
Research Project (10 Credits): Understand PBL and its role in advancing an understanding of practice.

Careers:

Graduates of this program are eligible to work in a wide variety of roles within the community, State, and voluntary sectors. Some potential career paths include:

Community Development Worker/Coordinator
Community Youth Worker
Policy Worker
Social Researcher/Research Assistant
Group Worker/Facilitator
Family Resource Centres
LEADER companies
An Garda Síochána
The HSE
TUSLA
Section 38 public agencies
Section 39 voluntary agencies (as per the Health Act 2004)

Other:

All applicants accepting a place on this course will be required to undertake Garda Vetting.