Huntington’s disease: an enabling approach to supporting families

Program Overview

Huntington’s disease: an enabling approach to supporting families

Overview

This online undergraduate short course is delivered in collaboration with the Scottish Huntington's Association (SHA). The short course will give you a superb opportunity to develop your understanding of this complex condition and its impact on the people and families who live with it, while enhancing your skills, knowledge and capacity to provide support.

Key Facts

• Module code: DEMU9D5
• Start date: 15 Sep 2025
• Application deadline: 1 Sep 2025
• Duration: One-day online introductory session followed by 12 weeks of online learning
• Credit value SCQF: 20 credits
• SCQF level: Level 10
• Fees: £675
• Mode of study: part time
• Delivery: online

Entrance Requirements

English Language Requirements

If English is not your first language you must have one of the following qualifications as evidence of your English language skills:

• IELTS Academic or UKVI 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each sub-skill.
• Pearson Test of English (Academic) 60 overall with a minimum of 59 in each sub-skill.
• IBT TOEFL 78 overall with a minimum of 17 in listening, 18 in reading, 20 in speaking and 17 in writing.

Objectives

By the end of the short course you'll be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of the aetiology of Huntington's disease and the range of symptoms experienced;
• show a greater understanding of the genetic component of the condition and how this impacts those affected by Huntington's disease and those who support them;
• demonstrate awareness of the importance of individual life stories and be able to use this to develop supportive strategies for people affected by Huntington's disease;
• recognise the diversity of experiences of living with Huntington's disease and how individuals and families adapt and live with the condition;
• evaluate current approaches, interventions and services for the treatment, care and support of people affected by Huntington's disease and identify best practice;
• develop knowledge and skills to anticipate the evolving needs of people with Huntington's disease and their families, and be able to identify and evaluate available approaches designed for future planning.

Structure and Content

This short course provides an in-depth understanding of Huntington's disease and the impact it has on individuals and families, considering the physical, psychological, emotional and social changes that it can bring. Our short course looks at the person with Huntington's as central to this discussion, but also emphasises the importance of considering the whole family as people affected by the disease.

Delivery and Assessment

A single online learning short course, worth 20 credits at SCQF level 10/QCF level 6. Your 12 weeks of online learning is supported by staff from the University of Stirling and the Scottish Huntington’s Association. The short course is assessed through a single written report.

Module Coordinator

Dr Louise McCabe