Faculty of Social Sciences

Department of Government, Sociology, Social Work & Psychology

Postgraduate Programmes

Postgraduate Diploma in Substance Abuse Management

About the Programme

Introduction

The PG Diploma in Substance Abuse Management is designed to build the capacity of professionals working in health and social services to effectively treat and care for persons affected by substance abuse. In line with the Universal Treatment Curriculum (UTC) for Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), the programme includes a series of courses intended to facilitate the development of their skills, confidence, and competence in the eight (8) domains of knowledge, and twelve (12) core functions of professionals, in the field of substance use treatment. In doing this programme, professionals will advance their technical competencies to deliver evidence-based treatment services and address substance use problems affecting individuals, families, and communities in the Caribbean region.
 

What Will I Study?

Objectives

The programme is designed to develop the proficiency of health and social care professionals in areas including but not limited to: screening, intake, and assessment; individual, group and family counselling; models of substance use treatment; case management; crisis intervention; pharmacology; treatment planning; and professional ethics in substance use treatment.
 
The core objectives are to:
 Provide opportunities for and access to training, education, and credentials in substance use treatment;

  • Equip treatment professionals with the latest knowledge, skills and competencies necessary for effective work in substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery;
  • Build capacity of professionals in the Caribbean to deliver evidence-based substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery support; and,
  • Reduce the significant health, social, and economic problems associated with substance use disorders by expanding the professional treatment workforce in the Caribbean region.

 
 

Get Started

At a Glance

  • Degree Level: Postgraduate
  • Qualification: Diploma
  • Duration: The Postgraduate Diploma in Substance Abuse Management is to be delivered in a blended format on a full-time basis over 15 months, or on a part-time basis, over a maximum of 36 months.

Contact


Programme Details

Programme Structure/Course of Study

Students are required to gain 21 credits through successful completion of four (4) compulsory courses and one (1) elective (3 credits each), that cover the most relevant knowledge, skills and competencies needed for effective work in substance use treatment, and a practicum/internship (6 credits) which is undertaken after successful completion of taught courses.

Compulsory

  • Physiology and Pharmacology for Substance Abuse Treatment
  • Common Co-Occurring Disorders
  • Intake, Screening, Assessment, Treatment Planning and Documentation
  • Case Management in Substance Use Treatment
  • Practicum/Internship

 
Select 1 elective from:

  • Counselling Skills for Substance Abuse Professionals
  • Crisis Intervention for Substance Abuse Professionals

 

The annual tuition fee for this programme is BDS$13,500.00.
Please CLICK HERE for details on financing options.  
 

 

The admission criteria for the PG Diploma in Substance Abuse Management programme are as follows:
 
Entry Requirements for Degreed Applicants
 

  • A Bachelor’s degree or equivalent from a university or college acceptable to The University of the West Indies, with at least second-class honours.

 
Students with pass degrees will be considered on the following conditions:

  • they are currently working in the field, or have adequate work experience, related to the programme, and;
  • they are successful at an interview conducted by the entrance committee within the Department.
  • Two letters of recommendation.

Entry Requirements for Non-Degreed Applicants 

  • Technical certificates or diplomas in a related field that can be assessed by The University of the West Indies.
  • Five years' experience in a related field.
  • They are successful at an interview conducted by a selected panel determined by the Campus Committee on Graduate Studies and the Department of Government, Sociology, Social Work and Psychology.
  • Two letters of recommendation.