Information for Applicants Interested in Dual Diagnosis Courses

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1 Information for Applicants Interested in Dual Courses What is the difference between the Advanced Diploma (Adv Dip) and the Postgraduate Certificate (PG Cert)? Advanced Diploma in Dual Semester 1 Semester 2 MHR3620/3 Foundations in Working with level 3 + MHR3622/4 Assessment & Treatment in level 3 Exit with Advanced Diploma in Dual Award Postgraduate Certificate in Dual Semester 1 Semester 2 MHR4620/3 Foundations in Working with level 4 + MHR4622/4 Assessment & Treatment in level 4 Exit with Postgraduate Certificate in Dual Award Note that modules can be taken individually. Both modules and the Adv Dip and PG Cert are available as either a distance learning or campus based course. On successful completion of the PG Cert students are eligible to apply for the MSc. The MSc involves studying an additional 2 taught modules at level 4 in the first year (one on Service Development and another on Research Methods) followed by the completion of a dissertation or work based project in the following year.

2 Why does each module have so many module codes? This is to distinguish between the distance learning and campus modes and to distinguish between the levels. What do I get if I complete a module? You will receive a University transcript awarding you at level 3 or level 4. Not only will this potentially enhance your employment prospects but it can also be used towards another Middlesex University award, in particular the Advanced Diploma or Post Graduate Certificate in Dual. What do the modules cover? Foundations in Working with Dual (MHR3620/4620) This module examines topics such as; attitudes, definitions, risk, outcomes, aetiology, policy, mental illness, substance use etc. The campus based course gives space to each topic on its timetable with some topics being taught directly and others by self directed study. The distance learning version is made up of 18 units, each unit representing a different topic. Assessment & Treatment in Dual (MHR3622/4622) This module covers 3 broad areas ; assessment, treatment and common issues which examine topics such as; substance use assessment, mental health assessment, motivational interviewing, CBT etc. The campus based course gives space to each topic on its timetable with some topics being taught directly and others by self directed study. The distance learning version is made up of 20 units, each unit representing a different topic. Nineteen of the units are compulsory with unit 20 on study skills being optional. What are the entry requirements? Evidence of previous ability to study at UK higher education level 2 for level 3 module, or at level 3 for level 4 module To be in relevant employment Basic IT skills (for campus based course)

3 Enhanced IT skills (for distance learning). Applicants for the distance learning modules will be subject to an additional IT skills assessment. Access to the internet Be available to study during term time dates Applicants for the Assessment and Treatment module will be required to evidence that they have met the learning outcomes of the Foundations in Working with Dual module through prior formal training Entry onto the MSc can only be obtained on the successful completion of the PG Cert thus students will initially apply for the PG Cert rather than the MSc. What are the fees? The fees are charged on a per credit basis were each credit is charged at 43. Individual modules are and will thus cost 1290 each. The Adv Dip / P G Cert are 60 credits and will thus cost The MSc is 120 credits, however you are not charged for the 60 credit dissertation module that you take in the second year making the cost of the MSc Note however if you choose to not progress to your dissertation immediately you will be charged for a 60 credit module if and when you return to complete it. The distance learning and campus base courses are the same price. What are the attendance requirements? Both the campus based course and the distance learning course have timetables. The campus based course is taught on Thursdays from September through to January (Foundations) and January through to May (Assessment & Treatment). The distance learning modules run for a full academic year from September. These can be taken sequentially but not in parallel. Both courses require students to attend the timetabled sessions for that week regardless of mode of study. Attendance on the distance learning modules will be monitored by the Module Lead through your use of OASISplus. It is expected that students attend each week and participate in discussions and make a minimum of 3 postings to each discussion board. Campus based students are expected to attend all timetabled sessions. Annual leave should not be taken during term time.

4 I am a mental health/substance misuse professional, do I need to complete the units Mental Illness and/or Substance Use? While it is recognised that for some, studying the subject area that they already have knowledge of may be viewed as unnecessary, our experience of running the dual diagnosis programme has demonstrated that studying a familiar area not only acts as a refresher but it also offers the opportunity for students to learn from each other. All students must therefore complete all of the units/attend all sessions How many hours of studying will it involve? Each module requires a total of 300 hours of study time. For the campus based students that will equate to 12 days in class for approximately 6 hours each day with the remainder hours being made up with self directed study. The distance learning students are expected to study at an approximate rate of 12 hours per week for 24 weeks. This is the equivalent to studying approximately one unit per week. What is the difference between taking this module at level 3 or at level 4? Both level 3 and level 4 students will study together. The only differences are with the assessments both in their size and their complexity. See later point on coursework. How will the module be delivered? The distance learning module will be delivered on-line using what is known as a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE). This is similar to a website except that it is password protected and can only be accessed by those who are registered on the module. This means that you will have access to the module 24/7. When you commence the module you will be given a web address, also known as a URL, and a username and password for a VLE known as OASISplus. Once you log in you will have access to module materials, discussion boards, web links etc. and OASISplus will act as a virtual classroom. The campus based module will mostly take the form of lectures, seminars and self directed study. This will be supported by the university s Virtual Learning Environment (VLE) where students can access resources. Will Distance Learning students have to attend the university? No, however, there is an optional induction day that will be run at the University (the information of which will be sent once you have accepted the offer of a place). It is expected that all other learning activities and communication will be

5 conducted on-line or by telephone. Should a student wish to attend the University to use any of the facilities or to see the Module Lead for example, they can of course do so. Do I need any special equipment, resources, skills to complete the modules by distance learning? You will need access to the internet, broadband preferable, Office software and basic IT skills. The Module Lead will discuss this with you and as part of the application process your IT skills will be assessed. Do I get time off to study? While each module requires students to study for 300 hours it is unreasonable to expect that you will be given the whole 300 hours as study time by your employer. It is usual for campus based students to negotiate the time to attend classes. For distance learning students the hours you negotiate is down to you. As an equivalent taught module would require approximately 72 hours classroom attendance this may be a good amount of time to negotiate. It is advisable to start negotiating your study leave before you apply for the module. Are there any placements? During the Foundations in Working with Dual module students need to complete a site visit for a maximum of one day. Site visits are an opportunity for you to visit another organisation. It is expected that you will visit an area that you are not familiar with, for example, someone with a mental health background may choose to visit a substance misuse service. It is the responsibility of the student to arrange these visits. What coursework must I do? Foundations in Working with Dual level 3 and 4 1,500 word discussion on the complexities of defining the term Dual (week 6) a multiple choice examination completed on-line (week 8) a site visit to observe Dual service provision in action (week 12) 5,000 word essay that discusses the following statement Supporting someone with a mental health illness and substance misuse problems alcohol and/or drugs is one of the biggest challenges facing frontline mental health services. (Appleby, 2002) = 100% of the module grade (week 12)

6 Note that marking criteria for each level will differ Assessment & Treatment in Dual level 3 present and participate in seminar discussion groups throughout the module 2,000 word essay offering a critical discussion on the key principles of conducting a dual diagnosis assessment = 50% of final grade 2 written critiques of 1,000 words each, for 2 of the interventions covered in the module = 50% of final grade Assessment & Treatment in Dual level 4 present and participate in seminar discussion groups throughout the module 2,500 word critical review of an assessment of a Dual client that the student has conducted/participated in. = 50% of final grade 2,500 word critique of a video taped session = 50% of final grade What support can I expect? As a student of the Middlesex University you will have access to all the usual support services available to students. See the University website for further details ( In addition all students will be allocated a personal tutor. I ve still got questions, who should I address these to? If you have questions about the module content and delivery please contact the Programme Lead, Tabitha Lewis at t.lewis@mdx.ac.uk or telephone How can I apply? For application packs please contact healthadmissions@mdx.ac.uk. Completed applications will only be accepted after an applicant has first discussed their intention to apply with the Programme Lead.