Queen's University Belfast campus

Health Sciences

PgCert Substance Use and Substance Use Disorders at Queen's University Belfast

Queen's University Belfast, United Kingdom

Programme overview

A multi-disciplinary online certificate enabling professionals in substance use, mental health and related fields to build on existing knowledge and use it in their current work. It covers the theories informing substance use and the assessment tools, interventions and skills needed to work with substance use across a range of service user groups. The programme is accredited by the Northern Ireland Professional in Practice Education and Training Partnership.

Faculty: Social Sciences, Education and Social Work  |  Duration: 1 year part-time  |  Intake: September 2027 (no 2026 entry)  |  Study mode: part-time  |  Location: Belfast, Northern Ireland, United Kingdom

What you will study

Three 20-credit modules: Prevalence, Legislation and Theoretical Concepts; Substance Use Disorders and Co-Morbid Mental Health Disorders; and International Contexts. Each can be taken as a stand-alone module.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a 2.2 Honours degree or above, or equivalent, in a relevant subject (equivalents include the pre-2007 Post-Qualifying Award in Social Work). Non-social workers need two years' experience working with clients who have experienced substance use or mental health issues. Social workers must be registered with the Northern Ireland Social Care Council (NISCC), hold an Honours Degree in Social Work (2.2 or equivalent), Diploma in Social Work, CSS, CQSW or predecessor equivalent (those trained outside NISCC jurisdiction need a letter of comparability or verification), and have completed the Assessed Year in Practice or have at least one year of post-qualifying experience if they graduated before it was introduced. Applicants not meeting these but holding an equivalent approved professional qualification or work experience are considered case by case. Online course. Closing date for 2027 entry: Friday 30 July 2027 at 4pm (late applications may be considered). English language for international applicants: IELTS 6.5 with at least 5.5 in any component (taken within the last 2 years), or equivalent. Applicants without the degree qualification must demonstrate ability to study at postgraduate level through a 2,000-word reflective assignment on their practice (considered case by case).

Domestic applicants: GBP 2,567 a year (2026/27). Northern Ireland and Republic of Ireland rate; part-time Source

International applicants: GBP 7,667 a year (2026/27). International and EU Other rate; part-time (course is not eligible for a Student route visa) Source

Intake: September 2026

Duration: 1 year part-time

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