Our Addictions Counselling degree teaches you how to work with addictive disorders, and with the people affected by addiction. So much can be done to help families make a new start.
There’s no need to move away from home to study - we teach in short blocks and find you a work-based placement near you. People from all walks of life have completed our degree. If you don’t feel confident about returning to study, don’t worry - our experienced tutors will give you all the support you need.
The foundation degree lasts two years. Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with the University of Bath’s Terms and Conditions.
As part of your course, you will take compulsory units covering key concepts. You may also be able to take optional units which assist you in developing your own interests.
You need to take 60 credits in each year of your course (usually split equally into 30 credits for each semester), so the number of optional units you can take depends on the number of compulsory units in each year of the course.
Six credits are the equivalent of at least 120 hours of study, including contact time with staff and independent study.
Our course units are listed below.
Study skills
Alcohol and drug problems and societal responses
Treatment and counselling approaches and models of recovery
Counselling skills in an addictions context
Diversity issues in addictions treatment
Introduction to assessment
Introduction to treatment planning
Interpersonal group therapy
Personal and professional development 1
Motivational interviewing
Personal and professional development 2
Research project
Harm reduction approaches
The 12 step programme
Cognitive therapy and substance misuse
Understanding the research literature
Preparing a small scale research project
Working with the family and significant others
Relapse prevention
Dual diagnosis and complex needs
If you complete the two-year foundation degree to the required academic standard, you may be invited to study for a BSc (Hons) one year full-time degree in Year 3.
Research methods
Supervision
Motivational interviewing and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for addictions – theory, models and research
Developing motivational interviewing
Work-based research project
Developing cognitive-behavioural counselling
Meeting stakeholder and quality requirements
Managing performance
Developing group leadership
The addiction counselling degree programmes are work-based learning degrees. This means students apply the theoretical learning gained in the classroom to practice through a work based placement. Placements start in semester two (normally February) of year one and continue into semesters one and two in the second year. Students who are eligible for the third BSc (Hons) year are also required to attend placement in semesters one and two.
Students are required to attend CATS for teaching but can find a suitable placement close to home so they do not have to relocate. The team at CATS will provide you with support to help you identify a suitable placement in the area of your choice. All placements must be approved by CATS.
We are proud of the high professional standard of our practice placements, which are hosted by the UK’s best known and most effective treatment organisations. We have very strong links with the organisations that employ our graduates and can secure placements for students in our own community and residential treatment centres.
This course is accredited by the University of Bath. Students will be enrolled as a University of Bath student with access to the university's facilities, including its library, students' union and world-class sports facilities. Students will graduate with a University of Bath degree.
Our student population is a very diverse community, united by a shared passion for developing the highest levels of expertise, and learning more about, and standing up against, the complex and life-stopping condition of addiction.
Applications for the degree programme must be submitted via UCAS by the closing date of 30 June prior to enrolment in September.
If you're interested in studying for an Addictions Counselling degree then we'd love to hear from you.