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Community Health and Recovery (Substance Use Awareness and Harm Reduction) (Level 4 OU)

OU
Care & Health

Course Overview

This new and innovative course will introduce the learner to the area of community health and recovery related to substance use. Learners will complete three 40 credit modules. Topics covered will include: new psychoactive substances and trending drugs, polydrug use and comorbidity, dual diagnosis, hidden harm, foetal alcohol syndrome and alcohol related brain damage. The course will examine the impact of substance use on family systems, housing and domestic violence against women and girls.The final module will explore interventions and support for recovery following addiction. Academic support will be provided to all learners throughout the course.The course is validated by the Open University.
  • Start Date
    10 Sept 2026
  • Study Mode
    Part-Time
  • Duration
    34 Weeks
  • Campus
    Strand Road

Important Message

Fees must be paid at the time of enrolment, or arrangements should be put in place to pay by instalments. The full fee includes tuition, registration and examination fees (where relevant). Depending on your circumstances you may be entitled to a reduced (concessionary) fee. Reduced fees are applied to the cost of tuition only. Failure to enrol before the Awarding Body deadline may result in you incurring a late fee.

Available Sessions

  • Course
    Campus
    Type
    Start Date
    Fees
  • Course: Open University Community Health and Recovery (Substance Use Awareness and Harm Reduction) Ref D071
    Campus: Strand Road
    Type: Part Time
    Start Date: 10/09/2026
    (Thu:5:00PM-9:30PM /)
    Fees:
    Full £600.00
    Concession £240.00
    Examination £95.00

You may be eligible for funding on this course *

If you are an employer or employee of a NI based company

* Terms and Conditions apply

Course Offering

  • Site location Strand Road

Course Modules

  • Introduction to Substance Use
  • Promoting Recovery-A Community Approach
  • Harm Reduction with Substance Use
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Entry Requirements

UK Requirements

UK RequirementsYou must be over 18 years of age in order to apply. All applications must satisfy Open University general entrance requirements for Certificate and Diploma courses. The standard offer for this course is 32 UCAS points and GCSE Math and English (Grade A, B or C) or equivalent. Competence in written and spoken English is required and certificated evidence of GCSE English Language or accepted equivalent is required. Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable. Candidates who do not meet the general entrance requirements may apply for APEL (accreditation of experiential prior learning) to evidence their ability to undertake the course - please contact the Course Director as soon as possible for advice. Candidates should note that APEL may not be used to evidence the English Language requirement (GCSE or equivalent). It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide certificated evidence as required and to present this for inspection at interview.ROI RequirementsYou must be over 18 years of age in order to apply. All applications must satisfy Open University general entrance requirements for Certificate and Diploma courses. The standard offer for this course is 32 UCAS points and OLCs Math and English (Grade O4 or above) or equivalent. Competence in written and spoken English is required and certificated evidence of OLC English or accepted equivalent is required. Level 2 Essential Skills in Communication is acceptable. Candidates who do not meet the general entrance requirements may apply for APEL (accreditation of experiential prior learning) to evidence their ability to undertake the course - please contact the Course Director as soon as possible for advice. Candidates should note that APEL may not be used to evidence the English requirement (OLC or equivalent). It is the candidate’s responsibility to provide certificated evidence as required and to present this for inspection at interview.

Additional Requirements Prior to Entry

Interview Required

Additional Information

Further Study Students may progress to another higher education programme e.g. Level 5 Foundation Degree in Health and Social Care or other similar programmes. Career Prospects This course provides essential Continuing Professional Development (CPD) for professionals working across the Health and Social Care sector. It is particularly relevant for housing officers, social workers, mental health nurses, youth workers, and those involved in addiction services, harm reduction, and recovery support. The course is also highly beneficial for individuals with lived experience who are now supporting others in recovery through voluntary roles.

Enquiry

  • Image of Rebecca Gavigan (Wall & Floor Tiling)
    I’m the only female in the class but I didn’t let this stop me from pursuing something out of my comfort zone. Tiling is a very creative trade so I curbed my hesitations by leaning on my background in Fine Art. This has helped me see things in a way others may not.
    Rebecca Gavigan (Wall & Floor Tiling)
  • Image of Hannah Kearney (Medical Science)
    NWRC provides a great stepping-stone between school and University. My course has helped me decide which field of science I want to work in. I plan to study Psychology at University.
    Hannah Kearney (Medical Science)
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