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The number of people in treatment for substance use in the UK is on the rise, with 140,599 cases recorded in 2019/20 (gov.uk). There's a distinct and growing need for professionals in this field who can contribute to research and support.
Our MSc Substance Use is ideal for professionals looking to develop their career in the field of substance use, as well as individuals looking to build on their undergraduate studies. The course syllabus explores how substance use affects people who use substances, family members, communities and contemporary societies. In recognition of both the complexity of the needs of people who use substances but also the integration of the practice field in substance use, the course offers a unique interdisciplinary focus through its suite of optional modules. You'll have the opportunity to expand your knowledge on substance use, related policies and interventions, at local, national (Scotland and UK) and international levels within a context of partnership working.
With elective modules in specialist subjects such as housing, public health or rehabilitation, you'll develop a range of skills which will significantly enhance your confidence and employability in the field of substance use.
On successful completion of this programme, you should be able to achieve the following objectives.
- Evaluate and criticise theories and concepts expressed to account for substance use and assess how these have informed the development of substance use policies and intervention.
- Apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to forefront and current issues of UK and international policy approaches to substance use.
- Appraise and critically evaluate major international and local approaches to practice with a focus on partnership working to address the complexity of substance-related problems.
- Critically review approaches to working with different groups of substance affected individuals and families and the implications these may have on individuals and communities.
- Use up-to-date evidence-based practice and policy research in the field of substance use and appraise information to formulate new understandings and creative solutions to the substance problem.
- Demonstrate independent critical and reflective thinking in relation to the use of evidence in shaping and developing research.
- Assess and reflect on the ethical underpinnings of research, policy and practice.
- Communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge/expertise, including peers, more senior colleagues and specialists.
- Demonstrate leadership and/or initiative and make an identifiable contribution to the field of substance use through the critical assessment of evidence to conduct a literature review and/or design research.
- Reflect on personal, professional and societal values and the ways these might impact on development of drug policy and practice.
- Exercise substantial autonomy and initiative in time management and academic activities and take responsibility for own work.
- Adopt the position of active global citizens who are socially, culturally and environmentally aware of the complexities of the substance use problem and its implications for substance affected individuals and families and communities.
If you're interested in studying a module from this course, the Postgraduate Certificate or the Postgraduate Diploma then please email Graduate Admissions to discuss your course of study.
The Drug Research Network Scotland (DRNS) is hosted in the University, as well as the Salvation Army Centre for Addiction Services and Research.
When you study for a MSc Substance Use at the University of Stirling, you'll be introduced to leading-edge empirical and theoretical research in a vibrant, multi-disciplinary environment.
Underpinning the expertise of our staff, the University of Stirling scored highly in the most recent Research Excellent Framework (REF 2021) – a UK-wide assessment of universities' research output. In the Social Work and Social Policy unit of assessment, University of Stirling was ranked 3rd in Scotland and top 25 in the UK, with 100% of our research environment and 88% of our research deemed world-leading or internationally excellent.