Addiction Counselling (SCQF level 8) PDA
Course code: 95L5
Study mode: You take fewer course units/modules per week compared to full time., You study outside of typical working hours, usually in the evenings.
Course type: PDA
International: Not eligible for international students
Study at: Moray
Start in: September
Learning mode: You access classes and/or materials digitally.
Duration: Part time: 12 weeks
How: You attend classes at scheduled times, shown on your timetable., You complete course tasks independently. These may be set by your lecturer or chosen by you.
What is special about this course?
Could you support people through recovery and help shape more compassionate approaches to addiction? Do you want to build practical counselling skills that make a meaningful difference in health, social care, and community settings?
Our PDA Addiction Counselling (SCQF Level 8) places you at the centre of real world learning that prepares you to support individuals affected by substance use and addictive behaviours. Explore addiction models, counselling approaches, assessment methods, and ethical practice through practical activities, reflective learning, and case based discussions that build your confidence and professional skills.
Develop a deeper understanding of addiction and recovery while learning to take a holistic approach that considers social, emotional, and personal experiences alongside physical factors. Strengthen your ability to respond to complex situations through scenario based learning, applied skills practice, and exploration of real case contexts that reflect the realities of professional practice.
Gain knowledge and experience that directly connects to roles across health, social care, mental health, community work, and support services. Whether you want to begin a career in the field or enhance your existing practice, this qualification helps you develop relevant, industry focused skills that support people in meaningful and effective ways.
Special features
- Study fully online
- Evening provision to work around other commitments
- Highly trained tutors who are all practicing therapists
- You should ideally have experience working within the field of addiction or counselling
- The course is also suitable for those with an interest in addiction, hoping to work with addictive behaviours in the future, or with personal experience of addition, either your own or that of a friend/family member
- You will require a good standard and range of communication skills, as evidenced by English or another language-based subject at SCQF level 6, or an equivalent qualification
- Applicants without any of the above are still encouraged to apply; entry may be at the discretion of the course team and skills might be evidenced by interview and/or written assignment
You will study the following core modules:
- Understanding addictive behaviours
- Working with addictive behaviours
- Working with substance misuse
How will I study my course?
- Part-time
- This course is delivered online, two evenings per week, via scheduled sessions and tutorials
- Online study will be done via the university's virtual learning environment (VLE), with support from your tutors
- You will take part in a mandatory online induction in the August before your course starts
How long will my course last?
- Part-time: 12 weeks @ 12 hours per week
The number of hours per week indicates the total number of hours you should dedicate to the course, which includes time spent on online material as well as individual study and research.
- Moray
- This fully online course can be studied from anywhere in the UK. You will be enrolled and supported by staff at UHI Moray
Start date
- September
Fees
The good news is that depending on your personal circumstances there are a wide range of bursaries, grants and allowances available to fund your college studies.
Funding
UHI has a number of scholarships, bursaries, awards, and discretionary fund opportunities available to new and current students. Please use the A-Z of funds or use the filter to see which ones may be relevant to you. All students are welcome to apply.
Further information on funding your studies is also available, please see the attached link or contact the relevant UHI partner.
What can I do on completion of my course?
Once you have successfully completed this course, you might like to consider careers in:
- Addictions support worker/recovery practitioner
- Community outreach worker
- Health and social care support roles
- Peer recovery worker
- Housing support/homelessness support
- Mental health support worker
Can I progress into further study?
You may wish to progress from PDA Addiction Counselling (SCQF level 8) to our HNC Counselling.
Apply for Addiction Counselling (SCQF level 8) PDA
We are delighted that you are thinking about studying at the University of the Highlands and Islands. We operate a fair and open admissions system committed to equality of opportunity and non-discrimination. We consider all applications on merit and on the basis of ability to achieve, without discrimination on grounds of gender, age, disability, ethnicity and socio-economic background. We welcome applications from all prospective students and aim to provide appropriate and efficient services to students with disabilities.