Entry requirements
Previous knowledge or experience would be of benefit but is not essential.
Why take this course?
Substance misuse is when alcohol, illegal drugs, or over-the-counter or prescription medications are used in a way that could be harmful to you or others.
In 2020, drug poisoning deaths increased by 3.8% compared to the previous year, and was the highest annual number since records began in 1993.
This course will provide you with a range of knowledge and understanding surrounding the subject.
What you will experience
Course content:
Section 1: Substances that are commonly misused – Cover the reasons why people use substances, the types of substances that are misused and the factors that can influence the effects of substances.
Section 2: The personal and social effects of substance misuse – Study the harmful effects of substance misuse on individuals and society, as well as where to get support and advice on substance misuse.
Section 3: The perceptions of and responses to substance misuse -Covers how stereotyping affects users, how media reporting affects people’s perceptions of substance misuse and statistics about substance misuse.
Section 4: Ways to promote healthy choices and build resilience -Look at the risk factors and protective factors for substance misuse, ways to protect individuals from the risks of substance misuse and the barriers to making healthy choices.
Key Facts
Everything you need to know before applying for this course.
Method of study
This course will require you to manage your workload independently, with a basic level of tutor support.
What you will need
Students must have access to a computer with a broadband internet connection.
Student Stories
Katie McCafferty & Mandy Mackintosh
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“Starting College as a mature student was quite daunting at first but I can honestly say I’ve never looked back. ” – Katie McCafferty
“It was a lot of hard work but it genuinely just felt like it was where I was meant to be.” – Mandy Mackintosh
Read more about Katie & Mandy's story
Callum Gerrie
Care
HNC Social Services
“My time at NESCol was a hugely positive experience – both in terms of my qualification and the knowledge, understanding and perspective I gained and the social connections I have made.”
Read more about Callum's story
Haley Robertson
Care
HNC Social Services
“I want to let people know if they are a bit scared or worried about going to college, there’s so much help and support available. It’s a really nice place to study. It will be so worthwhile – I’m so happy I did it.”
Read more about Haley's story
Samantha Ross
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“It has definitely been the hardest and most challenging two years of my life but also the most rewarding in so many ways. I’ve even gained a new group of friends in my classmates – we still keep in touch after finishing the course in the summer.”
Read more about Samantha's story
Amanda Smith
Care
PDA Childhood Practice
“To advance my career I had the choice of a PDA or to go down the degree route and I knew from the outset that my learning style was better suited to the PDA option.”
Read more about Amanda's story
Jennifer Taylor
Care
Social Services Children and Young People, SCQF Level 7
“I started out as the lunch lady at one nursery and now I am the Manager of Peek-a-Boo nursery. I would definitely recommend an apprenticeship – I would do it again.”
Read more about Jennifer's story
Sarah Jane McKay
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I found studying at Fraserburgh campus very enjoyable, the staff motivated me to work hard and there were always plenty of opportunities to expand my learning and knowledge. When I first left school I had no confidence and doubted my abilities, NESCol changed that. “
Read more about Sarah's story
Susie Crane
Care
HNC Childhood Practice
“I had the life experience but not the right professional qualifications. To open the door to the big opportunities as an Early Years Practitioner I knew had to gain HNC Childhood Practice and then a degree – that’s when I applied to College.”
Read more about Susie's story
Tiffany Burnett
Care
HNC Social Services
“I’ve really enjoyed everything about the course. I wasn’t really sure what to expect when I first started because it had been a long time since I had been in education, but since coming back to College I’ve really enjoyed learning all of the subjects – even the ones that are more difficult.”
Read more about Tiffany's story
Bobbie Knowles
Care
HNC Social Services
“NEScol is an enriching learning environment where staff go above and beyond to ensure you experience great learning and understanding and also support YOU as an individual, encouraging you work to your full potential and achieve great things.”
Read more about Bobbie's story
Applications
This course is offered for free to students aged 16-24 and young people in the region to enhance skills and employability. Select the ‘SkillsBooster‘ option when booking below. More on SkillsBooster courses.
Please note that this service will only accept credit or debit card payment for the full course fee.
If you are eligible for Remission of Fees then you must complete this booking form and supply the relevant fee waiver documents to one of our Campuses or Centres. Some courses are not eligible for fee waiver applications. For further information please contact our Student Advice Centre.
Online
-
Starts Flexible start date
-
Course Code YBNMA-O231A
-
Fees £32.00
Completed forms should be signed and returned to us at the following freepost address:
The Student Information & Admissions Manager
North East Scotland College
FREEPOST RTJJ-TXBA-AEZS
Aberdeen City Campus
Gallowgate
Aberdeen
Scotland
UK AB25 1BN
Distance Learning Application Form
Distance Learning courses have flexible start dates and applications will be considered at all points of the year.
For non-Scottish residents – the College will confirm fees payable for your chosen course on booking and these may differ from the advertised fee.
If you take up a place on a College course, at the start of the course you will be asked to sign an enrolment form. In signing the form and/or taking up a place on a College course, you will enter into a contract with the College and be bound by the North East Scotland College Standard Terms and Conditions of Study. Copies of the Terms and Conditions are available for inspection on notice boards and at various locations throughout the College, at the College Reception, on the College website: nescol.ac.uk, or can be obtained on request from the Student Funding and Admissions Manager, North East Scotland College, Aberdeen City Campus, Gallowgate, Aberdeen AB25 1BN. Please note that courses are offered subject to (a) there being sufficient numbers of enrolments and (b) the availability of resources. The College reserves its right (i) not to run courses where the number of students is considered insufficient or where resources are unavailable and (ii) in certain circumstances, to refuse admission to an individual applicant.
Similar courses for you
Here are some courses you may also be interested in.
