7WLM0024 Addressing internet addictive behaviour a public health concern (Online)

About the course

This online course will enable you to: 

• critically evaluate therapeutic approaches and responses to addictive behaviours  
• develop knowledge and understanding in the assessment of individual and societal impact of addictive behaviors 
• conduct an individual risk assessment 
• explore the impact of the current COVID-19 pandemic on the use of the internet and how it helps to better identify the boundaries between problematic and non-problematic digital behaviours 
• work and gain access to a wide range of learning resources prepared by world leading experts in the field as part of the ‘European Network of the Problematic Use’ of the Internet, funded by the European Commission. 

This course is one of the first postgraduate modules on the problematic use of the internet at the international level. It is designed to build on learning opportunities on the rapidly expanding phenomenon of the problematic use of the internet and the related behavioural addictions such as gaming, gambling, social media, porn watching, online shopping and cyberchondria. 

It proposes an exploration of novel ideas and models in addiction science, while taking into account their bio-psycho-socio-cultural components and current therapeutic and preventive interventions. 

For more information, please email our Online Degrees Team. 

Who should attend this course? 

• anyone working in health care, social care or similar public health service, who wants to enhance their conceptual underpinning and practical skills in order to improve individual and population health 
• the course is tailored implicitly towards the needs of diverse health professionals including doctors, pharmacists, nurses, midwives, public health nurses, psychologists, addiction specialists 
• for allied health, social care and environmental health professionals  
• for the wider public health workforce in the non-governmental sector 
• for those who are not ready to commit to the complete degree yet and would like to try one module to see how online study will fit around their work and life commitments. 

Course content 

This course has been designed for you to develop your skills and competencies when working in the areas of addictive behaviour, promoting awareness of drug and alcohol addictions and other compulsive behaviours. This course covers a variety of areas to ensure you finish with a well-rounded knowledge base, which is inclusive of the following: 

• motivational issues 
• anthropological perspective on addiction in Eastern and Western countries 
• service user(s), family dynamics, socio-cultural issues and peer group influences 
• forensic, prison service, legal issue influences 
• acute and chronic consequences of addiction (‘classic’ and novel psychoactive substances) 
• Addictions and pharmacological strategies of management 
• non-pharmacological strategies of management, including mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). 

Further study 

For students who want to further develop and enhance their skills and knowledge in Addressing internet addictive behaviour a public health concern, this course can also be used towards the following pathway: 

• Master of Public Health  

The Master of Public Health course has been validated by the Agency for Public Health Education Accreditation (APHEA). This is an independent international accreditation organisation, providing international and transparent recognition of the quality of the public health masters programme. 

Teaching methods

The course is delivered online, with live webinars and small group workshops. Audio and video resources will also be available to generate debate and discussion. 

Assessment  

The module is assessed through groupwork, reflective writing and a viva. 

Course fees

2022/23 price for 15 credits: £800 

2022/23 price for 30 credits: £1600