Sponsored Post by Atlantic Technological University (ATU) Donegal
The Master of Science/Postgraduate Diploma in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol & Other Drugs equips students with the ability to effectively address drugs and alcohol issues using proven recovery methods, blending a strong academic grounding in theoretical knowledge and practical everyday skills.
Martin McFadden is a graduate of the Masters in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs at ATU Donegal:
Graduate of the first class of this Masters programme, Martin McFadden successfully completed the programme in 2019. The proud Kilcar man has been putting the knowledge he learned on the programme to the test as he now works as an Integrated Therapist with a specialism in mental health, addiction and trauma.
When asked why he chose the course, he mentions that he’s been in the area of addiction a long time and that he wanted to update his skillset with the most modern interventions out there. He particularly enjoyed the topic of trauma that was introduced throughout the course as there is a huge correlation between trauma and addiction.
Martin had originally completed the Diploma in Drug and Alcohol Studies from University of Limerick with a first-class honours grade and had been patiently waiting since 2009 for the next step in his education. Luckily for Martin, Moira Mills of the Alcohol Forum was the one to bring the MSc in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs to the North West in 2018. It is the first and only Masters of its kind in Ireland and graduates of this course will come away with a unique qualification.
Martin believes that the knowledge that he has taken away from the theoretical aspects along with his own standalone research has now massively informed the work that he does today. He recommends anyone that has interest in the areas of mental health, trauma, addiction, and recovery to further their knowledge with a course like this, “Addiction is becoming such a huge societal problem so the more people that are skilled in this area, the better for everyone.”
The Masters in Therapeutic Interventions for Alcohol and Other Drugs has two intakes per year, one in January and one in September. The course is delivered in a blended model where physical attendance to class in the Letterkenny campus is only required three Fridays per module. Each semester, students will take on two modules which allows for work-life-study balance across the duration of the course.
When asked what advice he would give someone in relation to completing Postgraduate Education, he said: “It can be quite daunting to begin with but the education being provided coupled with the knowledge that our group bring to the table, I believe is invaluable. Embrace the challenge, most people, regardless of age are far more capable than they give themselves credit for. I would certainly recommend this Masters to anyone with an interest in the area of Alcohol and Other Drugs.”
For more information on the programme, email Head of Department of Nursing and Health Care, Dr Louise McBride – louise.mcbride@atu.ie or visit www.atu.ie/donegal/msc-therapeutic-interventions
